North Sailing sailing under the Blue Flag
North Sailing´s whale watching boats are the first boats in Iceland to sail under the Blue Flag – recognition of the company´s efforts to increase environmental conservation and consciousness.
In declarations on board all of the company´s boats, North Sailing undertakes to dispose of all oil, paint, batteries and other dangerous materials in properly designated disposal sites and to follow regulations about proper sewage disposal. The company will also use utensils and raw materials such as glass and paper, which can be re-cycled rather than disposable “one-use” utensils. In addition the company vows to use green and environmentally friendly marked products in any maintenance that may be necessary – paint, sealers, cleaning materials and so on – and to encourage its trading partners to do likewise
North Sailing will endeavour to comply with rules and conventions about environmental and nature-protection, taking particular care in sensitive areas such as bird´s nesting grounds and fish spawning gorunds and being an example and encouragement to others in environmental protection. Sailing speeds and use of motor engines will be consistent with the economic use of fuel and the lowest possible emisions. The company will provide its passengers with reliable information about life at sea – fish, sea birds and whales – and about the importance of protecting it from pollution.
North Sailing has ambitiously strived to preserve, renovate and maintain boats that have historical and cultural value. According to Landvernd (Land Protection), this is a significant contribution to the preservation of the Icelandic cultural heritage.
The Blue Flag is an international symbol aimed at encouraging environmental protection of oceans and beaches. The Blue Pendant is presented to leisure craft and whale watching boats which conform to the mission statement and objectives of the Blue Flag Organization. Just under 30 countries belong to the Blue Flag. Landvernd is responsible for the awarding and supervision of Blue Flags in Iceland. All its operations are organized in collaboration with the Fishing Association of Iceland, social, environmental and health representatives, Icelandic Harbour Authorities, Icelandic Environmental Office, Landsbjörg (National Accident Prevention) and the Association of Icelandic Tourist Services.
The Blue Flag is supported by Icelandic National Ministries for Travel and Environment and by Samskip.
Hörður Sigurbjarnarson, Managing Director of North Sailing and the Blue Flag now flying over the company´s fleet.
