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Process for creating certification standards
C&D has been working for over three years on researching and developing the standards of the SmartVoyager program. The following summarizes the steps that were taken to create the certification standards for environmentally and socially responsible tour boats. The certification standards are available for download at the bottom of this page.
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Sea Turtle.
(© Chris Wille)
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- Project planning, revision and correction of terms of reference (jointly with the Rainforest Alliance)
- Field identification of the different environmental problems caused by tourism operations and identification of the serious environmental problems that exist in the Galapagos.
- Identification of mechanisms that tourism operators could implement to conserve and protect the islands.
- Understanding of the procedures involved in a tourist operation.
- Investigation of the control processes applied to the entrance of products from the continent, sanitary systems and environmental control.
- Evaluation of the mechanisms for environmental control and security inside the boats.
- Dialogue with tourism operators on the environmental problems that exist in the Galapagos.
- Analyses of existing norms with which compliance is internationally demanded in order to obtain SOLAS, Marpool and SMI navigation permissions.
- Analysis of warehouses and supplying centers.
- Analysis of the fuel systems.
- Analysis of the maintenance systems used for boats (paintings, machinery).
- Analysis of the fumigation systems.
- Analysis of the consumption of fresh water, energy and fuel.
- Analysis of the consumption patterns of tourists.
- Evaluation of the behavior of tourists and operators on the islands.
- Identification and analysis of the level of environmental conscience of the personnel and crew.
- Conversations with different tour guides in the Galapagos on environmental problems and handling of tourist groups.
- Compilation and revision of the first draft of standards (internal revision).
- Processing the second draft and revision by Rainforest Alliance, ICC, and several NGOs, among others.
- Processing the third draft and circulation among operators, the Rainforest Alliance and others.
- Processing the fourth draft.
- Validation and evaluation in the field (pilot project with Ecoventura).
- Introduction of adjustments to the standards and creation of the fifth draft. Discussion with tourist operators to analyze the program and evaluate its acceptance on the part of key operators.
- Delivery of standards to the Galapagos National Park for their revision.
- Circulation of the standards among key players.
- Circulation of the standards among the members of the International Advisory Committee.
- Incorporation of recommendations from the Advisory Committee into the final draft.
- These standards are subject to continual improvement with formal revisions every six months.
Certification Standards
Two ways to obtain a copy of the Certification Standards:
1. Download it in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF).
2. Make your request by email.
Disclaimer: SmartVoyager is primarily a social and environmental certification program. SmartVoyager is not a safety program. There are national and international institutions responsible for safety-related issues pertaining to boat operations. However, the SmartVoyager standards have incorporated a basic set of safety criteria in chapter XI in support of international safety standards. SmartVoyager-certified boats must at least comply with those minimum safety requirements for the benefit of travelers and crews.
SmartVoyager
About SmartVoyager
About C&D | Program Launch
Objectives: English | En Español
Advisory Committee & Project Team
Certification Standards: English | En Español
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Contact the Rainforest Alliance: canopy@ra.org
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