SPEED CONTROL AND COLLISION PREVENTION

Traditional navigation has always taken the time to listen to and observe the natural world. Vaʻa navigators, guided by the wind and the strength of their arms, knew how to slow down to read and understand the ocean. Today, the power and speed of our vessels have changed the way we sail. For large cetaceans, collisions with ships have become one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The faster a boat goes, the less time both the animal and the navigator have to anticipate and avoid a collision. Slowing down means reconnecting with the spirit of mindful navigation, helping to preserve respectful encounters between cetaceans and humans in the Polynesian sanctuary.

As a signatory, I commit to:

Inform myself about, understanding, and complying with the regulations governing cetacean watching and navigation speed in the different navigation zones, in order to limit the risks of disturbance and collision.
Reduce my navigation speed near sensitive areas, that is, areas where cetaceans are known or likely to be present: within a one-nautical-mile radius of the coast, in the lagoon, near passes, or along strategic routes such as the maritime link between Tahiti and Moorea, while ensuring both passenger safety and the protection of marine species.
Optimize visual watch on board to improve the detection of animals at the surface by mobilizing the crew and, where possible and appropriate, passengers, a certified marine mammal observer, or suitable detection systems.
Promote and use equipment that reduces the risk of injury, in particular by installing, where possible, propeller guards or other devices designed to limit the impact of collisions with marine mammals.

PRESERVING THE CALM AND ACOUSTIC INTEGRITY OF THE OCEAN

For as long as people can remember, the Polynesian ocean has been perceived through all the senses. Ancestors used sight, touch, smell, and taste to understand the water, the wind, and the swell. Hearing revealed the presence of marine life: the blow of a whale or its vocalizations signaled its presence and guided navigators, even in the darkness.

Today, the growing noise of human activities disrupts this acoustic balance, masking cetacean communications and weakening the deep connection between people and the ocean. Preserving the voice of the ocean means protecting this space of communication and encounter with cetaceans.

As a signatory, I commit to:

Adopt simple measures to reduce my vessel’s noise, such as reducing speed or adjusting navigation practices in sensitive areas.
Stay informed about underwater noise and its impacts on cetaceans.

Encourage the sharing and dissemination of best practices to raise collective awareness about the protection of the ocean’s natural soundscape.
Integrate technical solutions into my vessel to limit underwater noise, in its design or during operation. For example, improving the vessel’s propulsion systems, where possible, to reduce cavitation and favoring low-noise technologies.
Maintain regular upkeep of my engine, hull, and propulsion systems to minimize the noise generated by my vessel.
Contribute to data collection by participating in initiatives or programs on underwater noise to better assess the impact of vessels on cetaceans.

COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION

Like ancestors, we read the signs of the ocean, share our observations, and pass on our knowledge.

By communicating, we strengthen collective vigilance and help protect the cetaceans that inhabit these waters, while respecting the rhythm and balance of life.

As a signatory, I commit to:

Report risky situations using existing digital tools and reporting systems, such as the Whale Alert app, to facilitate the flow of information among sea users.
Share my observations of marine species on the Observatory of Iconic Species of French Polynesia, the country’s official citizen science platform, to contribute to improving knowledge of their distribution and movements.
Report any collision or significant interaction with marine species according to the procedures in force, to help analyze risks and strengthen preventive measures.
Raise awareness and train the crew and the public on the presence of marine species and responsible navigation practices to enhance detection capacity on board.
Support awareness and information initiatives related to the charter and the best practices it promotes.
Promote the integration of habitat-sharing issues into public policies and corporate strategies, and encouraging their consideration whenever possible.

Passe on respect for the ocean and cetaceans to future generations, sharing my knowledge and experience with young people, and raising awareness about the protection of marine mammals.

A CHARTER IN MOTION

This charter is a living document, the result of a collective effort. It is designed to be accessible to all, adaptable to daily practices and new knowledge, and serves as a guide for respectful navigation within the sanctuary. It outlines best practices and procedures in the event of non-compliance, while leaving room for participation: everyone can share their experiences, contribute to its development, and continue to co-create, together, the story of the bond between humans and whales in Te Moana Nui a Hiva.

Although it is currently drafted for French Polynesia, its dissemination across the Pacific would be both logical and ambitious: uniting the peoples of the Pacific around a shared vision of cetaceans protection and respect.

I sign this charter for our children, our traditions, and our ocean.

I sign the charter

A Charter co-developed through the active involvement of local stakeholders.

Participation in the co-development of the Charter does not automatically constitute endorsement or signature of the Charter. Official signatories are listed on the "Signatories" page.

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