Membership Information and Invitation
An Invitation to join the Adventure Network On behalf of the Pacific Marinelife Institute, I invite you to become a Member of the Institute’s Adventure Network and Marinelife Trail. Network Membership is by Invitation to quality marine tourism adventures who share the Institute’s commitment to high standards and sustainable experiences. In addition, membership has the exclusive benefit of eligibility for a Seastar Marine Tourism Rating that will set your adventure apart from other marine adventures.
David Joyce, Director, Pacific Marinelife Institute
Introduction to The Adventure Network Pacific Marinelife Institute Adventure Network is a handpicked collection of marine adventures selected for their outstanding service and quality, and experiences where travellers can be part of marine research and conservation programs. As a Network Member you are recognised by travellers as being an eco-adventure that is part of marine research and conservation programs; and are eligible to be awarded a Seastar Marine Tourism Rating.
Introduction to the Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Seastar Marine Tourism Rating is a world first rating program specifically designed for the marine tourism industry available only to members of the Pacific Marinelife Institute Adventure Network. Awarded as a 3 to 5 or Premium Seastar Rating in one of eighteen different categories, a Seastar Marine Tourism Rating makes it easy for agents and travellers to identify the quality of different marine adventures. (See page 6 for Seastar Rating Categories).
Key benefits of Membership
Membership to a Collection of Marine Adventures recognised for their role in marine conservation and research
Unique marine themed Rating that identifies the quality of your product and sets the product apart from other similar marine tourism adventures
Conservation, education and research programs that enhance your product
A program and systems that supports compliance with National and International Accreditations
Be a preferred adventure of the Marinelife Crew and Marinelife Team programs
Inclusion in the Institute’s Marinelife Trail
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More Membership Advantages
Feature Listing (1/3 page) in Marinelife Adventure Guide (valued at $A 230.00)
Feature Listing in up to two (2) Project Adventure Guides (valued at up to $A 460.00) Select from ReefHabitat Project, Friends of the Dolphin - Dolphins & Whales Guide, The Sportfish Project
Listing and activity reports on Institute, Marinelife Traveller and Project blogs
Inclusion in the ‘Marinelife List’ - distributed to travel agents and travel media
Cooperative marketing campaigns for specific regions, adventures and audiences using traditional media, e-campaigns and trade/consumer shows
Offer benefits and discounts to Marinelife Crew - our Institute Supporters
10% discount on advertising in Pacific Marinelife Institute magazines and e-newsletters
10% discount on Marine Crew Medallion Fees
Free Pacific Marinelife Institute Marine Alliance Membership - representing the marine tourism industry in ecosystem management
Free Affiliate Association Membership where available
Comprehensive easy to apply 7 Essential Standards and Network Guidelines insures a high standard amongst the Members
Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Audits are completed on application and on an annual basis to ensure high standards amongst Members
Mystery Traveller program offers feedback on compliance and service quality
Monitor customer and team member satisfaction with a Network coordinated ’Marine Talk’ feedback program
Network Guidelines to assist with local regulation and accreditation scheme compliance
Assistance in implementing skill development programs in best eco practices, languages, cultural awareness and specific activity skills
Easy to implement habitat and resource monitoring programs as part of the Institute’s ReefHabitat Project, The Sportfish Project, Friends of the Dolphin and PMI Whale Project. Monthly reports provided for use in marketing and your own impact assessments
Oceans 2 Green Eco Offset program enables Members to offset their carbon emissions, as well as fishery, reef, seagrass and mangrove impacts.
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Pacific Marinelife Institute - Your Conservation Program Partner Pacific Marinelife Institute is an Australian based private marine research and education organisation originally established in 1991. Focused on community and volunteer tourism based programs, the Institute is involved in the monitoring and research of reef fisheries, mapping the biodiversity of rocky and coral reefs, study of pelagic fish species, implementing a range of eco offset programs and monitoring cetacean populations. Adventure Network Members will support and be able to use, one or more of these research, education and volunteer programs in their tour products. ReefHabitat Project ReefHabitat Project works with volunteer divers to develop a community accessible multimedia reef database of volunteer observations, video transects, maps and climate information. The Sportfish Project The Sportfish Project incorporates the FishStats long term fishery monitoring program, tagging programs, habitat studies, and the establishment of a BioResource library and History project. Friends of the Dolphin and PMI Whale Project Working closely together, the Friends of the Dolphin and the PMI Whale Project will support a multimedia sighting database open to different dolphin and whale research groups in the Pacific. Oceans 2 Green Oceans 2 Green is an eco offset program designed specific to help divers, anglers, boat owners and the marine tourism industry offset their carbon emissions as well as diving, fishing and vessel impacts through a range of reef, seagrass, mangrove, fishery and forest rehabilitation programs. The Stripe Club Created for children aged up to 12 years, The Stripe Club with the help of its mascot Stripe the Clownfish introduces children to the amazing marine environment and helps them become Junior Ocean Explorers with their own research and expedition programs.
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5 Steps to a Seastar Obtaining and retaining your Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating is completed in 5 easy steps. The steps are designed to be as easy as possible to complete, while ensuring high standards are maintained amongst the Members.
1
Enquiry / Invitation Enquire if you are eligible to receive an Invitation to join the Adventure Network Pacific Marinelife Institute will send you an Adventure Network Invitation pack that includes program information, terms and conditions, application form.
2 3
Application Submit your application and fee, nominating if you are also applying for a Seastar On receiving your application Pacific Marinelife Institute will send a Member Pack Assessment Pacific Marinelife Institute will nominate a desk or on-site audit Prepare copies of permits, crew qualifications, insurances as outlined in the Pack For desk audits, you will be asked to send a selection of photos or a video Complete the O2G Eco Offset Assessment (an easy to complete footprint summary) from which an Eco Footprint Offset Target and Plan is developed
4
Approval / Seastar Awarded Once your Adventure Network Membership and/or Seastar is approved the
5
Retaining your Network Membership / Seastar Rating is Easy Earn a minimum 200 Green Status Points by participating in conservation and
Institute will send your assessment report, logos and certificates
research programs each year (for example a log equals 5 points, photo / video is 10 points). Not loose more than 75 Orange Status Points over a 12 month period by not complying with the 7 Essential Standards Complete an audit at least one a year
Assessment Criteria All Members, both Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating will be assessed on the minimum requirements of: complying with the 7 Essential Standards; meeting minimum permit, business registration, insurance and crew qualification requirements; adopting an eco footprint reduction measure, operating in a sustainable manner and supporting marine research. Seastar Rated Member’s vessel, crew, service and activity quality will be scored separately.
On-site Audits All members will receive an on-site audit during each year, including if a desk audit is completed on application or renewal. Audits are undertaken by an Adventure Network Assessor or a Mystery Traveller by participating in the activity. Both types of on-site audits could be undertaken within the one year period. After both audits the Member will receive a written report and any notifications. © 2011 Pacific Marinelife Institute. Version: April 2011 Page 5
Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Examples
Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Categories Some categories are divided into Adventure and Expedition. In these, Adventure refers to half or one day tours, while Expedition refers to overnight or multiple day programs.
Sportfishing Adventure Sportfishing Expedition Gamefishing Adventure Gamefishing Expedition Reef Fishing Adventure Reef Fishing Expedition Scuba Diving Adventure Scuba Diving Expedition Helmet Dive Adventure
Sailing Adventure Sailing Expedition Bare Boat Adventure Kayaking Adventure Kayaking Expedition Dolphin Adventure Whale Adventure Expedition Cruising Marine Adventure
Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Fees* Special ‘Where is your next adventure’ promotion - receive a Free Seastar Rating** 1 year Adventure Network + Seastar Rating - $AUD 250.00 (save $100.00) 2 year Adventure Network + Seastar Rating - $AUD 450.00 (save $180.00) 3 year Adventure Network + Seastar Rating - $AUD 595.00 (save $300.00) 1 year Stripe Club Family Friendly Accreditation - $AUD100.00 * Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating fees exclude cost of Oceans 2 Green Eco Offset or participation in similar programs. Fees exclude the cost of Assessors joining the activity for the purpose of an Audit. Assessor’s inclusive tour/activity fare is payable by Member. ** Offer available until June 10th. Unless offer extended.
For more information Pacific Marinelife Institute ABN 12 009 767 68/88 Cotlew Street East, Southport, Queensland, Australia 4215 P. 0412 76 016 Int. 61 412 761 016 E. info@pacificmarinelife.com W. www.pacificmarinelife.blogspot.com © 2011 Pacific Marinelife Institute. Version: April 2011 Page 6
7 Essential Standards. Terms and Conditions. Application Form..
Pacific Marinelife Adventure Network 7 Essential Standards 1.
Members provide a quality eco friendly operation that complies with the PMIAN Code of Practice, the 7 Essential Standards and local regulations. Elements: 1.1 The Member provides a quality eco friendly experience that would meet the expectations of their clients and a product that is accredited by the Pacific Marinelife Institute. 1.2 Activities are conducted to comply with the PMIAN Code of Practice and all regulations.
2.
Best practice is implemented across all aspects of the Member’s operations. Elements: 2.1 Best management and operational practices are implemented for customer service, training, vessel maintenance and operation, business management and activity operations.
3.
Members minimise and offset the environmental impact of their on-water and shore based activities. Elements: 3.1 Carbon and eco footprints are offset using the Oceans 2 Green or similar approved program. 3.2 Machinery and vessels are selected and maintained to ensure minimal impact. 3.3 Clean bilges are maintained and no contaminated water is discharged. 3.4 Waste disposal meets and exceeds minimum regulatory requirements. 3.5 Vessel cleaning and maintenance is undertaken to ensure minimal eco impact. 3.6 Vessel and activity operations have minimal impact on the marine environment, and sensitive or threatened marine species and habitats.
4.
Members support marine research and conservation programs. Elements: 4.1 Members must participate in Pacific Marinelife Institute or approved research programs. 4.2 Members must support ecosystem and species conservation and rehabilitation.
5.
Members respect and support the communities in which they operate. Elements: 5.1 Members comply with PMI Sea Country Protocols when interacting with traditional owners and their sea country. 5.2 Members support the PMI Ocean Communities program.
6.
High crew standards is a priority to ensure product quality and minimal eco impact. Elements: 6.1 All staff complete an activity and safety induction at the commencement of employment and have the required qualifications and insurances for their responsibilities. 6.2 Staff have the opportunity to continually develop their skills beyond minimum needs.
7.
Quality Assurance is a focus to maintain product standards. Elements: 7.1 Participate in PMIAN Marine Talk Customer and Crew Surveys, and have a system to implement outcomes based on the feedback from these programs. 7.2 Participate in PMIAN Essential Standards Audits and have systems to implement the Standards. Š 2011 Pacific Marinelife Institute. Version: April 2011 Page 8
Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Rating Terms and Conditions 1. Pacific Marinelife Institute Adventure Network, Seastar Marine Tourism Rating, The Stripe Club Family Friendly Accreditation, The Sportfish Project, Reefhabitat Project, PMI Whale Project , Oceans 2 Green and the Friends of the Dolphin Program are the property of the Pacific Marinelife Institute Pty Ltd. 2. All Members, their directors / employees / contractors and volunteers agree to comply with the Adventure Network and Seastar Program membership terms and conditions; and to comply with any PMIAN Handbooks, the PMIAN Points System, Essential Standards of Membership and the PMIAN Code of Practice, except where an item(s) may be contrary to local, state or territory laws; and may limit a Member’s duty of care or impact on the safety of any person, vessel or property.3. All Members of the Pacific Marinelife Institute Adventure Network must adopt a commitment to the protection of the marine environment, applying best practices, reducing their eco-footprint, and participation in Pacific Marinelife Institute research and education programs 4. All PMIAN Members must comply with the laws of the territory, state or port of departure from which they operate. 5. Pacific Marinelife Institute reserves the right to at its sole discretion: a) accept or decline any application for Network or Seastar Program Membership; b) cancel or suspend benefits and brand licences to any operator who does not demonstrate a commitment to the Essential Standards of Membership, PMIAN Code of Practice, the marine environment or the objectives of the Pacific Marinelife Institute and its Projects, or the Member or its employees conduct is deemed inappropriate; or the operator or its staff are in any breech of state, national or international laws c) alter terms, conditions, rates or benefits of membership or for brand licences at any time,
d) or allocate, alter a Seastar Category or Seastar Program Rating at its discretion. 6. All Members are required to abide by the Brand Use Guidelines published by the Pacific Marinelife Institute. 7. PMIAN and Seastar Program Members are only to display and promote the associated brands if the applicable licence / membership fees are current and with the approval of the Pacific Marinelife Institute. 8. Seastar Program Members are only to display and promote the Rating and Category they have received approval from the Pacific Marinelife Institute to use. 9. All PMIAN Members are required to provide to the Pacific Marinelife Institute information relating to Insurance Compliance, Permits, Licences, Vessel Surveys, Manuals and Staff Qualifications; and participate in audits and customer satisfaction surveys; as required. 10. All Members are required to cover the tour price of an auditor/ auditors/ mystery traveller or travellers who join the tour / product / service for the purpose of an annual or compliance audit, and their travel costs if the member’s operation is remote or in a location outside of a traditional port .11. All information provided by the Applicant will be treated in confidence and not provided to any other party except those directly involved in the approval process. If the Applicant is approved then the information provided by the Applicant maybe provided to the program partners and service providers to facilitate the program services. 12. All information provided to the Applicant by the Pacific Marinelife Institute or its representatives as part of the Adventure Network and Seastar Program application and approval process is provided in strict Commercial Confidence and cannot be copied, distributed, amended or used in any activity by the Applicant without the permission of Pacific Marinelife Institute Pty Ltd ABN 12 009 767 631.
Pacific Marinelife Institute reserves the right to alter the program terms and conditions at any time .
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Help explore and protect.
Adventure Network and Seastar Program Application Applicant Details Business Name ABN Street Address Postal Address Country Phone Email Web Director / Owner (s) Director / Owner (s) Industry Group / Association Memberships Type of Adventure (s) (e.g.. - Whale Watching) Provide information on the key contact person: Contact Person Position Phone Email Nomination the Membership you are applying for: 1 Year ‘Where is Offer’ Adventure Network + Seastar Rating Membership - $AUD 250.00 2 Year ‘Where is Offer’ Adventure Network + Seastar Rating Membership - $AUD 450.00 3 Year ’Where is Offer’ Adventure Network + Seastar Rating Membership - $AUD 595.00 As the applicant’s authorised person, I accept on its behalf the Pacific Marinelife Institute Adventure Network and Seastar Marine Tourism Terms and Conditions.
Name
Signature
Date
Payment Details Please find a cheque enclosed for the nominated membership amount Please issue an invoice (membership not processed under payment received) Please charge the
Visa
MasterCard below the membership fee:
Card Number
CVC
Name on Card
Expiry Date
/
Signature Return this application to: PO Box 721, Southport QLD Australia or info@pacificmarinelife.com
For more information Pacific Marinelife Institute ABN 12 009 767 68/88 Cotlew Street East, Southport, Queensland, Australia 4215 P. 0412 76 016 Int. 61 412 761 016 E. info@pacificmarinelife.com W. www.pacificmarinelife.blogspot.com