In UAE you don’t need to go far offshore, dolphins can sometimes even be seen from the shore! Most of the time whales and dolphins are not seen because people are not aware of their presence and don’t look for them.
Be Dolphin SMART code is based on international guidelines. The contents and design have been adopted from the Ionian Dolphin Project (Tethys Research Institute). Illustration by Massimo Demma.
Please BE DOLPHIN SMART! REPORT YOUR SIGHTING and demonstrate your support for dolphin conservation.
The caution zone for vessels is the area within 150m of a dolphin and 300m of a whale. No more than three vessels should stay within the caution zone at any one time and vessels should move cautiously at no wake speeds within this zone.
Approach whales and dolphins from parallel to and slightly to the rear – not from directly behind or head-on.
When leaving whales or dolphins, move off at a slow (no wake) speed to the outer limit of the caution zone (300m) from the closest animal before gradually increasing speed.
Watch out for offspring presence! avoid disturbance to mother whales or dolphins and their calves. Mother and calf will be close together and the calves are sometimes difficult to see.
If there is a sudden change in whale or dolphin behavior, move away immediately at a slow steady pace.
Whales and dolphins sometimes form social groupings and may approach your vessel – if this happens place the engine in neutral and let the animal(s) come to you; or slow down and continue on course; or steer a straight course away from them.
Be Dolphin SMART Be Whale SMART
