The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has essentially suspended One Ocean Expeditions’ (OOE) membership in the group, according to a statement sent to members and obtained by Cruise Industry News.
One Ocean’s future continues to raise a question mark as departures are cancelled and the RCGS Resolute continues to sit in Buenos Aires.
“We have no desire to add to the difficulties, however, in accordance with IAATO bylaws and as a result of non-payment of dues and fees, as of November 1, One Ocean Expeditions is a member of IAATO ‘not in good standing,’” wrote IAATO’s Acting Executive Director Dr. Terry Shaller.
“As per our bylaws, the company name has been removed from IAATO’s member directory online and OOE is no longer permitted to use the IAATO logo until such time as payment has been made.”
IAATO said that OOE had been a respected member of the group for 11 years and “had made many valuable contributions to our mission of advocating and promoting safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic travel. We are saddened to have had to take this course of action.”