Safety Policy

Sundarbans Cruising — Traveler Agreement

Operated by: Rupantor Ecotourism Ltd.

The Sundarbans is the world's largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a living, tidal ecosystem that is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, estuarine crocodiles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and thousands of species that depend on its unbroken natural rhythms. Cruising these waters is an extraordinary privilege.

By booking and participating in any cruise operated by Rupantor Ecotourism Ltd., all guests confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to comply with the safety provisions set out in this policy. This policy exists to protect you, the crew, the local communities, and the forest itself.

1. Assumption of Risk

The Sundarbans is a wild and remote environment. By joining this cruise, guests acknowledge and accept the following inherent risks:

• Presence of Royal Bengal Tigers, estuarine crocodiles, venomous snakes, and other wildlife in and around the waterways and forest trails.
• Unpredictable tidal conditions, strong currents, and changes in water depth along the cruise route.
• Extreme weather events including tropical storms, heavy rainfall, fog, and intense heat, particularly between May and October.
• Limited access to emergency medical services. The nearest hospital-level care is in Khulna, which may be several hours away by boat.
• Remote anchorage overnight in areas with no mobile connectivity or light.
• Physical demands associated with dinggi (rowboat) safaris, village walks, and shoreline activities.

Travelers with serious pre-existing medical conditions, mobility limitations, cardiovascular conditions, or who are pregnant are strongly advised to consult a qualified physician before booking and must disclose any relevant conditions to RET in advance of departure.

2. Life Safety Equipment & Vessel Standards

2.1 Vessel Compliance

• All mother vessels operated by RET are inspected and licensed in accordance with Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) regulations.
• Each vessel carries a valid fitness certificate, registration, and crew manning documentation.
• All vessels are equipped with fire extinguishers, bilge pumps, navigation lights, and emergency signaling equipment.

2.2 Life Jackets

• Coast-guard-approved life jackets are provided for every guest and crew member aboard.
• Guests are required to wear life jackets at all times when aboard a dinggi (country boat) and during any activity in open water.
• Life jackets must be worn during nighttime transfers between vessels, during rough weather, and at the guide's discretion at any time.
• Guests who refuse to wear a life jacket when instructed may be denied participation in the relevant activity.

2.3 First Aid

• Each RET cruise carries a comprehensive first aid kit including wound care supplies, oral rehydration salts, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal medication, analgesics, and bandaging.
• The guide holds a first aid certification issued by a recognised training body.
• In the event of a serious medical emergency, RET will initiate evacuation to the nearest medical facility via the fastest available means.

3. Wildlife Safety

The Sundarbans is tiger country. All guests must follow wildlife safety protocols without exception. These rules are not optional.

3.1 On Land

• Guests may only disembark at designated landing points approved by the Bangladesh Forest Department.
• All land-based activities must be conducted under the direct supervision of the RET-assigned guide. Guests must not walk ahead of or separate from the guide at any time.
• Noise must be kept to a minimum on trails. Running is not permitted.
• Guests must not enter the treeline, push through vegetation, or explore unmarked paths under any circumstances.
• No food, waste, or fragrant substances should be carried during forest walks.
• If a tiger or large wildlife is sighted at close range, guests must remain completely still and silent and follow the guide's instructions immediately and without question.

3.2 On the Water

• Guests must not dangle arms, legs, or any object over the side of the dinggi in channels or near mudbanks where crocodiles may be present.
• Feeding, touching, or attempting to interact with any wildlife — including dolphins, birds, and monitor lizards — is strictly prohibited.
• Guests must not make sudden loud noises, throw objects into the water, or engage in any behaviour that may disturb or provoke wildlife.

3.3 At Night

• Guests must not leave the vessel after dark without explicit permission from the guide.
• Torches and phone lights must be directed downward and away from the treeline after dark to avoid disorienting nocturnal wildlife.

4. Tide, Weather & Navigation Safety

• All departure times, route decisions, and anchorage selections are made by the captain and guide based on tide tables, weather conditions, and local knowledge. Guests may not override or alter these decisions.
• If weather conditions deteriorate to an unsafe level, RET reserves the right to modify, delay, or cancel any activity or leg of the journey without liability.
• Guests must remain seated and low in the vessel during rough water, strong tidal flow, or when instructed by the captain or guide.
• Guests must not distract the captain or crew during navigation, particularly in narrow channels, at night, or during tidal crossings.
• Swimming in any open waterway, river, or channel is strictly prohibited. The Sundarbans waterways are home to crocodiles and strong unpredictable currents.

5. Fire & Onboard Safety

• Smoking is permitted only in designated areas on the open deck and is strictly prohibited in cabins, the kitchen area, or near fuel storage.
• The use of open flames, candles, incense, or personal cooking equipment inside cabins or covered areas is not permitted.
• Guests must familiarise themselves with the location of fire extinguishers and life jackets on boarding the vessel.
• Electrical equipment must not be left charging unattended for extended periods. RET accepts no liability for damage to personal devices.
• In the event of a fire onboard, guests must follow crew instructions immediately and proceed to the assembly point on the open stern deck.

6. Community & Cultural Safety

RET operates within and alongside forest-edge communities. Guests are guests in these communities and must conduct themselves accordingly.

• Guests must request explicit permission before photographing local residents, particularly women, children, or individuals engaged in religious practice.
• Entry into private homes, temples, or community spaces is only permitted when invited and guided by a RET representative.
• Guests must not distribute gifts, food, or money directly to children or community members without prior guidance from the guide. This practice disrupts community dynamics and is discouraged.
• Public consumption of alcohol is not permitted in village areas or at community events. Alcohol consumption on the boat is at the guest's discretion but must not result in behaviour that compromises the safety or comfort of others.
• Any behaviour that is disrespectful, disruptive, or offensive to local customs will result in removal from the activity. Repeated or serious violations may result in termination of the tour.

7. Environmental Compliance

Guests travelling with RET agree to uphold the environmental standards of responsible ecotourism in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• No waste of any kind — including food scraps, packaging, or single-use plastics — may be disposed of in the water, on forest trails, or in village areas. All waste is to be collected and disposed of by the crew at designated facilities.
• Guests must not remove any object from the forest environment, including shells, plants, feathers, wood, or soil.
• The collection, purchase, or trade of any wildlife product — including tiger-related items — is a criminal offence under Bangladesh law and is strictly prohibited.
• Use of soaps, shampoos, or chemical products directly in or near waterways is not permitted.
• Guests must adhere to the Forest Department's designated zones and may not enter restricted or core forest areas without explicit written authorisation.

8. Health & Medical Requirements

• Guests are advised to receive appropriate vaccinations before travel to Bangladesh, including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Consult your physician or a travel medicine clinic at least four weeks before departure.
• Recommended personal health supplies include: broad-spectrum insect repellent (DEET-based), sunscreen (SPF 50+), oral rehydration salts, and any personal prescription medication in adequate supply.
• Guests must inform RET of any known allergies, medical conditions, or medications at the time of booking. This information is held in confidence and used solely for safety planning.
• Guests with severe allergies (particularly to insect stings) must carry their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector and inform the guide before departure.
• RET does not carry or administer prescription medication on behalf of guests.

9. Emergency Procedures

9.1 Medical Emergency

In the event of a medical emergency, guests should alert the guide or any crew member immediately. RET will:

1. Administer first aid from the onboard kit to the extent of the guide's training.
2. Attempt to establish communication via VHF radio or satellite phone with emergency services.
3. Navigate at the maximum safe speed toward the nearest accessible landing point.
4. Coordinate land transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility.

Guests are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel and medical evacuation insurance before departure. RET does not cover the cost of emergency medical treatment, evacuation, or hospitalisation.

9.2 Tiger Encounter on Land

• Freeze. Do not run. Running triggers a predatory response.
• Do not make eye contact directly. Look slightly downward and to the side.
• Follow the guide's instructions without delay. The guide is trained in tiger encounter response.
• Slowly back toward the group and the boat under the guide's direction.

9.3 Person Overboard

• Shout "Person overboard" immediately and alert the crew.
• Throw a life ring or any floating object toward the person in the water.
• Keep visual contact with the person at all times. Do not jump in.
• The crew will manoeuvre the vessel for recovery.

10. Guide Authority & Guest Compliance

The RET guide holds full authority over all safety-related decisions for the duration of the cruise. This authority is not subject to negotiation or override.

• Guests must follow all instructions issued by the guide promptly and without argument, particularly in wildlife, weather, or navigation contexts.
• Guests who persistently disregard safety instructions will be removed from the relevant activity. In serious cases, the tour will be terminated and the guest returned to Khulna or Mongla at the earliest safe opportunity. No refund will be issued.
• RET guides are trained under the Rupantor Ecotourism Ltd. guide certification programme and operate under the standards of Bangladesh's Sundarban Ecotourism Master Plan (2025–2045).

11. Children & Minors

• Guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times.
• Children must wear life jackets at all times when aboard any dinggi or during open-water transfers, without exception.
• RET guides are not responsible for the supervision of unaccompanied minors at any point during the cruise.
• Parents and guardians are fully responsible for ensuring their children comply with all provisions of this policy.

13. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

This Safety Policy is governed by the laws of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Any dispute arising from the interpretation or application of this policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Khulna, Bangladesh.

This policy is subject to review and update by RET at any time. The version in effect at the date of the guest's departure shall apply.