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Image Not Available for Gecko MK11 Marine Safety Helmet
Gecko MK11 Marine Safety Helmet
Image Not Available for Gecko MK11 Marine Safety Helmet

Gecko MK11 Marine Safety Helmet

Date2002
Object number00055521
NameHelmet
Mediumplastic
DimensionsOverall: 240 × 205 × 380 mm, 848 g
ClassificationsVessels and fittings
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Collection
DescriptionA Gecko MK11 marine safety helmet used by Sea Shepherd Australia to protect themselves from the Antarctic elements and any external attack during the 2007-2013 period of direct action engagements related to Southern Ocean whaling activities. Sea Shepherd Australia has since moved away from direct action engagements, preferring to work with governments and raise awareness peacefully. HistoryThe Antarctic is home to the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, an area of 50 million square kilometres where whales are protected and the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has banned all types of commercial whaling. However, Japan had continued whaling in the area under of the guise of research. Sea Shepherd's first campaign to the Southern Ocean whale sanctuary was in 2002 and led by the organization's founder, Captain Paul Watson, and the crew of the FARLEY MOWAT. Over the following years almost annually, campaigns were launched during the Japanese whaling season that intended to disrupt and prevent the hunting of minke and fin whales by Japanese 'researchers'. From the outset Sea Shepherd’s methods in the Antarctic were to physically prevent the Japanese vessels from targeting whales. This would involve coming between the whale and the Japanese vessel, throwing capsules of butyric acid on the whaling decks and using smaller rubber vessels to continually harass and prevent the harpooning process. These tactics increased in effectives and often violence over the years as both sides resorted to more extreme methods to achieve their goals. During the 2009 season, Operation Waltzing Matilda, a sea Shepherd vessel was rammed and sunk. While these confrontational tactics attracted criticism, they also gained widespread public support and Sea Shepherd's reputation as environmental warriors was cemented. It is estimated that up until 2018, Sea Shepherd has been responsible for saving the lives of many thousands of whales in Antarctica. In 2018 Japan announced that its 'research' activities in the Southern Ocean would cease but that is would be leaving the International Whaling Commission and in July 2019 resume commercial whaling in the oceans around Japan for the first time in 30 years. SignificanceSea Shepherd Australia is a non-profit conservation organisation whose mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. Sea Shepherd Australia used innovative direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. Their current mission is to safeguard the biodiversity of our delicately balanced oceanic ecosystems and ensure their survival for future generations.