Many land locations are subject to light pollution, but many sea locations are beyond the reach of land-based light pollution. Sea locations may be the only truly dark skies that many cruise ship passengers experience. The implementation of efficient lighting and reduction of unnecessary lighting could contribute to the enjoyment and appreciation of the night sky to those aboard passenger ships, as well as increase the safety of the passengers and crew by reducing dangerous glare and providing sufficient light to those areas where it is needed. Such responsible lighting that provides the cruise ship with increased safety and a more enjoyable environment for many of its passengers may incidentally provide a financial incentive in energy savings. Proper lighting aboard a ship will also have the positive effect of reducing light trespass upon nearby ships and reinforcing the value of preserving a dark sky.

The goal of the Dark-Sky Committee of the AstroCruisers astronomy club is to promote responsible lighting aboard passenger ships that will allow and encourage the pursuit of recreational astronomy aboard those and nearby ships. Such responsible lighting will help to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and our heritage of dark skies.

The pursuit of recreational astronomy aboard passenger ships promotes the concept of shipboard holidays and increases the value and desirability of the cruise vacation experience.

Responsible shipboard lighting which allows and encourages recreational astronomy will help to deliver a fun and enjoyable cruise experience and also help to provide a safe and secure shipboard environment for both passengers and crew.

The Dark-Sky Committee of the AstroCruisers astronomy club encourages individual cruise lines to adopt lighting fixtures and policies that provide a safe and secure shipboard environment, provide a dark sky that allows and encourages the pursuit of recreational astronomy aboard their ships, and also minimize light trespass upon nearby ships. It also encourages passenger ship trade associations such as the International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to adopt official policies that promote responsible shipboard lighting.

The Dark-Sky Committee of the AstroCruisers astronomy club has sponsored the creation of the Passenger Ship Working Group of the International Dark-Sky Association with the following bylaws:

• Section 1: This IDA Working Group shall provide a service to the public and to astronomy via scientific research, education, and public information concerning the issue of light pollution.


• Section 2: This IDA Working Group shall provide a service to the membership via collection of information, distribution of information, education on aspects of the light pollution issue and related topics, assistance with member's local light pollution problems by sharing common knowledge on a local, national, and international basis.


• Section 3: Any monies or funds from memberships, programs, or services for this IDA Working Group shall be used totally for research and education, and to further the goals of the IDA Working Group. No funds shall be used for personal gain except for reimbursement of expenses for program activities.


• Section 4: Upon approval of this IDA Working Group by the Office of the International Dark-Sky Association, this IDA Working Group may use the International Dark-Sky Association or IDA name and logos, and may represent its formal affiliation with the International Dark-Sky Association. This IDA Working Group may assess local members dues, hold IDA Working Group meetings, have local officers and committees, and establish a IDA Working Group office.


• Section 5: AstroCruisers astronomy club, sponsor of this IDA Working Group, is a member of the International Dark-Sky Association.


• Section 6: This IDA Working Group and its members will abide by the International Dark-Sky Association Bylaws, with special notice to Article II, Sections 1, 2, and 3 (concerning Objectives), and Article XIII (concerning Exempt Activities) of these IDA Bylaws.


• Section 7: IDA Working Groups are not required to file Local Section Annual Reports.


• Section 8: No member, director, officer, employee, or representative of this IDA Working Group shall take any action to carry on any activity by or on behalf of the IDA Working Group not permitted to be taken or carried on by a tax exempt, non-profit organization.