Antarctica

New Zealand Procedures for Non-Governmental Visitors to Antarctica

Appendix 2  Measure 4 (2004) and Resolution 4 (2004)

Insurance and Contingency Planning for Tourism and Non Governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area

• Measure 4 (2004)
• Resolution 4 (2004)
• Annex 1

Measure 4 (2004)

The Representatives

Concerned at the potential impacts, including the imposition of additional costs, that tourists or other non-governmental activities may have on national programmes, and the risks to the safety of those involved in search and rescue operations;

Desiring to ensure that tourists or other non-governmental activities undertaken in Antarctica are carried out in a safe and self-sufficient manner;

Desiring further to ensure that the risks associated with tourism or other non-governmental activities are fully identified in advance, and minimised;

Noting that the "Procedures to be followed by Organisers and Operators ", as set out in the attachment to Recommendation XVIII-1, contain some elements relating to self sufficiency and insurance;

Recommend to their Governments the following Measure for approval in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article IX of the Antarctic Treaty;

That Parties shall require those under their jurisdiction organising or conducting tourist or other non-governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area, for which advance notification is required in accordance with Article VII (5) of the Antarctic Treaty, to demonstrate compliance with the following requirements;

• that appropriate contingency plans and sufficient arrangements for health and safety, search and rescue (SAR), and medical care and evacuation have been drawn up and are in place prior to the start of the activity. Such plans and arrangements shall not be reliant on support from other operators or national programmes without their express written agreement; and
• that adequate insurance or other arrangements are in place to cover any costs associated with search and rescue and medical care and evacuation.

 

Resolution 4 (2004)

The Representatives

Concerned at the potential impacts, including the imposition of additional costs, that tourist or other non-governmental activities may have on national programmes, and the risks to the safety of those involved in search and rescue operations;

Desiring to ensure that tourist to other non-governmental activities undertaken in Antarctica are carried out in a safe and self sufficient manner;

Desiring further to ensure that the risks associated with tourist or other non-governmental activities are fully identified in advance, and minimised;

Recalling the "Procedures to be followed by Organisers and Operators", as set out in the Attachment to Recommendation XVIII-1;

Noting Measure 4 (2004) on '"Insurance and Contingency Planning for Tourism and Non-governmental Activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area", and desiring to take certain steps before it enters into effect to promote its objectives in addition to recommending further guidelines to be followed by those organising or conducting activities without the supervision or support in the field of another operator or a national programme;

Recommend:

• That Parties should require those under their jurisdiction organising or conducting tourist or other non-governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty Area, for which advance notification is required in accordance with Article VII (5) of the Antarctic Treaty, to follow the Guidelines annexed (see below) to this Resolution.

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Annex 1

Those organising or conducting tourist or other non-governmental activities in the Antarctic Treaty area should ensure:

1. that appropriate contingency plans and sufficient arrangements for health and safety, search and rescue (SAR), and medical care and evacuation have been drawn-up and are in place prior to the start of the activity.  Such plans and arrangements should not be reliant on support from other operators or national programmes without their express written agreement; and
2. that adequate insurance or other arrangements are in place to cover any costs associated with search and rescue and medical care and evacuation.

And the following guidelines should also be observed in particular by those organising conducting activities without the supervision or support in the field of another operator or a national programme:

3. that participants have sufficient and demonstrable experience appropriate for the proposed activity operating in polar, or equivalent, environments.  Such experience may include survival training in cold or remote areas, flying, sailing or operating other vehicles in conditions and over distances similar to these being proposed in the activity;
4. that all equipment, including clothing, communication, navigational, emergency and logistic equipment is in sound working order, with sufficient backup spares and suitable for effective operation under Antarctic conditions;
5. that all participants are proficient in the use of such equipment;
6. that all participants are medically, physically and psychologically fit to undertake the activity in Antarctica;
7. that adequate first-aid equipment is available during the activity and that at least one participant is proficient in advanced first-aid.

 

 

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