Antarctic concern over visitor growth.

A little known aspect of passenger cruising is now causing increasing concern to those nations who are party to the Antarctic Treaty and those who are involved in research etc in the region.

As reported on page 16 of this issue, there has been a sudden and dramatic increase, that could

amount to a doubling in the last 12 months, in the number of passengers visiting Antarctic waters. In addition the vessels themselves are becoming ever bigger. These increases, of themselves, do not pose a problem but it has emerged that there are worries about the safety of some of the vessels involved.

"Safety at Sea" has learnt that some of the ships in question are not ice-strengthened. In addition, because of the remoteness of the continent from any areas of civilisation, the provision of search and rescue facilities in the area is minimal and dependent on such organisation as the British Antarctic Survey which, while more than willing to assist in an emergency, is not equipped to provide all the appropriate and necessary facilities. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), to date there has been no serious accident although between 1991, when IAATO was formed, and 2002, a total of 11 incidents were reported. These included four groundings, one ship beset in the ice, two vessels with propeller damage, and two oil leakages with one litre or less spillage. No measurable environmental damage from these incidents has occurred during the last 13 years considering there have been approximately 1,200 expeditions and or departures to the Antarctic.

It is nevertheless encouraging to report that steps are being taken to ensure a more controlled approach for the vessels visiting. The UK Government tabled a proposal to improve the management and regulation of Antarctic tourism at the XXVl Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, held in June in Madrid. This will be considered at a special Antarctic Group of Experts Meeting on Tourism, to be held in Tromso in March next year. Under this proposal the 45 Antarctic Treaty nations would adopt guidelines for ships operating in Antarctic ice-covered waters.

Even if accepted, the guidelines will only apply to vessels flagged in the 45 Antarctic Treaty countries and will require acceptance by IMO to ensure universal coverage. Interestingly, IMO has already issued, in December last year, a similar document for the opposite end of the world, MSC/Circ.1056-"Guidelines for Ships Operating in Arctic icecovered Waters". This, originally developed by Transport Canada as the "Code for Polar Navigation or Polar Code", is the first internationally-recognised standard for construction and operation of ships in Arctic Ice covered polar waters.