Voluntary on-board observer operational framework for vessel-based tourism in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The Representatives,


Recalling Article 3 of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty;

Recognising that on-board monitoring of vessel-based tourism activities may assist Parties in administering the activities under their jurisdiction;

Considering the growth of tourism, the increasing diversity of tourism activities and the desirability of monitoring compliance with applicable regulations and other Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting ("ATCM") instruments;

Convinced that a common and standardised framework will be a valuable tool in assisting Parties choosing to operate, on a voluntary basis, on-board observer schemes to monitor vessel-based activities under their jurisdiction;


Recommend that their Governments:

1 on a voluntary basis, draw on the Voluntary on-board observer operational framework for vessel-based tourism in the Antarctic Treaty area annexed to this Resolution in developing and implementing national schemes for monitoring vessel-based tourism occurring under their jurisdiction; and

2. cooperate, as appropriate, in the implementation of national observer schemes under this framework.