CYIL vol. 10 (2019)

MARTINA FILIPPIOVÁ CYIL 10 ȍ2019Ȏ and adopted a Resolution on Hydrographic Mapping of Antarctic Waters in which it is recommended that the Governments of Contracting Parties, inter alia, encourage vessels under their jurisdiction, including non-governmental vessels to “undertake hydrographic and bathymetric data collection on all their Antarctic voyages, as practicable” 2 and “share all data collected with IHO DCDB.” 3 Air safety in Antarctica was also widely discussed by the ATCM. The increasing number of aircrafts operating in Antarctica needs an adequate response in, for instance, keeping up to date information shared via established channels such as Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) Asset Tracking System (CATS). The ATCM recognized the importance of keeping the COMNAP Antarctic Flight Information Manual (AFIM) current and welcomed information from COMNAP that it plans to hold a workshop on practical and technical aspects of safe air operations in Hobart next year. It was also agreed that the “use of positioning reporting systems and technologies in aircraft operating in the Antarctic was generally desirable”. 4 Generally speaking, the ATCM believed that air operators should be urged to improve their preparedness for accidents and emergency situations in Antarctica. In relation to safety of maritime operations, among others Chile presented a paper in which it noted the increased number of emergencies in Antarctica during 2018. IAATO 5 presented a paper which informed on a special procedure carried out in the vicinity of whales by its members. Enforcement of Polar Code was also mentioned during these discussions. Several States further informed about their plans and progress made in the reconstruction of their stations. A substantive exchange of information was held on sharing of science plans and studying impacts of climate change. For instance, the ATCM agreed that key science priorities of National Antarctic Programmes be shared through the Secretariat website. It also recognized uniqueness of Antarctica for exploration of universe. Therefore, traditional lecture of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) will relate next year to the coordiation of space data in the Antarctic region. Furthermore, the ATCMcontinued to discuss education and outreach activities, inspections, bioprospecting and general matters related to the operation of the Antarctic Treaty system. The ATCM discussions focused also on Antarctic tourism and non-governmental activities. Extreme and novel activities in Antarctica remain a concern of the Parties. Enhanced cooperation among competent national authorities was highlighted and the Secretariat was tasked with establishing a permanent forum at which Parties would be able to exchange views. Further, the ATCM agreed to establish an intersessional contact group where a voluntary on board observer operational framework for tourist vessels operating in Antarctica will be discussed. The ATCM also decided that a Manual of Regulations and Guidelines relevant to Tourism and Non-Governmental Activities in Antarctica be created which would be of assistance to operators, competent authorities and others. The importance of knowledge and assessment of impacts of tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica was 2 Resolution E (2019) Hydrographic Mapping of Antarctic Waters, OP1(a)(ii). 3 Ibid, OP1(a)(iv)., IHO DCBD means International Hydrographic Organisation’s Data Center for Digital Bathometry. 4 Draft Report, para 263. 5 IAATO is an International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

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