MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tighter restrictions for site access in South Georgia

South Georgia Grytviken view <br>Picture J. Fowler

Under the revised Tourism Management Policy document from the government of South Georgia, in the South Atlantic, tighter restrictions have been placed on site access for private vessels with more than 10 persons on board (including paid crew).

According to a release by Richard McKee, Executive Officer GSGSSI, in future private vessels with more than 10 persons on board will be required to carry an approved observer if they intend to visit any Specially Protect Area (SPA) landing sites. Private vessels with more than 20 persons on board will be required to carry an approved observer for all landings at approved landing sites outside Grytviken, the capital. The Private Vessel Observer would be expected to oversee and advise landings to ensure that they were conducted safely and in accordance with GSGSSI conditions. Whilst GSGSSI reserves the right to designate such an observer, Government would normally expect private vessel owners to engage their own observer, if necessary. Details of the observer would need to be submitted with the visit application forms. Private Vessel Observers must be responsible and have relevant previous experience of managing tourists on South Georgia. They would be briefed by the Government Officer on arrival at KEP and would be expected to oversee and advise on all landings and if necessary report any concerns to the GSGSSI. Eligible Observers are former IAATO Expedition Leaders; senior cruise ship or yacht expedition staff and individuals who can demonstrate to GSGSSI that they possess suitable experience to oversee landings in accordance with Government procedures. The onus of responsibility for arranging private vessel observer coverage falls to the owner of the vessel. Owners should engage the services of an approved observer well before their arrival at South Georgia and GSGSSI should be notified of their intentions during the application process. Eligible potential observers who wish to have their contact details listed on the GSGSSI website and provided to enquirers should contact GSGSSI directly in the first instance. South Georgia Island Website