Antarctica Arrival Procedures for Yachts

All expeditions to Antarctica south of 60°S must obtain permission from the national Antarctic operator or the relevant government department (See  Documents section).  Until recently, yachts arriving without permission were tolerated, but this is no longer the case.

The Antarctic guidelines do not apply north of 60°S.  However, those territories which are north of 60°S in the Southern Ocean are under the jurisdiction of their respective national governments and are dealt with on their specific Noonsite pages.  The relevant authority should be contacted before visiting any Southern Ocean Island to ascertain the latest regulations and restrictions.

Any vessel intending to visit Antarctica must obtain written permission from its national authority responsible for the implementation of the Antarctic Treaty and Protocol.  The Competent Authority and contact details for each party can be found at the Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty website.

British vessels are not supposed to sail into Antarctic waters without permission from the relevant department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. See the FCO website for more information.

U.S. nationals planning private Antarctica expeditions must notify the Department of State at least three months before their intended travel to the Antarctic Treaty area. Contact the Department of State’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs for additional information.

Under French law, an authorization must be obtained from the senior administrator of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) at least five (5) months before the planned activity.

Strict penalties may apply to any vessel or any person on an expedition heading south of 60°S without authorization or permission.

Although various countries claim sovereignty over parts of the Antarctic territory, the only one relevant for cruising boats is Chile, which controls the area south of the Beagle Channel, including Cape Horn and also claims much of the Antarctic Peninsula.  As these are the areas where the majority of cruising boats would go, it is essential to complete the necessary formalities in Puerto Williams before proceeding south.  This is a good insurance as the most likely source of help, should there be an emergency, is the Chilean Navy.

The Chilean authorities do not impose any restrictions to a vessel intending to visit the Antarctic Peninsula.  Certain formalities must be completed in Puerto Williams, both before going and on return. A zarpe will be issued for sailing in Chilean Antarctic waters and you must report to any Chilean bases in the Antarctic (failure to do so may result in a fine). The Chilean base Marsh, on King George Island, South Shetlands, has a regular air link to Chile.

All station visits require advance approval. Some bases may allow visits at short notice if contacted once in Antarctica (usually 72 hours).

Once in Antarctica there are no formalities to be completed and yachts are free to cruise, subject to various restrictions. Most of these are self-imposed and self-controlled. The success of them being observed depends entirely on the captain and crew of each individual yacht, who should do everything in their power to protect the fragile environment.

A Post-Visit Report must be submitted to whoever issued your permit within three months of your visit. These can be downloaded from the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat or IAATO websites.

For further information for yachts visiting Antarctica, see the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators website.

Useful link:

Government of the British Antarctic Territory Polar Regions Department

Last updated:  July 2024

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