fishing industry regulates the coming and going of anyone with commercial intent, and that any claims on landmasses will be condemned. But we also know that there is no border control once you go south from any of the nations that offer jump-off points for a visit to Antarctica; equally there is no customs check when you travel north from the last landmasses before you set foot on the Arctic Ocean.
There are limitations, however. There is control from the organisations providing logistical support for anyone travelling to the (Ant)Arctic. There are treaties stipulating rules and regulations to promote fair play. There are logistical and geographical restrictions. And there are enough ethical reasons to treat these fragile areas of the world as unique and irreplaceable. Therefore it is up to each of us to respect any restrictions that may apply so that subsequent generations can enjoy the same liberty.
Anyone travelling to the Arctic or Antarctic must check with their own government to locate the specific organisation who can supply accurate and up-to-date information concerning permits and possible restrictions on where or how to travel. At present there is no world body responsible for giving out permits for polar travel.
Codes of behaviour
The following organisations have laid down measures to protect the environment, culture and heritage of the polar regions.
For the Arctic, AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, www.aeco.no) is an international organisation which tries to ensure that tourism in the Arctic is carried out with the utmost consideration for the fragile natural environment, local cultures and antiquities, while ensuring safe tour operations at sea and on land.
Visitors are asked to respect the following rules.
1 Leave no lasting signs of your visit.
2 Do not take anything with you.
3 Do not disturb animals and birds.
4 Do not pick flowers.
5 Leave cultural remains alone.
6 Take the polar bear seriously.
7 Respect local culture and local people.
8 Be safe.
For the Antarctic, IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, www.iaato.org) was founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practise safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.
Even though IAATO's members are commercially active, and individuals or smaller groups of Antarctic explorers are not inclined to join, it is appropriate to make them aware of your plans. Most of the governmental organisations are in close contact with IAATO, so in this small world you are bound to cross their path.
Those polar adventurers who do not want to rely on the flights plying between South America or South Africa and prefer to travel to Antarctica by a different means – by sailing, paddling (maybe even swimming!) – must check with their local governments and fill out the necessary paperwork to comply with each nation's rules and regulations.
Ilushin aircraft fly scientists, adventurers and logistic personnel to Antarctica… without cabin service!
Airlines
The following companies offer flights to the Arctic Ocean:
VICAAR, based in St Petersburg (www.northpolextreme.com), the only company offering direct access to the heart of the Arctic Ocean during April.
Ken Borek Air (www.borekair.com), operating all over the Arctic; their Resolute Bay Station is the most frequented by polar explorers.
First Air (www.firstair.ca), airline of the North.
There are two main organisations for expeditions travelling to the Antarctic:
ALE (www.antarctic-logistics.com) Operating out of Punta Arenas, Chile, Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions secures flights to the Patriot Hills. Until the 2009 Antarctic season, the runway was situated at the Patriot Hills, but due to erratic weather conditions they have moved all operations to the Union Glacier.
ALCI (www.alci.info) The Antarctic Logistics Center International is a logistics service provider in the Dronning Maud Land Network (Dromlan) since its inception in 2002. It provides an international air bridge between Cape Town and Novolazarevskaya Station during the austral summer from late October to the beginning of March.
2 MOTIVATIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Always trying to pioneer new methods of travel: the sled-catamaran used during the 2005 Bering Strait Odyssey
Why do People go?
What is it that draws people to the poles? What makes them want to suffer long periods in a harsh climate and cope with all the other hardships of polar travel? When looking at the history of polar exploration, it becomes clear that four groups of people have so far been active in this field: scientists, polar travellers, tourists and the military. Whereas scientists and the military have obvious reasons for going there, the other two groups have a variety of motives.
Tourism Satisfying curiosity, ‘been there’, ‘done that’.
Personal Strengthening friendships, (self) discovery, finding peace, beauty.
Sport Beating records, improving on past exploits.
Adventure New methods of travel, discovery of new routes.
Publicity Greenpeace, WWF and other NGOs.
Sharing knowledge Guiding novices.
Financial Organised travel, logistical support.
Media Relaying information.
The motivations behind polar expeditions are diverse
The environmental impact of flights to the North Pole
There are many reasons to go to the (Ant)Arctic, and they can be a combination of any of the above, but it is sensible for anyone thinking about a trip to consider their goals seriously. And the more third parties with different motivations become involved, the more complex the expedition. It is up to each of us to decide whether we want to go on an expedition for the sole purpose of setting out to reach a goal, or whether we are happy to involve other people with different aims and expectations.
In
