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The document has been drafted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in line with the instruction of the Russian Government of May 13, 2013, and is aimed at implementing the federal law On the Regulation of Activities of Russian Citizens and Russian Legal Entities in the Antarctic.
In accordance with Article 6 of the Federal Law On the Regulation of Activities of Russian Citizens and Russian Legal Entities in the Antarctic, permits to operate in the Antarctic are issued by a federal executive body authorised by the Russian Government. The subject matter, issuance, suspension, restriction, renewal and withdrawal or cancellation of these permits are determined by the Russian Government.
The resolution approves the Statute on Permits to Operate in the Antarctic, which sets forth the rules with regard to the issuance, suspension, restriction, renewal and withdrawal or cancellation of these permits, as well as requirements with respect to their subject matter.
This Statute is in line with current regulations, which were set forth by the resolution of the Russian Government No 1476 of December 11, 1998, but also introduces a number of new provisions originating from the Federal Law.
Specifically, the Statute outlines requirements with regard to documents submitted by applicants seeking to receive permits, determines the obligations of these applicants and the list of information to be included in the permit.
Along with the application, applicants are now required to submit their insurance policy and a third party liability insurance contract, or a bank guarantee ensuring obligations are properly met in the case of any third party damage.
The applicant shall also certify that appropriate measures have been taken to cover expenses in connection with search and rescue operations, medical services and evacuation.
The Statute introduces a simplified procedure and a limited timeframe for the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring (Roshydromet) to review applications and issue permits.
Decisions previousy taken by the Russian Government to regulate procedures with regard to the review and issuance of permits to individuals and legal entities to operate within the region covered by the Antarctic Treaty cease to be in force and effect.
The document is aimed at improving the regulatory framework for granting permits to operate in the Antarctic, encouraging highly-qualified personnel to work in the Antarctic region while serving Russia’s national interests in compliance with international norms and regulations and the general guidelines of Russia’s domestic and foreign policy, as well as for the implementation of projects in the Antarctic.