Policy

National Security Framework of Antarctica (NSF-A)

1) Purpose & Scope

This policy bans the display, hoisting, hanging, projecting, printing, or otherwise exhibiting of any foreign state flag or ensign anywhere within Antarctic territory governed by NSF-A. It applies without exception to:

1. Military bases and units (domestic or foreign),
2. Diplomatic/consular missions and international organisations,
3. Companies, NGOs, vessels/aircraft while in port or on ground,
4. Private individuals and residences,
5. Events, media sets, advertising, and digital screens in public view.

2) Definitions

1. Foreign flag/ensign: Any national, sub-national, service, or sovereign emblem not issued by NSF-A.
2. Display: Physical, painted, printed, embroidered, projected, illuminated, or digitally rendered flags visible in public or semi-public spaces (including windows, façades, vehicle wraps, uniforms, stage sets, apps, and signage).
3. Territory: Land, facilities, airfields, ports, inland waters/sea ice under NSF-A jurisdiction.

3) Core Rule

1. Absolute Prohibition: No indoor or outdoor display of foreign flags.
2. No Privileges/Immunities Exception: The ban includes military and diplomatic premises.
3. Approved Emblems Only: Where a flag is required, use designated NSF-A standards (government, service branch, or program flags) issued under an Emblem Use Certificate (EUC).

4) Related Markings & Near-Equivalents

1. Prohibited: Stylised derivatives, monochrome variants, pixelated/emoji versions, holograms, AR filters, or mosaics that constitute recognisable foreign flags.
2. Vehicles/vessels/aircraft: Cover, remove, or electronically blank foreign flag markings while within NSF-A territory or ports/airfields (including tail fins, hull ensigns, liveries, and call-sign art). Temporary neutralisation kits must be fitted before entry.

5) Documentation, Media & Merchandise

1. Publications, sets, exhibitions, packaging, uniforms, and digital products distributed in Antarctica must omit foreign flags. Historical/educational depictions require prior content redaction; no public-facing display.

6) Compliance Framework

1. Domestic Compliance Only: Foreign or international accreditations do not substitute for NSF-A authorisation.
2. Licensing:
3. Emblem Use Certificate (EUC) — permits approved NSF-A emblems only.
4. Commercial Science Licence (CSL) — for negotiations/contracts (L3 baseline; Bachelor-level > £75,000; Advanced + risk review > £3,000,000).
5. Obligations: Operators must maintain site plans, signage registers, and media asset inventories proving flag compliance.

7) Enforcement & Penalties

1. Criminal offence: Contraband display of information/emblems.
2. Sanctions: Immediate removal/seizure; fines and cost recovery; suspension of licences/operations; imprisonment up to nine (9) years for wilful or organised breaches; deportation for foreign persons where applicable.
3. Aggravating factors: Mass gatherings, broadcast scale, military/official misuse, repeat or covert displays, or use aimed at incitement.

Appeals: File within 15 working days; emergency takedowns are not stayed pending appeal.

8) Inspections & Monitoring

1. Announced/unannounced site checks; media and storefront sweeps; port/airfield entry inspections; digital signage audits; content watermark/provenance scans.

9) Transitional Measures (Entry & Transit)

1. Pre-arrival: Submit a Flag Neutralisation Plan for vessels/aircraft/convoys; fit covers/plates or load neutral livery profiles.
2. On entry: Customs/security confirm neutralisation; non-compliance → deny entry or impound pending remediation.
3. Diplomatic/military: Same requirements apply; coordination windows provided only for logistics of neutralisation.

10) Operational Guidance

1. Replace prohibited displays with NSF-A emblems or neutral signage.
2. Maintain a Flag Compliance Register (photos, timestamps) after each audit.
3. Train staff and contractors; include clauses in venue hire, production, and tenancy agreements.

11) Prohibited Work-Arounds

Shadow displays, translucent backlighting, partial crops, animated sequences resolving into foreign flags, QR/AR overlays, or “fan art” proxies. Any attempt to disguise a foreign flag is treated as a wilful breach.

12) Contacts

1. Emblem Authorisations (EUC): emblems@nsf-antarctica.org
2. Inspections & Enforcement: enforcement@nsf-antarctica.org
3. Ports/Airfields Neutralisation Plans: entries@nsf-antarctica.org
4. Compliance & Audits: compliance@nsf-antarctica.org
5. Ombuds & Appeals: ombuds@nsf-antarctica.org

This policy is binding across NSF-A territory. Foreign flags are not permitted under any circumstances; violations carry severe civil and criminal consequences.

Version 1.0 • Effective 26 September 2025