The mission of the Polar Small Vessels Alliance (PSVA) is to unite and represent operators and stakeholders committed to responsible, low-impact polar travel aboard small vessels. We advocate for best practices, environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and the preservation of access for small-scale operations in the Arctic and Antarctic. Through shared knowledge and collective action, we aim to protect polar regions while enhancing the quality, safety, and sustainability of the experiences we offer.
The Polar Small Vessels Alliance (PSVA) was born from a shared concern among small polar operators witnessing the growing impact of large-scale tourism in the Arctic and Antarctic.
As ships with hundreds of passengers began to dominate key landing sites, we saw first-hand how this was affecting not just the fragile environments, but also the quality of the guest experience. Crowded landings, reduced shore time, and increased pressure on wildlife and cultural sites risked undermining the very essence of polar exploration.
A group of like-minded operators, guides, and partners came together with a simple goal: to protect the integrity of small-scale, responsible polar travel. PSVA was created as a platform to collaborate, advocate, and ensure that the voices of smaller vessels are heard—and that the values of access, education, and environmental stewardship remain at the heart of polar tourism.
PSVA brings together a diverse community of operators, guides, scientists, and support partners who are united by a shared commitment to small-scale, responsible polar travel.
Our members include:
Together, our members represent the future of meaningful, low-impact exploration—where experience, education, and environmental care come first.
Copyright © 2025 the Polar Small Vessels Alliance (PSVA) - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.