The best job in the world! Telecommunications in Antarctica

Working in telecommunications in Antarctica is the best job in the world! Andrew Thomas should know.

Andrew Thomas Photo: G. Ratcliffe

Bound for Davis on the second voyage of the season as Supervising Communications Technical Officer (SCTO), Andrew is heading to Antarctica for the third time. His first post was to Mawson in 2003, followed by a year at Casey in 2006. Davis marks the first of a multi-year contract, during which Andrew will spend three winters out of five in Antarctica.

Many expeditioners spend up to several months undergoing additional professional and community training in Hobart before departure.

As well as specialised professional training, this year Andrew and one of his colleagues are also learning to drive heavy machinery including a JCB Loadall, a vehicle used for shifting heavy cargo, a skidder for towing large trailers, and a Caterpillar 950 front-end loader to clear snow and move heavy containers.

The men will receive nationally accredited qualifications to operate these vehicles from the Civil Contractors Federation, the national industry training body. These additional operational skills will be invaluable on station.

Preparing to drive the Caterpillar 950 Photo: G. Ratcliffe	Moving dirt with the JCB Loadall Photo: G. Ratcliffe	Learning how to climb masts safely Photo: A. Rushton

I just love this job, said Andrew. It is so varied. One part of our job is IT support, but no-one doing this job in Australia would be driving a JCB in the course of their work!They would probably be sitting behind a Help Desk.

In Antarctica, we do maintain data networks and trouble shoot computer problems, but our main work involves VHF and HF radio work, maintaining the satellite links for telephones and computers, and maintenance of the antennas. During the summer, we also provide communications support for helicopter and CASA operations as well as remote field parties. No two days are the same.

Air operations will be underway as soon as Voyage 2 arrives at Davis. Two communications operators will be based on station throughout the summer flight season, both of whom will be supervised by Andrew as SCTO. A Communications Technical Officer (CTO) will share the telecommunications work load for the whole year, which includes terminating fibre optic cabling for the new reverse osmosis waste water treatment plant at Davis.

Telecommunications is integral to the safe conduct of air operations Photo: J. Rich

Communications technician doing antenna work in Antarctica Photo: Trevor Crews

Testing comms equipment at Tarbuck Crag near Davis Photo: G. Wilson

Andrew is also looking forward to the general community life. I gained a Restricted Coxswain's Certificate with the AAD which is still current, and will be a member of the station boat team, operating the inflatable rubber boats in support of the science programmes. I hope to take on other community roles once we have these organised.

I enjoy community living, socialising after work with others on station, watching movies together and performing regular duties such as kitchen slushy. I am also taking my guitar down with me. I learnt to play on my previous trips south, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn more and play with others.

I am lucky to have the support of my family. It can be a challenge being so far away, especially with ageing parents. I think it is important to prepare yourself before you go that if anything goes wrong back at home, you must accept that it will happen without you.

Andrew is scheduled to depart Hobart on Voyage 2 on 20 October and return in December 2008. We plan to follow his progress throughout the year, and will bring you updates of how the year at Davis unfolds for him.

See also:

• Technical information about ANARE telecommunications
• Communications in the field
• Davis Station
• Jobs in Antarctica 2007-08