Training

Training policy on attendance

The AAD is responsible for ensuring that all expeditioners are prepared with the knowledge and skills to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of themselves, others and also the environment during their time in Antarctica.  Each expeditioner has a responsibility to ensure that at all times they take all reasonable steps to ensure that they do not create a risk for themselves, others or the environment.  Accordingly, the AAD plans and coordinates pre-departure training programs for expeditioners. 

Attendance at training courses is compulsory unless an exemption is obtained.  An exemption from training should not automatically be anticipated, and each application will be considered on its own merits.  Expeditioners should expect that additional field training may be conducted on-board the ship and after arrival at the station.

Expeditioners travelling to Antarctica and the subantarctic by SHIP:

*All expeditioners travelling by ship must attend the following sessions:

Voyage pre-departure briefing

All expeditioners (including round-trip expeditioners) must attend the voyage pre-departure briefing, usually held on the day of sailing.  Non-attendance will exclude expeditioners from embarkation.  The lifeboat familiarisation component of this briefing is an ‘Australian Maritime Safety Authority’ requirement. 

Expeditioners travelling to Antarctica by AIR:

Same day-return and short-term expeditioners-

Must all attend an Airlink Pre-departure Briefing that includes important flight and Wilkins Runway briefings and essential Antarctic safety, survival, environmental and governance information.  Sessions are scheduled to be held at the Division’s premises on the afternoon immediately prior to the scheduled flight.

Expeditioners spending more than two weeks away from Hobart

In addition to attending an Airlink Pre-departure Briefing, long-term expeditioners must also have attended a Station and Field Pre-departure Training Program.  These are also attended by wintering and summering expeditioners who will be travelling to Antarctica by ship.  Please now refer to section 3 of this document.

Station and field pre-departure training programs

These programs are often held some weeks prior to scheduled flights and ship departure dates and some expeditioners may be required to travel to Hobart to attend a specific program in preparation for their later flight or voyage.  Expeditioners will need to book accommodation in Hobart for the duration of the program.  However transport to and from Hobart will be provided.

All wintering and summering expeditioners are expected to attend one of these programs.  Expeditioners are able to apply for exemption - an exemption form and instructions can be downloaded (see below).

The Station and Field Pre-departure Training Program consists of two components:

•    Station and community training

•    Field training

Station and community training

This is often the first opportunity for many expeditioners to meet other expeditioners.  The training consists of lectures, films, demonstrations and discussions designed to familiarise you with the Antarctic Service Code of Behaviour and its requirements for living in Antarctica.

There are briefings on particular work and science programs and meetings of station groups.  There will be plenty of opportunities for questions and discussion during the program.  Copies of the program will be available prior to its commencement and expeditioners are required to attend all sessions.

Field training

This component of the program is conducted by field training officers (FTOs) and continues following arrival in Antarctica.  The training covers all aspects of living safely in the Antarctic/subantarctic environment, with particular emphasis on survival skills. 

Field training is planned and delivered according to work requirements and limitations are placed on Antarctic travel based on the expeditioner’s level of competency. 

Field training is divided into a number of competency units and, once completed, training records are entered on a training database. Antarctic field training is current for three seasons.  If an expeditioner has not completed survival or field travel training within this period, in the fourth season they must undertake refresher training at the following level:

Highest level of training undertaken:

• Survival – repeat 24 hour survival training
• Field travel – undertake a 24 hour refamiliarisation of field travel skills.

If an expeditioner has not completed any training or refresher within four seasons, in the fifth or consecutive season they must repeat survival or field travel training. 

Expeditioners are trained in common core competencies which include:

• use and care of clothing and field equipment
• field trip procedures
• survival techniques
• self rescue
• basic navigation
• radio procedure
• safety around stations & aircraft
• environmental responsibilities. 

Additional specialist training units are provided according to work requirements in the field in Antarctica and include such topics as:

• quad bike operation
• living in field huts
• camping
• sea ice travel
• glacier travel
• crevasse rescue
• GPS navigation
• over-snow vehicle travel
• remote area communication and power systems. 

Exemption from training

Requests for exemption from the Station and Field Pre-departure Training Program will be considered and approval by an AAD manager will be based on the premise that non-attendance will not compromise the safety of an expeditioner or an expedition.  Applicants will be advised ASAP of the decision.

Applicants should note that exemptions will only be granted to expeditioners where they have proven that they possess a high level of recent and relevant experience with a similar expedition. 

Experience should include experience in:

• safety and survival in Antarctica or the subantarctic including:
• • navigation
  • snow shelters
  • glacier travel
  • crevasse rescue
  • knowledge of clothing use etc,
• knowledge of government policies
• legislative requirements
• AAD policies applicable for service with the AAD.

Note: Exemptions should be forwarded to the Expeditioner Liaison & Training Officer at the AAD no later than six weeks prior to the program starting. No exemption forms will be accepted after this date.

• Training & Exemption Form 2011-12 [PDF]
• Training & Exemption Form 2011-12 [Word]

Non attendance at pre-departure training

The AAD reserves the right to preclude any expeditioner from Antarctica service if he or she does not either attend the prescribed training program or seek formal exemption.