A comprehensive training program equips expeditioners with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe, do their job well, contribute to the Program and maintain the safety and wellbeing of others while protecting the environment.

The AAD’s expeditioner training program is tailored to meet the needs of the Division, individuals, trade and professional groups and station communities. Training requirements for each expeditioner will vary according to their position, station and previous experience.

All expeditioners will undertake:

The AAD reserves the right to exclude any expeditioner from the Australian Antarctic Program if they do not attend the prescribed training program.

Expeditioner Summit

The Expeditioner Summit delivers foundation pre-departure training required to onboard and ensure the safety of our expeditioners. It aims to build a strong community and provides a comprehensive season overview of the Australian Antarctic Program.

This training takes place in Hobart over four days. Attendance is mandatory for all expeditioners staying on station for longer than 3 weeks. Those participating in a Round Trip voyage or spending less than 3 weeks on station have the option to complete a digital version.

You will be advised via email which Expeditioner Summit you are required to attend, or details of the digital version.

Online courses

Expeditioners are required to complete mandatory online courses prior to departure. You will be advised by email of the online courses you need to complete in Expeditioner Learning, based on your role. This will be sent 28 days prior to your scheduled departure date.

Transport to training

A chartered bus is available to transport expeditioners from their Hobart accommodation to the AAD Head Office in Kingston for training. If training takes place at another location, Cabcharge vouchers or a hire car may be arranged by the Expeditioner Capability & Training team (contact ExpeditionerTraining@aad.gov.au). Advice on these arrangements is provided by email. If you choose to use your own vehicle to travel, you will not be eligible to claim the costs of travel or parking.

Voyage briefing

All expeditioners travelling to Antarctica by ship must attend a voyage briefing. This will be held on, or before, the day of sailing.  This briefing is a compulsory requirement in order to embark the ship. The lifeboat familiarisation component is an Australian Maritime Safety Authority requirement.

If travelling on our icebreaker RSV Nuyina you are also required to complete mandatory online induction training prior to boarding. You will receive an email from the ship’s operator (Serco), with details on how to access this training. An additional face-to-face familiarisation session is also provided once onboard the ship.

Flight briefing

All expeditioners travelling to Antarctica by air must complete an online ‘Flying to Antarctica’ course and attend a flight information session. This is a compulsory requirement to board your flight.

First Aid Certificate

It is mandatory for all expeditioners to hold a current First Aid Certificate including HLTAID011 (Provide First Aid 3-year validity) and HLTAID009 (Provide CPR 1-year validity). The certificates must remain current for the duration of deployment on station. Note that the CPR competency will need to be updated in years 2 and 3 of the First Aid Certificate validity period.

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