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All expeditioners are busy throughout the Aurora Australis preparing for the upcoming scientific experiments ahead. Many of the ship & containerised laboratories are now ready for the initial stages of work once we reach the sea ice. Preparation of field equipment continues in the tween decks workspace and the science support team remain busy working on the various projects about to get underway.
Our Field Training Officer continues with expeditioner field training today and makes health and safety a priority at all times in Antarctica. Today expeditioner training covered the types of hazards we may face in Antarctica working on the sea ice and how to respond to them. Field training included the use of compass, GPS and VHF radios to communicate with the ship during sea ice work on science projects and also how to communicate in the event groups out on the ice lose sight of the ship due to blowing snow or become separated on a break-away ice floe. While this break away ice is unexpected, SIPEX II has many science projects working on the sea ice and our training prepares us well to maintain expeditioner safety in all conditions.
The CPR, Continuous Plankton Recorder, is deployed behind the ship collecting plankton specimens as we head south through the southern ocean toward the sea ice surrounding Antarctica.
REGARDS: Andy & Brett
Map
A map showing Australia and Antarctica. The map shows the journey of one voyage that has occured in the season, with each route highlighted in a distinct colour.