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Yesterday evening, the crew and expeditioners of the Aurora Australis enjoyed a modest but well attended celebratory barbecue on the trawl deck set against the cold grey swells of the Southern Ocean. Expertly catered for by the galley staff, the occasion was a chance for those aboard to unwind and socialise outside normal routines.
Today, amidst occasional snow flurries and the passing of ice bergs, the ship is fully engaged in preparation for our arrival at Casey.
Expeditioners attended safety briefings on conduct in and around helicopters ‘amongst the safest in [their] class’ and the use of full body immersion suits. These briefings were followed by environmental briefings to reinforce appropriate behaviour around wildlife we may expect to see whilst visiting on station. Fortified by a hearty lunch the expeditioners will this afternoon, attend additional briefings on appropriate clothing to be worn by those venturing ashore, followed by a thorough boot scrubbing and vacuum process overseen by the watercraft team.
Voyage management in conjunction with senior watercraft operators and the ship’s Chief Mate conducted further planning meetings for water craft operations expected to facilitate the over water resupply of Casey station and transfer of personnel.
Finally, all aboard the Aurora Australis offer their congratulations to Mr Andy Burgess whose role as deputy station leader, for Mawson 2014/15 was publicly announced by ingoing station leader Mr Steve Robertson last night.
Cheers Andy, Brett, Dave, James
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.