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Today the ship has enjoyed a steady NE swell propelling us onward to Hobart where we are due to arrive sometime tomorrow morning. Aboard, expeditioners have been occupied with performance reviews, end of voyage operational reviews and preparations for disembarkation (for those disembarking). All the while, preparations and planning meetings are ongoing for the coming voyage (V2) which is set to commence once port call is completed.
A final tour for those of us who had not yet been lucky enough to view the ship's ROV and dive facilities was conducted after lunch. 'Mind blowing' and 'the closest thing to outer space we'll ever see' have been some of the comments made by those stepping out of the intricate maze of preassurised capsules, control centres, moon pools and diving bells that featured on the walk around. Well and truly a standout feature of the ship and of our experience aboard, we are exceedingly grateful to the ship's crew for hosting this.
This evening we will hold the last of our 'fireside chats' with the V1 expeditionary team to discuss port-call proceedings tomorrow, and to bid our goodbye to Voyage 1. Within this expeditioner group are both those who self-isolated with us in Hobart over Christmas and New Years and have remained onboard the vessel in a round-trip voyage support capacity ever since, as well as those who joined us at station after supporting resupply preparation at station and its implementation. This voyage has not been without its challenges. Completing cargo, refuel and passenger transfers with a vessel new to the Australian Antarctic Program whilst ensuring scrupulous adherence to COVID-19 best practice guidelines has demanded patience, goodwill and adaptiveness of all. The performance of the V1 expeditioners aboard has been exemplary. Their contribution to voyage matched by the outstanding efforts of the Casey station team under the leadership of SL Kyle and DSL Dave, the crew of the MPV Everest under ship's Master Jan D, and the combined efforts of the AAD Shipping team, AAD workgroups in Kingston and counterparts at MCS and Fox Offshore. Our thanks to all involved.
To those expeditioners and crew remaining on board the MPV Everest for V2, we wish you a safe, productive and happy voyage.
We will be berthing at Macquarie No. 4 wharf Hobart at 1000hrs tomorrow, Thursday 4 February 2021.
Regards,
James, Jenn and Andy.
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.