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Today the Supervisor of the Refuelling Rats commenced briefing expeditioners on the process of transferring fuel ship to shore for Davis Station. This session covers the whole refuelling operation which includes: deployment of the fuel line; the anchor system used for securing the line; leak testing; pumping of the fuel to station from the ship; and the pack up of the line. Nearly everyone will be involved in this process which will run continually for 35 hrs - from on shore where tanks are dipped, to those on the water monitoring the fuel line and then those who remain on the ship overseeing the whole refuelling operation. Normally Davis is refuelled over ice, however this year Davis will receive the fuel it requires for the coming year over water – more on this as we get closer to refuelling.
In between briefings expeditioners are cleaning their boots and vacuuming the pockets of their clothes and the bottom of their bags to ensure no seeds, soil or plant material are brought to station. This is part of the AAp's commitment to the environment and ensuring no non-native species are introduced to the unique Antarctica environment.
Last night we deployed our third Argo Hull, this time under the keen eye of the VMA and with icebergs in the background. The timing of this deployment was set during meal time, hence both the crew member involved and the VMA had to quickly consume their meals before hightailing up 96 stairs to the bridge to prepare for the deployment. It was back down another 96 to go collect the hull and then out the portside door for deployment. There now only remains one Argo Hull to deploy from the ship for Voyage 2.
Tonight we shift our clocks back another hour. This will bring us in line with the time at Davis indicating we are nearly at the first destination of Voyage 2.
REGARDS: Andy, Jenn and Lauren
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.