2016-2020 AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC PROGRAM
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AUSTRALIAN ANTARCTIC PROGRAM
2016-2020
b
Introduction2
Australia and Antarctica 2
Australia and Antarctica — past and present 2
Personal considerations before you leave 6
Preparing and packing to go South 8
Working at the Australian Antarctic Division at Kingston 14
Shipping and air transport 15
Living and working in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic 16
Land and sea travel in Antarctica 22
Liaison and support 23
© Commonwealth of Australia 2016
Health in Antarctica 24
Protecting the environment 26
Australian Antarctic Division Expeditioner Handbook is
Antarctic service conditions 27 licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use
under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Policies and legislative responsibilities 28 licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the
Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency
Finally29
responsible for publishing the report, content supplied
Glossary30 by third parties, and any images depicting people.
Appendix 1 Legislative responsibilities 31 This report should be attributed as
Australian Antarctic Division Expeditioner
Appendix 2 The Antarctic Service Code of Personal Behaviour 33 Handbook, Commonwealth of Australia 2016.
The Commonwealth of Australia has made all
reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by
third parties using the following format ‘© [name of
third party] ’.
The information in this brochure is current as
of June 2016
Design: Giraffe vcm
Cover photo: Chris Wilson/Australian Antarctic Division
CONGRATULATIONS! You have been selected to travel south as part of the Australian Antarctic Program,
a privileged opportunity to participate in a great national endeavour. The success of every expedition
depends on its people, and you have been chosen as someone who will contribute positively by doing
your job well, looking after those around you and looking after yourself.
The remote location you are going to is hostile and dangerous. It will be both a workplace and a home for you. As in any small and
isolated community, respect and tolerance for each other is particularly important.
We expect you to look after your environment and put workplace health and safety first. Please report any incidents, improvements and
hazards you are aware of. Bring health and safety concerns and issues to the attention of someone who has the authority to deal with
the problem. Remember your families, friends and fellow expeditioners are depending on you to return safe and well.
Please read this handbook and any material to which it refers so that you understand all your important responsibilities.
Above all, have a wonderful, rewarding experience. You are a key part of delivering our world class Antarctic science and keeping
Antarctica protected, understood and valued. We really value your contribution. Work hard and participate in as many activities as you
can, keep your sense of humour and stay safe!
Nick Gales
Director
Australian Antarctic Division
1
Visiting Antarctica or the Australia and Antarctica Mawson’s 1911-1914 Australasian Antarctic
Expedition was the first Australian-led
sub-Antarctic is a wonderful
The Australian Antarctic Territory (AAT) covers Antarctic expedition and first large-scale
opportunity to experience Australian scientific program after Federation.
nearly 5.9 million square kilometres, about
living and working in a unique 42% of the Antarctic continent. Australia’s Mawson returned to Antarctica as leader of
environment. You are one of the sovereignty over the AAT is based on the 1929-1931 British, Australian and New
lucky few who visit this region discovery and a long historical association Zealand Antarctic Research Expedition.
and you will be the envy of many. with this region of the continent. Australia Antarctic scientists today still refer to the
has been active in Antarctic research and diverse and detailed scientific research that
This Expeditioner Handbook provides some exploration for over a century and from the was conducted during these expeditions.
background to the Australian Antarctic beginning, has made significant contributions
Program and what you can expect when you Mawson was a passionate advocate for
to the world’s understanding of Antarctica
go to Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic. In the Antarctic region and its environment.
and the global system of which it is a part.
particular, it contains specific information that He played a key role in the Tasmanian
will be useful to you during your preparations Government’s declaration of Macquarie Island
prior to leaving home, as well as after you Australia and Antarctica as a wildlife sanctuary and also in having
arrive at Kingston for your pre-departure — past and present the Australian Government recognise the
training. It outlines some of the steps that you Australia’s associations with Antarctica go back scientific value of Antarctica and acknowledge
need to take before travelling and answers to James Cook’s voyage of 1772-75, the first its need for protection.
some of the most commonly asked questions of many pioneering Southern Ocean journeys.
In 1947, the Australian Government
about living and working in Antarctica. As the During Shackleton’s 1907-09 expedition,
established the Australian National Antarctic
time for your departure draws closer, you will Australians Douglas Mawson and Edgeworth
Research Expeditions (ANARE) to set up and
receive additional information specific to your David together with Scotsman Forbes Mackay
maintain permanent scientific stations in the
voyage or flight and particular circumstances. were the first to reach the South Magnetic Pole.
Antarctic and on sub-Antarctic Heard Island
In addition to reading this handbook, you are
and Macquarie Island.
encouraged to regularly review the Australian
Antarctic Division (AAD) website to ensure
that you are current and up-to-date with the
requirements of your expedition.
© Alan Campbell Drury
© Frank Hurley
2
In 1954 Mawson was established, the first nor diminishing them. The Treaty guarantees Science program
permanent Australian station in the AAT. Davis freedom of scientific research and promotes
For over 100 years Australia has been
followed in 1957 and two years later, Australia international scientific cooperation. It provides
conducting high quality scientific research
took over the operation of Wilkes (formerly run for exchange of detailed information about
in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The
by the United States of America). The station activities in Antarctica and allows official
scientific interest arises from the fact that
on Heard Island was closed in 1955 and in inspectors from any Treaty Party complete
Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are dynamic
1969 Casey was built to replace Wilkes. freedom to access all areas of Antarctica to
and critical elements of our earth system.
ensure that the provisions of the Treaty and its
Antarctica contains 90% of the ice on earth and
environmental protocol are respected.
The Antarctic Treaty 60-70% of its fresh water. The seasonal growth
The Environmental Protocol establishes of sea ice each year is one of the earth’s most
In 1959 Australia was one of 12 original
environmental principles for the conduct of significant seasonal cycles covering an area of
Parties to the Antarctic Treaty, which came
all activities; subjects all activities to prior 19 million square kilometres at its maximum,
into force in 1961. Australia also played a
assessment of their environmental impacts; one and a half times the area of the Antarctic
key role in the development of the Protocol
requires the development of contingency plans continent! The Southern Ocean is a major sink
on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic
to respond to environmental emergencies and for global carbon dioxide emissions and the
Treaty which was adopted in 1991 and
prohibits mining. The Environmental Protocol unique ecosystems and wildlife of the region are
entered into force in 1998. The Treaty and
is also accompanied by Annexes that detail sentinels for the rest of the world on the impacts
its Environmental protocol, (also known as
specific measures and procedures relating to of ocean acidification and global warming.
the Madrid Protocol), designate Antarctica
as ‘a natural reserve, devoted to peace and environmental impact assessment; conservation Regional weather and global climate are heavily
science’. There are now 53 parties to the of Antarctic fauna and flora; waste disposal influenced by the Antarctic atmosphere, ice and
Antarctic Treaty and 37 parties to the Protocol. and waste management; prevention of marine the water masses of the Southern Ocean.
pollution; management of protected areas and
liability for environmental emergencies.
As part of the Antarctic Treaty System, Australia:
• Participates in international meetings that
govern activities in Antarctica, i.e. in the
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
© Richard Jupe
(ATCM), the Committee for Environmental
Protection (CEP) and the Commission for
the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR).
© Nick Roden
The Antarctic Treaty is an agreement designed • Consults with other Parties on the
to prevent the continent from becoming the management and governance of the
© Phillip Law
scene or object of international discord; it Antarctic region.
sets aside territorial claims, neither enhancing 3
• Advances Australia’s Antarctic policy interests.
Our stations
Australia maintains four stations year-round:
Casey, Davis and Mawson on the Antarctic
continent, and Macquarie Island in the
sub‑Antarctic region, as well as several
summer-only facilities.
Casey
© Mana Inoue Casey is the closest of Australia’s permanent
Antarctic stations and is situated on Bailey
Peninsula. The low, rocky Windmill Island group
lies offshore. Depending on weather conditions,
The science program today combines the The first three themes address the priority
ships take between seven and ten days to
scientific expertise from more than 150 science needs articulated by government policy
reach Casey from Hobart; the intercontinental
Australian and international institutions to and resource management agencies. The
aircraft takes about 41/2 hours.
undertake projects that are focused on key Frontier Science theme provides opportunity
scientific and policy questions. Of central for high quality science projects that address
importance is the need to better understand Australia’s national science priorities. The delivery
how Antarctica and the Southern Ocean of a scientific program of high international
influence the earth system, and how it will react standing is possible through the combined effort
to future changes. The Australian Antarctic of the entire Antarctic program.
Science Strategic Plan 2011-12 to 2020-21
responds to this need by focusing our science
© AAD
program on meeting the challenges of global
change, natural resource suitability, biodiversity
and managing human impacts on the Antarctic The Windmill Islands are home to tens of
continent within four thematic areas: thousands of birds, including adelie penguins,
giant petrels, skuas and snow petrels. Casey
• Theme 1 Climate processes and change is also the site of large moss beds, forming
one of the most significant vegetated areas
• Theme 2 Terrestrial and nearshore
on the continent. An Antarctic Meteorological
ecosystems: environmental change
Centre at Casey, run by the Australian Bureau
and conservation
of Meteorology, is a focus for weather and
© Rose Croasdale
• Theme 3 Southern Ocean ecosystems: climate research in this vital part of the global
environmental change and conservation weather system. About 150-160 expeditioners
© Kristin Raw
visit Casey during the summer while around
• Theme 4 Frontier science. 16-20 remain on station over winter.
4
Davis Mawson Macquarie Island
Davis is located in the Vestfold Hills about Mawson is the most westerly of the three Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island is located
20 km from the edge of the continental continental stations and is situated on an in the Southern Ocean, approximately half
ice sheet. Given good weather and ice isolated outcrop of rock on the coast in Mac. way between Australia and Antarctica. The
conditions, ships take about 10 to 12 days Robertson Land, at the edge of the Antarctic Australian research station is situated at the
to reach Davis from Hobart. plateau. It is Australia’s first continental station northern end of the island. In good weather,
and the longest continuously operating station it takes about three days to reach Macquarie
south of the Antarctic Circle. Depending Island from Hobart.
on weather and sea-ice conditions, it takes
about ten to 12 days to reach Mawson by
ship from Hobart.
© David Barringhaus
© Richard Youd
© Chris Wilson
The Vestfold Hills is the largest coastal ice-free
area in Antarctica. It covers about 400 km2 Macquarie Island, or “Macca” as it is generally
of low-lying hilly country, deeply indented by referred to, is a Tasmanian State Reserve
sea inlets and studded with lakes and tarns managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife
of varying salinity. One area in the region that Mawson is in a particularly favourable location Service. It was inscribed on the World
merits special protection is Marine Plain, with a deep harbour sheltered from ocean Heritage List in 1997 as it is an island of
designated as an Antarctic Specially swells and excellent access to the hinterland unique natural diversity, a site of major
Protected Area to protect outstanding fossil and surrounding coastal waters. Mawson has geoconservation significance and one of the
fauna and rare geological features. Several a summer population of approximately 24, truly remarkable places on earth. The island
of the early station buildings which predate with about 16 remaining over winter. is a breeding place for millions of seabirds
the 1980’s rebuilding program are of cultural and seals. Macquarie Island is home to about
heritage significance. Davis is home to 40 expeditioners over summer with about
about 120 expeditioners over summer and 13 remaining over winter.
about 18 over winter.
© Kerry Steinberner
5
It is important that you carefully Financial Health and medical
consider all personal issues If you are an AAD employee, your salary is While you will have had a full medical
relevant to you before you leave. paid into a nominated Australian financial examination prior to joining the AAD,
institution account (including banks and credit significant time can pass between this
• You should read and take into consideration unions). Electronic banking is also available medical and your deployment South. You
the information contained in the Antarctic and you should check with your bank or must advise the Polar Medicine Unit (PMU)
Separation guide, which is available at: institution for details of services offered. immediately of any illness, injury or significant
antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner. A hard change in your medical condition, health or
copy of this brochure will also be sent to • If there is a possibility that you may need wellbeing prior to departure.
the person whom you nominate as your to have funds drawn from bank accounts
primary contact. You may find it useful to during your absence, we recommend • You should be immunised against polio,
review and discuss this together to ensure that you seek advice from your financial diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough
that both you and those you leave behind institution about establishing a joint account (pertussis), hepatitis A & B and seasonal
are fully prepared for your departure and or providing a third-party with access to influenza prior to arrival in Hobart.
the ensuing separation. your account(s).
• International expeditioners from the
• Ensure that you have a current passport • Ensure that you have access to electronic northern hemisphere should obtain
with an expiry date at least six months in funds transfer though your financial evidence of annual influenza vaccination.
excess of your intended stay and that your institution.
• If you require further vaccination while you
credit card is valid for the whole period that
• Carry a small amount of cash (e.g. $50 are attending pre-departure training at the
you are away.
- $100) to purchase miscellaneous small AAD, you can arrange this through your
• Pack a set of smart, clean clothes that you items, for example postage, t-shirts etc. station doctor. If you are still in your home
can wear to greet your loved ones upon location, you should continue to consult
your return. with your local GP.
• Keep a small amount of money on hand so • Additional vaccinations or public health
that you have cash available upon returning measures may be offered to specific
to Australia, in case you need to pay for groups when health risk assessments of
things before finding a teller machine. proposed activities and roles indicate that
they are necessary.
• Pack something in your carry-on luggage
to keep you occupied on the ship if that is • An additional medical examination will be
how you will be travelling south. required for those travelling or working at
altitudes i.e. deep field sites above altitudes
© Todor iovolski
of 2500m. Please consult PMU for advice
on AAD-recommended preventative
6 measures, education and potential
treatment modalities.
• If you have concerns about any health- Clarify worker’s compensation issues and Voting responsibilities
related issues prior to departure, contact the procedures with your employer/organisation
You may have the opportunity to cast a
Polar Medicine Unit (PMU) doctors by phone before departure. Who should be contacted
vote in national or state elections if you are
03 6232 3569 or Int +61 3 6232 3569 or in case of workplace injury or illness? How
an Australian, but please note that not all
for urgent matters, 24 hours a day 7 days a do you submit a claim? Who is your workers
states have provision for Antarctic voters.
week via PMU Hotline 03 6232 3293. compensation insurer? eg Comcare or
You should contact your local electoral office
Worksafe Tasmania etc.
• AAD medical screening will be to discuss your personal circumstances and
coordinated by the Polar Medicine Unit NOTE: Medicare restricts cover exclusively the arrangements that are required for voting
polarmedscreening@aad.gov.au to Australian residents under the Health while you are in the Antarctic.
Insurance Act 1973. However this may be
Dental extended to certain temporary residents, for
You should have a thorough dental example visitors holding Temporary Entry Will and Power of Attorney
examination and any necessary treatment Permits (educational) class 418. If you believe You may wish to have a Will prepared before
prior to departure. that you fall into this category, contact a departure. If the need arises, this ensures
Medicare office with your passport to arrange that personal estates will be distributed in
• Wintering expeditioners must be certified cover. Medical support on station and ships accordance with your wishes and not as the
as dentally fit according to AAD guidelines is provided by the AAD and Medicare is not law demands where no Will exists.
within six months of departure. applicable.
• If you need advice on the preparation of
• Individuals must meet costs of any dental your Will, we suggest that you consult a
treatment but sponsors or employing
organisations usually reimburse costs
Private insurance solicitor or public trust office.
associated with dental examination of their If you are not an AAD employee, we • We suggest that you seek advice from a
participants with the provision of a certificate strongly advise you to obtain adequate legal professional about appointing a Power
and you should contact them to discuss this. private insurance to cover loss or damage of Attorney and that you do so within your
to clothing, personal effects and valuables own state or territory as conditions and
Private health insurance and transported to Antarctica. As few insurance restrictions can vary from state to state.
Workers Compensation companies offer this service, you should start
You should carefully consider your individual making enquiries as soon as possible.
situation before suspending private health or
accident cover while in Antarctica or the sub-
Antarctic. Do not assume that every injury or
illness sustained in Antarctica or the sub-
Antarctic will be covered by compensation on
© Andrea Turbett
return to Australia.
7
Antarctic Applications (03) 6232 3220 or email kitting@aad.gov. • Try to purchase low phosphate,
au, if you are a non-employee of the AAD. biodegradable products and do not take
Online (AAO) If you are employed as an expeditioner any aerosol products.
We require a range of personal information through the AAD recruitment process your
• Women should check with the Operations
from all expeditioners before they can ‘head kitting appointment will already have been
Support Section for a voucher to purchase
south’ to the Antarctic or sub-Antarctic. arranged by Expeditioner Training.
their own preferred sanitary items.
• Please enter your details into ‘Antarctic • Do not use AAD-issued clothing prior to • Please do not bring products containing
Applications Online’ (AAO) and ensure that departure due to quarantine requirements, plastic microbeads. The listing of
this is completed at least six weeks before unless it is required for training purposes. ‘polyethylene’ in the product ingredients is
your intended departure date. Log in from In this case, ensure that it is thoroughly a good indication plastic microbeads are
www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner. cleaned before you depart Australia. present, they may also be listed as ‘HDPE’,
for ‘high-density polyethylene’, or ‘PEHD’.
• Keep your login details safe; they are for For further information please consult Supply
your personal use only, so please do NOT Services staff at kitting@aad.gov.au or Personal items
share them with anyone else. phone (03) 6232 3220.
Outdoor recreational clothing and equipment
Specialised recreational clothing is not
Prescription safety and sunglasses
provided. You should consider bringing some
What to take If you are employed by the AAD for a of your own such as a lightweight windproof
minimum of one summer season and wear jacket, daypack and walking boots. Ensure all
Issued clothing and equipment
prescription glasses, you are entitled to one recreational clothing and equipment is either
You will be issued with some clothing and
pair of prescription glacier sunglasses and new or thoroughly cleaned before packing.
equipment specific to the duration of your
one pair of prescription safety glasses if Information on cleaning and biosecurity
time down south and your occupation,
required for your occupation. You will need can be found at www.antarctica.gov.au/
including trade-specific Personal Protection
to provide your own prescription. Contact expeditioner.
Equipment (PPE). Most of this equipment
whs@aad.gov.au if you require these.
remains the property of the AAD and must be
Indoor clothing
returned at the completion of the expedition. Toiletries Buildings in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic
You may be charged for any items which have
Basic toiletries such as toothpaste and are well heated and you only need to take
not been returned.
toothbrushes, talcum powder, soap, casual clothing (such as jeans, shorts, T-shirts
• Ensure that you complete your clothing shampoo and conditioner, shaving cream, and lightweight tops) for wearing inside. Light
sizes (including height & weight) within your razor blades, boot polish and brushes and indoor shoes such as runners or fleecy lined
profile in AAO to allow the AAD to prepare waterproofing compound are all available free (‘ugg’) boots are recommended and you may
your kit. on station from the ‘Woolies’ store. like to pack some clothing for fancy dress and
special occasions. Experience has shown that
• The AAD Clothing Store is located at Head • If you prefer to have your own particular new expeditioners often take too much so
8 Office in Kingston. Arrange appointments brands of toiletry items, you should take some time to think about what you really
by contacting the Clothing Store on purchase your own supplies. need when you’re packing.© Richard Youd 9
Towels (seeds, dirt, insects etc). This also includes • Peer-to-peer file sharing applications or
While bath towels are provided on the Aurora new items in original packaging. internet video and voice applications,
Australis, they are not provided on station. including Skype, are NOT permitted.
• Clean items should be packed into clean,
You are required to take your own towels;
new cardboard boxes or clean or new • AAD’s email can be collected via webmail
however, there are a small number of towels
plastic bins and these boxes or bins should (https://mail.aad.gov.au) or using Microsoft
on station for transiting and short term
expeditioners. Bedding is provided. have all openings sealed. Outlook.
• Polystyrene beads, chips or similar • Direct email connections to external mail
Cleaning your gear
packaging are prohibited in Antarctica. servers (POP3, IMAP, SMTP) are not
Caring for the environment begins before
Check all new items for these materials. permitted; however, access to webmail
you leave. Cleaning your gear thoroughly to
Where possible remove excess packaging services such as gmail or hotmail is
prevent accidental import of alien species and
such as paper, plastic and cardboard available.
disease is essential.
before packing to reduce the production
• Thoroughly clean personal items of clothing • New software that requires the internet for
of waste on station.
and equipment before departure and activation must be done before you depart,
ensure it is free from food scraps, soil, Computers and update existing software.
insects, seeds and similar. • Turn off automatic updates while at station.
BEFORE departing you will need to
• Pay particular attention to Velcro fastenings,
complete an ICT Systems Access • No internet access is available while
boot linings, clothing seams and pockets
Form to allow you to connect to the travelling to station, however some
which are likely to harbour seeds and other
network. Details of this and other restricted email services may be provided
material of quarantine concern.
forms will be sent to you in your pre- (depending on transport).
• Vacuum all pockets and warm wash and departure pack. Personal computers
dry all clothing. You may choose to take your own computer
will have restricted access to the
with you. When deciding what sort of
• Vacuum inside your boots and scrub them internet and station services.
computer to take to Antarctica, you should
well on the outside, ensuring that they
consider your travel arrangements. There are
contain no traces of soil. • All computers must have up-to-date weight restrictions on personal gear if you are
• Items that have been in contact with the antivirus software. The AAD can provide going to a station on a fly-off voyage. If you
ground, e.g. footwear, camera bags, Sophos free of charge. need immediate access to your computer,
rucksacks and tripods must be thoroughly it would be best to take a laptop. A desktop
• All internet activity must go via the AAD’s
washed with a bleach solution. or tower may not arrive at the station until
proxy server which controls the limited
bandwidth available. sometime after your arrival.
Packing your gear
When packing your gear as cargo you should • File sharing sites such as DropBox will be • Access to the station LAN is available via
inspect all items and ensure:
blocked. Contact the ICT Service Desk if an Ethernet (network) cable or wireless.
© Jill Brown
10 • All clothing, footwear, personal effects and you have any concerns regarding sites to Wireless facilities are only available in some
scientific equipment are free of propagules which you need access. areas on station.• Take all system, application and driver Biosecurity Tasmania. It is possible that it departure. Guidelines for purchase are set out
software, manuals and documentation with will undergo additional treatment before it is in the AAD Drug and Alcohol Policy. The AAD
your equipment–if the computer crashes, it approved to go South. prescribed limits will be strictly enforced. If
is quite possible that nobody else will have you are a short term expeditioner who cannot
the software to allow restoration. NOTE: Batteries transport alcohol with you to a station, you
The Communications person on station Cold temperatures tend to deplete battery may be able to purchase limited quantities
can only provide limited support. The power. Take a sufficient number of batteries on station.
ICT Service Desk (ext 3488) are your first for all electrical appliances including cameras
contact for any ICT issues. and laptop computers. Rechargeable When you arrive at Kingston for your pre-
batteries will be of no use to you out in the departure training, your Station Leader will
• Ensure that you know the administrative field unless your project has a generator provide further advice on limits and guidelines
passwords to your computer and any or solar panels. The AAD does not provide for the purchase and consignment of alcohol.
applications you have installed such batteries for personal electronic items. Take
as personal firewalls. NOTE: If your particular care in transporting spare lithium
computer was provided by an external batteries for cameras and other devices. Prohibited items
organisation such as UTAS, it may need Instructions on battery transport can be found —what not to take
some configuration changes; check with at www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner.
• Alien species. When we talk about aliens,
your helpdesk to ensure you have full
Alcohol and drugs we are not talking about ET or creatures
administrator access.
We do not tolerate excessive consumption of from the moon; rather we are talking about
Mobile Phones and Tablets alcohol to the detriment of the individual and plant and animal materials or soil not
It is recommended that you do take your community as a whole. Nor do we tolerate naturally occurring in Antarctica, all of which
mobile phone and/or tablet with you as you the use of recreational drugs. Mandatory could hitch a ride on your clothing, personal
will be able to use mobile devices to a limited drug testing for all aviation safety sensitive gear and equipment. It is an offence to take
degree. Take chargers and cables, including roles is conducted as part of the medical these into the Antarctic.
spares. Install all system and app updates examination. Additional drug and alcohol • Polystyrene beads, chips or similar
prior to leaving, and turn off automatic testing may be conducted while on expedition packaging as wildlife mistake these items
updates and cloud sync services. when operationally indicated and as per the for food. Wrap fragile items in clothing,
AAD Drug and Alcohol Policy. foam or paper instead.
Hobby materials
You can involve yourself in a wide range of The AAD Drug and Alcohol Policy (available • No personal supplies of food unless
hobbies while you are away but you must at www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner) commercially packaged and sealed.
pre-plan them and ensure that you take your outlines the requirements for use, purchase
• All excess packaging. Dispose of excess
own materials with you. You can take musical and consumption of alcohol. We expect you
paper, plastic, cardboard and other
instruments, art materials, needlework etc. to abide by these policies. A limited supply
materials that your goods may be packed
© Garry Miller
A limited quantity of timber for hobbies of alcohol is provided by the AAD for special
in before you leave home.
is allowable but it must be cleaned and occasions such as Christmas; however, most 11
dressed and will be subject to inspection by expeditioners will purchase alcohol prior to • Illicit drugs.12 © Glenn Jacobson
• Firearms. • If you are an expeditioner travelling to training requirements, briefings and dates if
Heard Island or Macquarie Island, you must they apply to you.
• PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and
prepare your cabin luggage prior to sailing
pesticides. They are banned under the • Attendance at ship and air pre-departure
so that it will be at least spray-proof if
Antarctic Treaty’s Environmental Protocol briefings is compulsory – if you don’t
transferred ashore by small watercraft.
as they may persist in the Antarctic attend, you don’t go!
environment and damage local wildlife. • All cargo must be absolutely clean and free
• Attendance at required training is
of soil, insects, plant and animal matter.
compulsory unless recognition of prior
For further information please consult learning is granted.
Cargo Supply Services staff at cargo@aad.gov.au
• You must provide Expeditioner Training
Space on stations is very limited so do not or phone (03) 6232 3190.
with certified copies of all relevant
pack more equipment than is necessary.
certificates and licences on the first day
Details about specific cargo allowances,
you arrive at the AAD.
packaging, labelling and consignment will be Sales and tax free purchases
sent to you once your place on the expedition • Your participation in the Australian Antarctic
The Australian Customs Service requires that
has been secured. Program is dependent on your successful
sales and tax free purchases using the Tourist
completion of training.
• If you are a wintering expeditioner, you Refund Scheme (TRS) fit within the sizing
are entitled to one cubic metre/250 kg of guidelines presently used by airlines for cabin NOTE: Some of these programs are often
personal effects that will be shipped to baggage. All duty free and TRS purchases held several weeks prior to the scheduled
station on designated resupply voyages. must be included within personal cabin departure and you may need to travel to
This cargo will not be available until the ship baggage limits. Hobart to attend a specific training course.
reaches your station, which may be some
If there is a period between completion of
time after your own arrival. If you are travelling to Macquarie Island or
training and deployment to Antarctica or the
Heard Island from an Australian port, TRS
• Items intended for shipment or flight must sub-Antarctic, you may have to return home
refunds or duty free purchases are not available.
be delivered to Supply Services by the in the interim. Non-AAD expeditioners will be
advertised ‘cargo required-by’ dates. For further information on the TRS please required to attend training at their own cost
• Cargo must also be electronically lodged in consult the Department of Immigration & Border (flights and accommodation).
the electronic consignment system (eCon) Protection website at www.border.gov.au/.
The AAD is developing a number of online
which is available to any user—AAD staff,
training modules. Some of these will be
external organisations and expeditioners’
mandatory and you will be required to
families and friends. eCon is available from Training complete these before attending face to
www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner.
In addition to mandatory pre-departure face training. You will be notified of these
• Cargo requiring special handling (e.g. briefings, you may be required to attend a requirements by Expeditioner Training.
fragile, overweight, dangerous goods, range of other activities such as community
© Jan Leiser
or those of critical nature etc.) must and professional training courses or field
be brought to the attention of Supply training. You will be notified separately of any 13
Services staff.Travel costs
During the pre-departure training period,
transport (or the reasonable cost of transport)
will be provided for travel to and from the
Hobart CBD to the AAD each week day.
This is normally in the form of travel by bus.
Please ensure that you are at the appointed
pick-up areas on time. You can check with
recruitment for the current pick up points and
times on 1800 030 755.
Bike and shower facilities
There are excellent facilities at Kingston for
those who wish to bring their bikes with them
and ride to work. There is a purpose-built
© Jonothan Davis
facility for the secure storage of bicycles as
well as showers and change rooms.
When you arrive at Kingston, you Health issues while at Kingston Gym membership
will be issued with a security pass Antarctic medical practitioners in training at Membership to the Kingston Sports Centre is
available to expeditioners who are employed
to access the site along with your Kingston for their Antarctic deployment are
by the AAD for three months or longer.
computer log-on. available to provide some medical advice on
incidental complaints to their expeditioners
If you are an expeditioner at Kingston and not if circumstances permit. If you do not have
engaged on training courses or preparatory access to your usual general practitioner, the Cafeteria
work, you will be expected to attend work PMU can refer you to local Hobart medical The AAD cafeteria serves light meals and
at the AAD, and to assist with general tasks facilities if requested. It is critical that you snacks and is open from 8.00 am to 3.30
in support of expedition activities such as do not delay advising PMU doctors of any pm on weekdays only. It is also open to the
preparing equipment and supplies. You will be change in your medical conditions, health or general public.
responsible to either your Station Leader or well-being prior to departure so that we can
supervisor and if you are absent, you should arrange appropriate care or medical support
report to either of them by 9.30 am on each on expedition.
day of absence.
14The AAD operates both shipping • NOTE: At this time the AAD and P&O and a slide and/or power point projector. The
representatives are having discussions Aurora Australis also has a small gymnasium
and air transport to Antarctica.
regarding the application of P&O random and sauna. Cash is needed for purchases
Seasonal shipping and air drug and alcohol testing regime on AAD from the ship’s shop.
schedules are published on the Expeditioners.
home page of the AAD website
at www.antarctica.gov.au. Be • As part of their border protection mandate,
the Australian Customs and Border
aware that schedules and timing protection Force and Biosecurity Tasmania
of flights and voyages do change
© Sharon Labudda
on behalf of the Department of Agriculture
so you must allow for flexibility in regularly inspect cargo and baggage both
transport arrangements. coming into and out of Australia and may
use specially trained detector dogs.
The AAD’s flagship is the icebreaker Aurora
Australis but other ships may be used from • AAD security staff may also conduct Other facilities vary from ship to ship.
time to time. Light aircraft and helicopters fly inspections. These checks may be conducted Smoking is permitted only in designated
between stations at certain times of the year. on accompanied baggage, in cabins, on deck areas and vegetarian meals are
carry-on-board (COB) material, internal mail, available. Please ensure that you fill in your
• Check out the transport schedules from the
cargo or unaccompanied baggage. dietary requirements on the AAO system
home page on the AAD website.
which is available from
• You must carry a current passport with an • Do not carry any fresh fruit or vegetables.
www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner/.
expiry date at least six months in excess of
• Ensure that you have relevant permits to
your intended stay.
import any scientific specimens into Australia. General enquiries:
• If you are a non-Australian expeditioner, Operations
you must have appropriate visas. NOTE: All who perform safety-sensitive operationsenquiries@aad.gov.au
activities associated with an aerodrome
• Baggage restrictions apply on ships and will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. AAD Transport Information Service
planes. Excess cargo will not be accepted. No-one can travel in any AAD aircraft if they 1800 030 744 or
have consumed any alcohol or illicit drugs international +61 3 6232 3269
• You will be notified of cargo arrangements,
including quantities, “required by” dates within the previous 12 hours.
Warehousing and distribution enquiries
and labelling protocols, prior to departure. (03) 6232 3372
• Strict drug and alcohol policies apply warehouse@aad.gov.au
Shipboard life
to all ship and aircraft travel. No alcohol
Sheets, doonas, towels and soap are Cargo enquiries
for personal consumption may be taken
(03) 6232 3190
© Don Hudspeth
supplied on the Aurora Australis. Shipboard
on board. Alcohol may be provided by
amenities include clothes washing facilities, cargo@aad.gov.au
voyage management on special occasions
communal computers with e-mail facilities, 15
nominated by the AAD Director.
videos, books, magazines and board gamesWhen you arrive on station, you Station facilities and amenities
will receive an induction. It is the The layouts of the permanent stations vary
responsibility of the outgoing but each station has scientific laboratories,
expeditioners to maintain the work power generators, workshops, a small
medical facility, stores, communications
of the station during changeovers.
© Jessica Fitzpatrick
facilities and living quarters including
All on station may be required to kitchen, mess, recreation rooms, library
assist with unloading and back- and expeditioner accommodation rooms.
loading operations. Most station buildings are connected to
site services providing hot and cold water,
electricity and sewerage.
Voluntary roles Community duties
You will be required to perform common Living accommodation
Everybody going to Antarctica and the sub-
Antarctic has either a scientific or operational duties to assist in the running of the station Expeditioners generally live in modern air-
job and all have an important role to play in community. This includes chef’s assistant conditioned single-room ‘dongas’ (Antarctic
the successful running of the station or field (slushy), day care, station duties and garbage slang for bedrooms). When the number of
camp. In addition to recruited positions, there collection/disposal. expeditioners at Casey and Davis is high,
are also voluntary jobs which are secondary expeditioners may need to share rooms.
A ‘kitchen slushy’ is a general kitchen hand
to your main role but contribute to community and duties include assisting in the preparation Every attempt will be made to accommodate
well-being. These positions include station of meals, cleaning up the kitchen and mess those expeditioners whose jobs require shift
waste management officers, environment and other duties as requested by the chef. work, or who have mandated periods of rest
officers, librarians, hydroponics officers, Day care involves the daily cleaning of the required by law (such as pilots), to be placed
medical support team, search and rescue communal areas such as the bar, lounge in rooms where they can expect minimal
and fire team members. For some of these areas, public toilets and the removal of
AND THE SUB-ANTARCTIC positions, specialised training is provided prior kitchen rubbish.
interruptions during the day. Please be
mindful of noise when moving around
to departure from Australia.
Station duties may include any kind of these and all accommodation areas.
periodic cleaning, maintenance or tidying
Antarctic buildings have heavy, insulated
up. It’s an opportunity for you to pitch in
doors and you always need to use two
and help keep the station in clean, safe and
hands to ensure you close doors quietly.
comfortable repair. These duties are normally
done on Saturday afternoons, but this may
be varied by agreement. Other general station
duties include bulk re-fuelling, monitoring
radio schedules, transferring stores and
clearing snow from exits.
16© Jessica Fitzpatrick 17
Medical facilities Laboratories and observatories Recreational facilities
All stations are equipped with small, Each station has scientific observatories and/ Each station has a library as well as DVD
comprehensive medical facilities which are or laboratories. Working space inside these players and a range of movies and general
necessarily limited in capability. Medical buildings is allocated by the AAD Laboratory DVDs which are updated each year by the
facilities include a consulting and examination Manager in consultation with appropriate AAD. Stations have a small spa and sauna, a
room, a small operating theatre, a dental program managers. This allocation MUST gymnasium as well as pool tables, table tennis,
facility, a stocked pharmacy and a small be granted BEFORE travelling to Antarctica volley ball, board games, darts and some
diagnostic laboratory. The station doctor is and preferably at the project planning stage. communal band and stage equipment (drum
assisted in emergencies by expeditioners, Do not simply set up equipment inside a kit, bass, electric guitars and keyboard etc.).
who have trained in Hobart to act as lay building without obtaining specific permission
surgical assistants. AAD Polar Medicine staff beforehand. When in Antarctica, any request Some outdoor sports equipment such
and a network of medical specialists around to change the initial allocation must be as cross country skis and boots are also
Australia are available to provide tele-medical submitted through the AAD Laboratory available. Station equipment is clearly marked
advice and support if needed. Manager and only acted on after approval and you will be expected to take care of
has been given. it as if it were your own. Safety inductions
Laundry facilities are required for the use of a number of
There are scientific observatories at each recreational facilities and equipment.
Each station is also equipped with a laundry
station which contain automatic monitoring
fitted out with washing machines and
equipment for the Space and Atmospheric
dryers, a drying room and ironing facilities.
Environmentally sensitive washing detergents
Sciences (CPC) program. Some equipment Station operations
is potentially hazardous (i.e. high powered
are provided. Please use the recommended Maintenance of station facilities
lasers, or extremely high voltages) so take
amount of detergent, adding more will not get A multi-disciplinary team of trades people
seriously any safety notices present.
your clothes cleaner. It just puts more load maintains the facilities on station and
into the waste water treatment plant. undertakes scheduled new construction work.
Smokers hut
Smoking is prohibited in all Commonwealth No alterations or additions, including fastening
Clothing store
buildings, vehicles, plant and equipment. nails to walls, are to be made to buildings or
A clothing store at each station has a limited equipment without prior AAD approval and
An outside van is designated as the ‘smokers’
range of items to replace lost or damaged then only by qualified trade personnel.
hut’ at each station and its cleanliness is the
articles. The clothing is expensive and it is your
responsibility of those who use it. Smoking in
primary defence against the cold, so take care Food and hydroponics
cold porches is not allowed as the smoke is
of it. Wear trade-specific clothing for rough Food at the stations is prepared by a qualified
drawn back into the building’s air conditioning
work to protect more fragile garments. Sewing chef. Where required, we cater for special
system. NOTE: There is no smoking inside
machines, zip-fasteners etc. are available at dietary requirements (e.g. vegetarian, vegan,
© Michael Goldstein
field huts and tents.
the stations and everyone is expected to carry gluten intolerant etc.). Eggs and fresh
out elementary repairs to their clothing. vegetables are available for the first few
months after resupply. Limited hydroponics
18
produce is also grown on each station andtraining for those maintaining these facilities is rubbish, all of which must be sorted and Communication
provided. We also supply soft drinks (post- returned to station. You will be expected The opportunity for you to maintain contact
mix), sweets, chocolates and nuts. to sort your waste properly into various with family and friends is one of the most
recyclable and non-recyclable categories. important aids to maintaining morale. The
same communications services allow
Rubbish collection around the station is done
scientists to remain in contact with their
on a weekly basis and you will probably be
research institutions to transfer data or to
rostered to this duty at some stage during
engage in peer discussions or review.
© Pete Hargreaves
your stay. A limited amount of waste, such
as perishable food, medical and solid human Communication options will depend on your
waste from the field, is incinerated on station. location, but they may include:
You will be informed of these protocols during
your pre-departure training and again when • Australia Post mail during the summer
you get to station. shipping season
The hydroponics facilities on station are a
restricted area and you must be inducted by • Email
the hydroponics officers on station before • Telephone
entering the hydroponics facilities. Station living
In Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic you will be Each station has public computers,
Water a member of a new team—a multi-disciplinary photocopiers, facsimiles and telephones. For
Water is obtained at the continental stations team undertaking a complex and very most people, the usual form of communication
either directly from under-snow melt lakes, important program of work in the national and is via e-mail. An AAD-owned satellite network,
or by melting ice from the plateau or snow international interest. Each of you will bring known as ANARESAT, provides telephone
drifts or reverse osmosis. Although the supply particular skills and knowledge that no one access between the stations and the rest
is limited, sufficient water is available for else in the team may possess and you will all of the world. Telephones are located at the
washing, cooking and laundering. However, be dependent upon each other’s skills and stations in all workplaces and most bedrooms.
water is precious and conservation is an experience. Mobile phones work in some locations.
essential feature of daily life. On Macquarie
Couples on station Prior to arrival at station, you will be issued with
Island, water is piped from a small dam near
Relationships existing prior to, or a six digit personal identification number (PIN)
the station. The supply is plentiful although in
commencing after, the start of an expedition, that must be entered when making a call into
winter the pipes feeding the station do freeze
are not an uncommon feature of life in an the public telephone network. The cost of this
for short periods, leading to water restrictions.
Antarctic community. Couples should be telephone call is debited against the PIN. Costs
Waste management sensitive to the potential impact of indiscrete are debited each month against your pay if
you are an AAD or Bureau of Meteorology
© Pete Hargreaves
Waste management is a major issue on behaviour on others who are separated from
their loved ones. employee. Other expeditioners will be required
station and indoor and outdoor station
to provide credit card details prior to departure
cleanups are conducted regularly. Field trips
to cover call costs.
generate human waste as well as general 19Social media is a big part of helping you Specific protocols govern the use of social Fire
communicate with family and friends while media in emergency situations. These Fire is a serious hazard in Antarctica and
you are in Antarctica. But social media carries guidelines are made available on the fire-fighting is greatly complicated by the
risks. When using social media we ask you to intranet at http://intranet.antarctica.gov.au/ environment. Limited supplies of water,
consider the following: information-management/web-publishing/ strong winds and an exceptionally dry climate
social-media. If in doubt about any social compound the serious fire risk, as does the
• Reputational harm: could what you are doing
media use please check with your Station presence of many flammable liquids and
harm the reputation of one of your colleagues,
Leader or the Corporate Communications gases and the fact that some station buildings
the Department and/or the Government?
Section of the AAD at media@aad.gov.au. are not occupied 24 hours a day. Please
• Authority to publish: are you disclosing any remain highly fire conscious and abide by all
Departmental information that you are not Call costs from stations
the rules designed for fire protection.
authorised to disclose? Telephone calls from stations to:
• Comment as a private individual: have you • Australian fixed lines are charged at a rate
made it clear that your contribution is as a of 28 cents per minute.
Recreational activities
private individual? Outdoor recreational activities
• There is limited access to 13, 1300 and
• Appropriateness of your post: are you We recognise that participation in outdoor
1800 numbers and calls are charged at
willing to defend your post to a supervisor? recreational activities promotes health,
28 cents per minute.
fitness and a positive outlook necessary for
• Privacy of colleagues: do your colleagues a productive and balanced lifestyle during
• Australian mobiles and most international
agree to any posts about them? your Antarctic service and we encourage
destinations are charged at a rate of
• Authorised use of Government 38 cents per minute. responsible participation.
infrastructure: if using Government owned
• Satellite terminals, e.g. Iridium or You should not expect to engage in the full
infrastructure, do you have permission to
Inmarsat, are charged at a higher rate. range of outdoor recreational opportunities
use it in this way?
Telecommunication personnel will advise the normally available in Australia. This applies in
• Maintaining integrity, respect and charge to a particular terminal on request. particular to adventure or ‘extreme’ activities
accountability: are you behaving with NOTE: This includes all calls while transiting where the consequences of mishap are
integrity, respect and accountability? to station. potentially serious. Prior to departure from
Australia, all expeditioners should familiarise
• Copyright issues: always give people
A separate handout called Communicating themselves with the Outdoor Recreation
credit for their work and ensure you have
with Antarctica will be sent to your family Policy on the AAD website at
permission to publish their material.
which will provide more information on email, www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner/.
• Displaying unsafe or inappropriate Australia Post and telephone protocols.
behavior: does your post display an It is also available on the website at
unsafe or inappropriate practice? www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner/.
© Gordon Tait
• Perception: could your social media
20 post be perceived negatively?Hobbies on station Drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) ImageAntarctica
Small tools (powered and unpowered) are New regulations administered by the Civil ImageAntarctica, is the AAD’s online image
available for general use in pursuit of a hobby, Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) apply to flying collection accessible via the AAD intranet:
however large workshop machine tools such UAVs. AAD Standard Operating Procedure, http://image.antarctica.gov.au/.
as lathes, welding machines and thicknessers Operations Manual, Volume 5 – Aviation
Standard Operating Procedures – Appendix 2, It contains images depicting Australia’s
are limited to use for work purposes by trades
sets out the requirements for UAV flights within activities in Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic.
people only. The use of small tools is subject
the Australian Antarctic Program. All operators Images are used to communicate the
to permission from the workshop supervisors
also require an environmental authorisation Australian Antarctic Program’s research
who will need to ensure that your safety is not
under the Antarctic Treaty Environment externally to the scientific community and the
compromised and that the maintenance of
Protection Act 1980. Seek your Station general public. Internally, images are also used
the equipment is monitored.
Leader’s approval and advice on any existing as a primary source for researchers, and as a
We have embarked on a program of approvals and conditions for recreational tool to support the AAD’s operational planning.
establishing hobby huts on station. Where a users before undertaking a flight. You will not
Expeditioners can help promote the
station has an established hobby hut, only the be able to operate a UAV from the ship for
AAD’s work by contributing images to
tools residing in those huts may be used for recreational purposes.
ImageAntarctica. By uploading your
hobbies and they must both be used in, and
Photography images to ImageAntarctica via the Creative
remain in, the hobby hut. No additional tools
You will want to take advantage of the Commons 4.0 Attribution by CC license,
from the trades workshops will be provided
spectacular photographic opportunities you retain copyright over your images. For
nor are they allowed to be used. Be aware
presented by Antarctica. When photographing AAD intended purposes, it allows us to use
that wood taken south in personal effects and
birds and animals, be sure to maintain the your images on social media and online, and
craftwork returned to Australia will be subject
appropriate wildlife approach distances remix or adapt your work. You will be credited
to quarantine inspection and treatment if
as outlined in the Environmental Code whenever your images are used. It also
necessary. This is done by the AAD after
for Participants in the Australian Antarctic allows the AAD to grant use of your images
cargo is consigned.
Program. This handout will be distributed to news media agencies for the purposes of
Amateur radio to you at your pre-departure training at promoting the AAD’s work. The terms of this
If you wish to operate amateur radio in the AAD and it is also available from licence are similar to those you agree to when
Antarctica, you will need to obtain permission www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner/. you use social media platforms (e.g. Twitter,
in writing from the AAD Telecommunications Facebook). Although these terms are our
Manager. You cannot operate without an The AAD Multimedia Unit (MMU) has produced preference, there are a range of options.
Amateur Radio Licence, which must be a helpful handout called Photography
and Filming in Antarctica, available from We are happy to provide further information,
obtained before leaving Australia. You will
www.antarctica.gov.au/expeditioner/. advice and tips and encourage you to visit
need to supply all your own equipment and
Corporate Communications before you leave.
spares. No station radio equipment is available
© Barry Becker
You can contact us on (03) 6232 3313 or
for amateur radio communication purposes.
email multimedia@aad.gov.au.
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