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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 2001-02: VUWAE 46

*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD

*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD

page 4

▪ Reception and planning for your event:

Our event was one of the first big events to be staged at Scott Base that season. The base engineering crew were fresh, but provided us with a good level of support. K114 N and P (seismic teams) included an experienced mechanic who had wintered in 1992 (Mike Collins) and new his way around ANT NZ equipment and Scott Base. Mike and the drilling team were able to prepare our equipment (primarily the Hagglunds with seismic gear and the drill rig), without any real demands on the time of the engineering staff. The only real pressure placed on the engineering staff was to provide space in the garage for staging vehicles and sledges. Jim Cowie and the Field Operations Officer did a good job at allocating resources to a complicated and multi-facetted event.

▪ Availability and condition of equipment received:

All resources requested were available. The Alpine skidoos were the oldest at Scott Base and consequently broke down in New Harbour on two occasions. We understand the reluctance to allow newer skidoos to do sea-ice work, but these skidoos did not break down due to maltreatment. Polar tents were adequate as weather was generally good, however they were old and would not have held up well in a big storm.

▪ Field training:

Fine

▪ Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey

Not required

▪ Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause

Problem with explosives arriving from ChCh by USAF

Problem with surveying through the approach to the "white-out landing zone"

▪ Safety and Risk Management processes

Explosives transport and handling protocol was lodged with ANT NZ Operations Manager and followed out in the field. Each team had a nominated safety officer. Seismic operations were carried out to industry safety standards. Areas for sea-ice activities were carefully checked out by Alex Pyne. Webster Drilling members followed guidelines outlined in their safety manual for polar regions. All activities were carried out subject to the field operating guidelines adhered to by Antarctica New Zealand.

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