Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

Report of the Antarctic Treaty Inspections undertaken jointly by the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic in accordance with Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty and Article 14 of the Environmental Protocol

United Kingdom, Foreign & Commonwealth Office Czech Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

Report of the Antarctic Treaty Inspections undertaken jointly by the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic in accordance with Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty and Article 14 of the Environmental Protocol

United Kingdom, Foreign and Commonwealth Office Czech Republic, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

May 2015 © Crown copyright 2015 Printed in the United Kingdom for The Stationery Office P002720514 C1.5 05/15

Contents

Introduction ...... 5

Acknowledgements ...... 7

Itinerary ...... 8

Map of the inspected research stations, other facilities, unoccupied refuges, and vessels ...... 9

General conclusions and recommendations ...... 10

Good practice ...... 16

Research stations ...... 19 St Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria) ...... 20 Gabriel de Castilla (Spain) ...... 26 Brown (Argentina) ...... 32 Akademik Vernadsky (Ukraine) ...... 37 Yelcho (Chile) ...... 43 General Bernardo O’Higgins (Chile) ...... 48 German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins (Germany) ...... 54 Petrel (Argentina) ...... 58 Comandante Ferraz (Brazil) ...... 62 Camara (Argentina) ...... 68 Juan Carlos I (Spain) ...... 72 Artigas (Uruguay) ...... 78

Other facilities and unoccupied refuges ...... 85 Eco-Nelson (non-governmental Czech facility) ...... 86 Stansbury Peninsula Refuge (China) ...... 90

3 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

Vessels ...... 93 MV Ushuaia (Comoros) ...... 94 MY Hanse Explorer (Antigua and Barbuda) ...... 98 SY Spirit of Sydney (Australia) ...... 101 SY Saoirse (New Zealand) ...... 104 SY Santa Maria Australis (Germany) ...... 107 MV Sea Adventurer (Bahamas)...... 110 MV Bremen (Bahamas) ...... 115 SY Australis (Australia) ...... 119 MV Expedition (Liberia) ...... 122 RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov (Russian Federation) ...... 125 MV National Geographic Explorer (Bahamas) ...... 129

Annex ...... 134

4 Introduction

Introduction Antarctic Treaty Inspections were conducted jointly between 31 December 2014 and 12 January 2015 by the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic in the Antarctic Peninsula region.

The inspections were undertaken by Observers designated by their respective governments in accordance with the notification procedures under Article VII (1) of the Antarctic Treaty. In accordance with Decision 7 (2013) of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, notifications were also provided to the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat, who issued Circulars 22/2014 and 23/2014 confirming the appointment of the Observers.

Lead Observers so designated were: The logistic platform for the inspection programme was provided by the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy For the Czech Republic: ice patrol vessel HMS Protector.

> Dr Pavel Sladký, Adviser to the Deputy Minister, The core inspection team consisted of Pavel Sladký, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, Henry Burgess and John Shears. This team was Prague augmented as necessary by the following officers and specialists from HMS Protector who were also For the United Kingdom: designated as United Kingdom Observers in accordance with the notification procedures of > Mr Henry Burgess, Deputy Head, Polar Regions Article VII (1) of the Treaty: Department, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London > Captain Rory Bryan OBE – Royal Navy (logistics > Dr John Shears, Head of Operational Support and communications, German linguist) and Engineering, British Antarctic Survey, > Lieutenant Commander Adam Ballard – Royal Cambridge Navy (logistics and communications) > Surgeon Lieutenant Commander Martin Scutt – Royal Navy (medical)

5 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

> Lieutenant Commander David Cutler – Royal Wherever possible, at least 24 hours notice was Navy (engineering) provided, although for logistical reasons, as well as > Lieutenant Commander Rebecca Burghall – the difficulty of accessing the correct contact Royal Navy (logistics and communications) details from the Antarctic Telecommunications and > Lieutenant Chris Cozens – Royal Navy Operations Manual (ATOM), this was not always (engineering) achievable. > Captain Daniel Bull – Army (Spanish and Portuguese linguist) In line with Article 14(4) of the Environmental Protocol, reports of all inspections were forwarded The Observers were assisted by photographer to the relevant Treaty Parties for comment. Where Petty Officer Simon Ethell – Royal Navy responses from Parties were of a minor drafting nature or a technical correction, the proposed The inspections were undertaken between changes have been incorporated into the relevant 31 December 2014 and 12 January 2015 and inspection report. Responses of a more general or inspections were made of six permanent research substantive nature are included within this report stations; six summer-only research stations; one in the Annex. The reports of the inspections of non-governmental facility; one refuge; six cruise cruise vessels and yachts were also sent to the ships and five yachts. relevant operators or owners for comment.

All inspections were undertaken in accordance The majority of inspections were undertaken in with Article VII of the Antarctic Treaty and Article English. But the Observers were able to draw on 14 of the Environmental Protocol. fluent Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, German and French language skills, in addition to English and The aim of the inspection programme was to visit Czech, during the course of their inspection a range of research stations, cruise vessels and programme. yachts, and refuges to ascertain compliance with the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and its On leaving from and arriving to HMS Protector the Environmental Protocol. The focus of the Observers and their supporting boat crew washed inspection was to visit those stations and vessels and disinfected their boots and other equipment. which had either not been inspected recently, or at Wherever provided the Observers and assistants all, or where there had been major recent changes. also used the disinfection facilities at research Given the flexible nature of their voyage stations and vessels. programmes, the inspection of cruise vessels and yachts was on an opportunistic basis, as and when vessels were embarking or disembarking passengers in the Antarctic Treaty area.

6 Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

The inspection team was afforded unrestricted All the photographs in this report were taken by access to all the facilities of each station and vessel. Petty Officer Simon Ethell, except for the The team would like to record its sincere gratitude photograph of SY Australis, provided by Ocean to all the station leaders and staff, vessel masters Expeditions Ltd. and their officers and crew, and expedition leaders and guides, for their assistance and active The inspection team would also like to thank the engagement with the inspection process. officers and crew of HMS Protector, under the command of Captain Rory Bryan OBE, for The team was particularly grateful to the personnel providing such effective logistical and technical at those stations which had only recently opened support to the team, including extensive small boat for the season. operations.

7 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

Itinerary

The dates of the inspections were:

31 December St Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria)

Gabriel de Castilla (Spain)

1 January MV Ushuaia (Comoros)

MV Hanse Explorer (Antigua and Barbuda)

2 January SY Spirit of Sydney (Australia)

SY Saoirse (New Zealand)

SY Santa Maria Australis (Germany)

MV Sea Adventurer (Bahamas)

3 January MV Bremen (Bahamas)

Brown (Argentina)

4 January Akademik Vernadsky (Ukraine)

5 January Yelcho (Chile)

SY Australis (Australia)

MV Expedition (Liberia)

7 January General Bernardo O’Higgins (Chile)

German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins (Germany)

8 January Petrel (Argentina)

9 January Comandante Ferraz (Brazil)

10 January RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov (Russian Federation)

Camara (Argentina)

11 January Juan Carlos I (Spain)

MV National Geographic Explorer (Bahamas)

12 January Artigas (Uruguay)

Eco-Nelson (non-governmental Czech facility)

Stansbury Peninsula Refuge (China)

8 Map of the inspected research stations, other facilities, unoccupied refuges, and vessels

Map of the inspected research stations, other facilities, unoccupied refuges, and vessels

9 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

General conclusions and recommendations

Inspections inspections. But the inspection team were Each of the research stations and vessels inspected concerned to note that in a number of other cases, by the British and Czech inspection team were particularly in relation to those research stations welcoming and fully co-operative. They all made which had not been inspected for many years, the considerable efforts to enable the inspectors to recommendations made in previous inspection carry out their duties as effectively as possible. reports had not been followed through.

However, the Observers often found it very The inspection team recommend: difficult to make initial contact with some stations, > All Antarctic stations and vessels should be particularly by e-mail, but also by telephone. The encouraged to complete the relevant Antarctic contact details for many of the stations given in Treaty Inspection Checklists and make these the Antarctic Telecommunications Operation widely available. Manual (ATOM) were incorrect and for some of > The Antarctic Treaty Secretariat should be the smaller facilities no e-mail contact was given at requested to further develop the list of all. This meant that it was not always possible to inspections on its website, to show the full list of give 24 hour notice of each inspection. More COMNAP registered Antarctic stations and seriously, in emergency situations it also risks facilities, together with relevant inspection adding considerable difficulty and delay in facilities’ reports. abilities to contact potential sources of assistance. > Station contact details, including full telephone Given the degree to which the whole of the and e-mail, which are made available through Antarctic community relies on mutual assistance in the COMNAP system, should be checked and the event of an incident, the Observers believe that updated by National Antarctic Programmes at this continues to be a serious issue. the start of the season. The Observers noted that the errors and > Parties should be actively encouraged to report incomplete nature of some of the station station developments relevant to inspection information was in marked contrast to the correct recommendations to the ATCM and CEP. contact details for cruise vessels and yachts produced by the International Association of Personnel and training Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). The inspection team found that most, but not all, of the research stations inspected were properly That three of the research stations had completed staffed and safely operated. The Observers were the Revised Antarctic Inspection Checklist A struck by the very wide range of approaches taken (Resolution 3, 2010) was noted by the inspection to staffing and training, ranging from stations team and this aided the inspection process which were entirely operated by the military, to significantly. They were provided to the team at those which were completely civilian. Given the the start of the inspection and it enabled them to variation in standards the Observers considered make the best use of their limited time and to that a programme of exchanging station support focus attention on key areas of interest. personnel would be positive in sharing best practice. The inspection team visited two stations that had been inspected during the British, Dutch and The inspection team noted that all the stations Spanish inspection in 2012. It was encouraging to inspected reported that staff had received see the progress which had been made since these mandatory practical training programmes prior to

10 General conclusions and recommendations

arrival in Antarctica. In a number of cases this military personnel appeared to undertake only training was supplemented by on-site training in routine scientific data collection, such as Antarctica. Some stations had advanced and meteorological observations. comprehensive programmes of safety and training exercises. But the Observers also noted that other The inspection team also noted that the scientific stations, given the potential risks associated with facilities and laboratories at some stations the age or location of the station and/or the appeared not to have had much current use. It was experience of staff, would benefit from also not always clear how science projects had undertaking such on-site exercises. been chosen and evaluated by National Antarctic Programmes. Some stations appeared to have a The inspection team noted that several vessel good track record of human impact monitoring at operators required their expedition staff to their facilities, but this was not widespread. complete and pass the IAATO field staff online assessment and certification programme. This The inspection team found that several summer seemed a promising approach and one that the stations which had previously been thought to team would recommend be more widely adopted have been abandoned, or only used sporadically, by other operators. were now undergoing major refurbishment programmes, including the building of new The inspection team recommend: purpose-built science laboratories. The Observers commend the National Antarctic Programmes > The training that all personnel and visitors, involved in these developments. including temporary staff, receive before arriving in Antarctica should include, in addition to safety The inspection team noted that several of the and environmental protection, clear information vessels supported active and impressive on-board on the provisions of the Treaty, with particular science programmes, in collaboration with relevant reference to its Article IV. research institutes. The team considered that the > National Antarctic Programmes should actively potential to extend the provision of such promote and enable access to their stations from programmes should be explored. a wide variety of domestic and international scientists. Parties should also consider informal The inspection team recommend: exchange programmes for station support > personnel, to facilitate the sharing of best National Antarctic Programmes should ensure practice. they use an appropriate system of expert peer review to ensure the science undertaken in Antarctica is of the highest quality and Scientific research importance, and that its impact can be Although a few of the stations inspected were established. undertaking high quality research, the inspection > Forward plans for the future scientific use of team found that a larger number appeared to stations should be developed to ensure that undertake very little science and only had very physical presence in Antarctica delivers rigorous basic science facilities. At the time of the inspection scientific activity and outputs. many stations had very small numbers of scientists > Vessel operators, IAATO and others, including compared to logistics support staff. With several SCAR, should be encouraged to consider the notable exceptions, it appeared to the inspection opportunities to maximise the scientific activity team that a number of the stations operated by

11 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

which is possible on tourist vessels in the region. wire gabion baskets were being used to protect In the meantime, existing activities and building foundations and service facilities from opportunities should be well publicised. permafrost melting and melt water erosion. > Human impact monitoring studies should be undertaken on stations wherever practical. The inspection team recommend:

> National Antarctic Programmes should consider Logistics and infrastructure how best to ensure that renewable energy (such The inspection team noted some good examples as solar and wind) provision can feature more of research stations, including some of the smaller prominently in the future energy provision plans stations, which were using renewable energy from for stations. solar and wind sources. A few other stations > Stations with aerial masts and other non- clearly had plans to invest in this technology or had habitable structures should consider appropriate undertaken some preliminary assessments. But no and regular safety assessments of their structural stations were self-sufficient in renewable energy integrity, to enable remedial or removal action to and the majority relied on conventional diesel be undertaken as appropriate. generators to produce electricity. Not least because > COMNAP and SCAR should be encouraged to of the age of some of the infrastructure on some consider assessing the impact of climatic and of the stations, there was little evidence of environmental changes on stations and facilities, advanced heat recovery systems from generators. particularly those in the Antarctic Peninsula, and The inspection team were concerned that the to develop advice on how best to adapt storage of fuel drums at some stations did not infrastructure such as buildings, pipe-work and seem to be carried out in ways which minimised bulk storage systems to cope with such impacts. the likely impact of a spill. Parties are encouraged to conduct appropriate risk assessments in the light of predicted climate The inspection team visited a number of stations change. with facilities which had been constructed around > The location of small scale fuel storage systems, 50 years ago. It was clear that such structures will such as drums, on Antarctic stations should be pose specific and increasing challenges in terms of sited in ways to maximise safety, while ongoing maintenance and ensuring their safe minimising potential environmental impact. The operation. provision of oil spill equipment and training The inspection team saw environmental changes should be the focus of renewed effort. taking place as a result of climate change. Long­ term meteorological records from several of the Transport and communications stations inspected have shown that mean annual The Observers were concerned to note potential temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula have risen risks, particularly at smaller summer stations, rapidly. As a likely result of the increase in regarding vehicle transport, especially boat temperature, the inspection team observed a wide operations. Several summer stations were range of environmental change at the stations undertaking single boat operations, often travelling inspected, including higher snowfall, glacier and many kilometres to reach field sites or other permafrost melting, and increasing numbers of research stations. nesting Gentoo penguins. Some stations were already adapting to the environmental changes and adopting new ways of working. For example,

12 General conclusions and recommendations

Snow and ice conditions did not always permit the regularly checked fire extinguishers or up to date inspection team to assess the impact of vehicles on fire fighting equipment; or irregular emergency the station surroundings. But it was evident on training. This provision contrasted sharply with the some of the larger stations that well-established facilities and procedures in place at several other tracks had been formed between the buildings stations, who had invested heavily in fire where vehicles were used extensively. protection.

The availability of communications on the stations The inspection team noted that some stations varied considerably, from stations with wi-fi would rely heavily on neighbouring stations in the internet and mobile phone capability for personnel event of a serious incident. Whilst this was via advanced satellite systems, through to those understandable, the inspection team were reliant on VHF or HF communication. concerned to ensure that this did not detract from Understandably this partly reflected the age and the station’s own emergency procedures. size of the stations involved. The inspection team noted that the stations with the most up to date Whilst the inspection team was onboard each communication systems were able to deploy these vessel the Observers were informed that the for potentially important uses such as tele­ vessels were fully compliant with all relevant medicine. international maritime requirements, such as SOLAS. However, the inspection team nevertheless The inspection team had the opportunity to noted that there were considerable differences in witness most of the tourist vessel operators’ use of the specific levels of on-board safety and zodiacs and similar inflatable boats at first hand. emergency equipment and procedures. All appeared to be well-maintained and well- handled, with good communication between The inspection team recommend: expedition staff and with vessels. > All stations that have not done so should review, The inspection team recommend: with expert assistance if necessary, their fire safety and detection equipment. Stations with > Consideration should be given to the best way no suitable detection systems, particularly in of ensuring safe small boating operations around accommodation areas, should install them as a Antarctic stations, especially journeys using priority. single open inflatable boats. Environmental management Safety, training and emergency The Observers found high levels of awareness of procedures the provisions of the Environmental Protocol at The tragic and disastrous fire at Comandante virtually all the stations and vessels inspected. Ferraz (Brazil) station in February 2012 showed There were numerous examples of good practice how important fire safety and emergency and these are noted in the individual reports. procedures remain in Antarctica. The inspection team were therefore concerned to find several The inspection team visited a number of small instances of poor practice in fire safety systems at summer only stations, including those which had several stations. Examples included having no fire been temporarily unoccupied for some time, or smoke detection or alarm systems in where there was considerable clean-up and waste accommodation areas; the lack of working or removal activity taking place. However, it was not always clear what would happen at some stations

13 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

once clean-up activities had been completed and > Redundant infrastructure, such as fuel tanks and whether they would be refurbished and temporary buildings, should be removed from redeveloped, and if so what purpose they would Antarctica to avoid the risk of inadvertent be put to in the future. The inspection team were environmental contamination, wherever possible. struck by the scale of the clean-up required at a Where there is a judgement that removal will small number of stations. It appeared that a create more impact than retention, this should significant upscale in removal activity would be be tested through the EIA process and regularly required to make a serious impact, to avoid the reviewed in the light of evolving techniques. growing risk of significant environmental > Stations without appropriate sewage treatment contamination and to successfully implement the and discharge facilities should investigate the advice in the CEP Clean-up Manual (2014). opportunities to update their systems, drawing on the experience of other stations’ successful There were good examples Environmental Impact use of such methods. Assessments being completed for new activity in > Waste storage facilities on stations should be and around stations. But it this was not universal reviewed to ensure that waste cannot be and the inspection team believed there is further dispersed by the wind or accessed by wildlife. work to do to ensure that appropriate assessments are completed, that station staff are engaged and Medical that the appropriate documentation is available at The inspection team found highly variable the station. standards of medical facilities and personnel, both Knowledge of nearby areas which were protected at stations and on those vessels inspected. A under the provisions of the Treaty, such as ASMAs, number of stations had full-time experienced ASPAs or HSMs appeared to be generally good doctors and well-stocked and provisioned amongst station staff. Vessel operators were seen treatment facilities. Other, usually smaller, stations to be using and abiding by the Visitor Site were reliant on medical expertise provided by Guidelines for the locations they were visiting at personnel with paramedic or nursing experience. It the time of the inspection. No significant issues in was notable that some of these stations were relation to the Environmental Protocol or the heavily reliant on support provided by other nearby General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic stations operated by the same National Antarctic were observed. Programme. Other stations had an understanding with a neighbouring station belonging to another The inspection team recommend: Party. The inspection team noted that such support was reliant on appropriate weather > Stations should investigate opportunities to conditions and the availability of transportation. accelerate the clean-up and removal of historic waste from stations in Antarctica, including As with the stations, the experience of medical through innovative international collaborative personnel and the facilities available varied efforts. significantly on the inspected vessels, from some > Parties should ensure that all new construction with basic but functional sickbay facilities to others and development in Antarctica is subject to an with relatively sophisticated treatment options. A environmental impact assessment (EIA) before number of cruise vessels operated with two any activity is undertaken. Stations should be doctors, one provided by the vessel and one by the involved in this process, and the completed or operator, often with additional medical supplies. draft EIA should be available on the station. The Observers also noted that some vessel doctors

14 General conclusions and recommendations

had tele-medicine agreements with medical The inspection team were generally impressed by professionals back in their home countries, on the professional way in which cruise vessels and which they could call for support and advice. yachts were being operated and shore landings Medical provision on the yachts was via crew were conducted. The cruise vessels’ focus on members trained in emergency and wilderness practical bio-security arrangements was especially medicine. prominent. The Observers noted that nearly all the operators of the cruise vessels and yachts The inspection team recommend: inspected were members of IAATO, and that the organisation plays an important role in setting > National Antarctic Programmes and vessel standards and developing best practice on operators should review the provision of medical environmental and safety guidelines for their facilities and advice, including providing for rapid members. access to expert back-up though tele-medicine services. The inspection team recommend: > COMNAP should be invited to ensure that the nature and location of specialist medical facilities > Stations which receive tourist visitors should be (e.g. recompression chambers, X-ray facilities, encouraged to develop publicly available automated external defibrillators), together with guidelines for the management of such visits updated and accurate contact details, is better including, where appropriate, Antarctic Treaty publicised and disseminated to both National Visitor Site Guidelines. Antarctic Programmes and vessel operators. > IAATO should be encouraged to develop industry peer and expert reviewed guidelines for Tourism the range of activities undertaken by cruise Several of the stations welcomed tourists and it passengers (such as kayaking, snorkelling and was clear from IAATO figures that such visits have diving), to provide appropriate common involved several thousand visitors each season. standards, whilst recognising that individual Other stations were clear that they did not actively operators must retain full responsibility for the welcome tourists because of the size or nature of safe conduct of such activities. their facilities, the impact on scientific research or > IAATO and COMNAP should be encouraged to other station activity. The Observers found that identify and disseminate best practice for the most stations had their own internal procedures in effective implementation of the CEP Non-native place to deal with tourist visits and there were no Species Manual. discernible negative impacts from such visits.

The inspection team were encouraged to see the very widespread use by cruise vessels and yachts of the Antarctic Treaty Visitor Site Guidelines. The Observers considered that publicly available guidelines such as these could also help manage the increasing numbers of tourists visiting some stations.

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Good practice

Examples of good practice seen at research stations during the course of the Antarctic Treaty inspection programme

Issue Station Comments

Antarctic Treaty Artigas Comprehensive completion of the Revised Antarctic Inspection documentation Checklist A (Resolution 3, 2010) Petrel Camara

Clean-up Comandante Ferraz Major demolition and removal of buildings undertaken after the fire in 2012. Also biological remediation of contaminated ground

Fire safety and detection Comandante Ferraz Excellent system of smoke detectors, fire alarms and evacuation procedures Gabriel de Castilla German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins

Renewable energy Juan Carlos I A good proportion of station power supplied by wind turbines and solar panels St Kliment Ohridski

Fuel management and storage Artigas New double skinned and bunded fuel tanks Gabriel de Castilla Good fuel management procedures, and oil spill plan and clean-up materials

Logistics co-operation and General Bernardo Excellent collaboration between Chile and Germany to share sharing of infrastructure O’Higgins logistics to transport German scientists and support staff German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins Artigas International co-operation to share logistics, vehicles and science facilities on King George Island

Science co-operation and Juan Carlos I Major joint glaciological programme between Spain and Japan sharing of facilities

16 Good practice

Issue Station Comments

Science laboratories German Antarctic Advanced computer laboratories and facilities to provide ground Receiving Station control and data reception for orbiting satellites (GARS) O’Higgins

Yelcho Significant investment in new purpose built facility demonstrating capacity at a small seasonal station Comandante Ferraz Successful preservation of science programmes during the clean-up and re-building process

Waste management and Juan Carlos I Comprehensive systems and processes recycling General Bernardo O’Higgins

Sewage treatment Comandante Ferraz New sewage treatment plant, including drying of sewage sludge to assist removal

Medical facilities Gabriel de Castilla Excellent surgery facility, including tele-medicine facilities

Wildlife conservation and Brown Comprehensive guidelines in place to protect breeding penguins protection General Bernardo O’Higgins German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins

Visitor management Brown Active management of visitors and provision of station information Akademik Vernadsky

The inspection team also noted what they believed to be a range of examples of good practice during cruise vessel and yacht inspections. These are included within the individual reports on the vessels.

17 Research stations

Research stations

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St Kliment Ohridski (Bulgaria) Inspected 31 December 2014, 0930–1145

Date of previous inspection Physical Description 21 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and The station was situated approximately 100m from Peru). a boulder and rock beach and comprised three main buildings: a main living accommodation and Introduction operations hut and two smaller A-frame St Kliment Ohridski station is located in South Bay accommodation buildings. There was also a small on Livingston Island at 68o 38’S; 60o 21’W. It is a chapel, a fuel dump and an automatic weather medium-sized summer only (November – February/ station (AWS) at the site. Two shipping containers March) station operated by the Bulgarian Antarctic which were part of the original station were now Institute (BAI). Initially established in 1988 the under several metres of snow, and the Observers facilities were later refurbished and inaugurated on were told that attempts will be made to dig these 11 December 1993, and it has been open every out using a snowblower later in the 2014-15 season since then. Science supported at the station season. The Observers were also told that the old includes glaciology, geomorphology, permafrost station is a site of historical interest under studies, cartography, life sciences (zoology, botany, Bulgarian law, and the containers are likely to ecology), seismology, meteorology, microbiology remain in situ. Plans were being made to add and geology. another building to house the station fuel supply in 2015.

20 Research stations

Personnel One of the A-frame wooden buildings had basic At the time of the inspection there were 14 workshop space for scientific work and, at the personnel on the station. These included the core time of the inspection, contained the scientific station team, as well as three climbers and a two cargo boxes sent in by the University of Lisbon person film crew who were making a team. The ground floors of the two A-frame documentary for Bulgarian national television on wooden buildings, erected between 2006 and environmental protection issues. The theoretical 2008, could serve as a working area, depending maximum capacity of the station was 22 people, on the station’s needs. The Observers were told but this would severely stretch logistical capabilities that the loss of covered space due to the lack of and a capacity of 18 was more realistic. All access to snow-buried buildings required flexible personnel in the camp, with the exception of the use of these rooms. film crew, were volunteers and were working The station leader explained that during past unpaid. Their time in Antarctica was mostly taken summer seasons the station had hosted scientists from their holiday allowance. from a number of countries: Chile, Germany, Scientific Research Japan, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States, partnering Three cartographers and climbers were with Bulgarian research staff. The Observers were implementing a project related to measuring the told that the first access to Antarctica for both precise altitude of peaks in the surrounding Mongolian and Turkish scientists had happened at mountains A geologist from Sofia University had the station. It was unclear to the Observers undertaken geological mapping of Livingstone whether BAI had core funding for its own national Island earlier in the season and a Mongolian scientific research, or whether it was mainly reliant glaciologist from Ulaanbaatar University had on hosting visiting scientists at the station. studied glaciers. The Observers were told that two geologists from Sofia University were expected by Logistics and Infrastructure the end of January. Fuel was supplied at the start of the season from A team of three Portuguese scientists from the Argentina, Chile or Brazil and was held in 205lt University of Lisbon would arrive at the station in drums, or tanks and cylinders for diesel, petrol and the middle of January for a month. The team propane respectively. Only small quantities, would be studying permafrost as part of a long­ enough for one summer season, tended to be 3 term research project – AntECC- on Livingstone held, with diesel storage being no more than 5m 3 Island. The research involved the use of a range of for an annual usage of approx 3.5m . The bulk of automatic instruments and loggers at a number of the diesel was stored in drums on the beach, sites on the island, including temperature where there are plans to use a shipping container measurements in boreholes, photographs of snow as a storage facility plus workshop in 2015. The cover taken by automatic digital cameras and remainder of the diesel, together with petrol, was meteorological measurements taken by an AWS stored directly adjacent to the main hut. Propane located 300m to the south east of the main was stored separately, but also adjacent to the station building. main hut.

The station had no dedicated science laboratories and samples are returned to Bulgaria, or the countries of visiting scientists, for detailed analysis.

21 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

Water for the station was provided directly from a zodiac inflatable boats with 50hp outboard nearby glacier melt lake via a pipeline to the main engines were also available, which were used to hut and accommodation. Ohridski was able to reach the nearby – approximately 30 minutes – store 4m3 in one large tank, additional small Spanish research station, Juan Carlos I. This link containers of 0.5m3 were also stored in bathrooms. was critical as Ohridski relied heavily on their Spanish neighbours for storage and for medical Electrical power to the station was provided and logistics support. predominantly from four wind turbines, which double as water heaters, and two sets of solar Supply lines to the station appeared to be panels. The station also had an A50KB Daca Blue sporadic, with shipping provided by a variety of generator providing 50kw (62kva) of power which Argentinean, Spanish and Chilean vessels which tended to be run daily for two hours to augment bring fuel, cargo and provisions when required. the solar and wind turbines. A further 7kw, 11amp The main access to Ohridski was by sea via a rocky portable generator was situated in the church. beach. This beach shelved gently and can only take Ohridski needs 20kva to maintain operations. small, shallow drafted craft and is often inaccessible due to prevailing westerly winds. The Transport and Communications Observers were told that on one occasion supplies The station was equipped with two skidoos which had to be left on the beach for several days before allowed easy movement in the heavy snow around they could be recovered. The input or removal of the station and also provided the opportunity for heavy cargo is therefore only realistically feasible the scientists to travel further inland. During the using helicopters. The main helicopter landing area inspection, the station personnel were seen using is approximately 150m south west of the main the skidoos to support an expedition climbing station buildings, but this was rarely used, and Needle Peak, approximately 14km away. Two almost never more than once a season. Complex

22 Research stations

medical emergencies may therefore not be treated The Spanish station Juan Carlos I is situated a short in a timely fashion, and the building of a small distance from Ohridski and, if reachable by zodiac boat jetty or wharf which can improve access or skidoo, would be able to provide support or act would considerably ease resupply. as a point of evacuation if required.

Communications were mainly achieved by satellite Environmental Management (Began and Inmarsat), with two Iridium phones Small numbers of non-breeding penguins and also available. There were also VHF sets for use in skuas were present around the station and the the station, but the HF capability bought in 1988 beach, but there were no significant had been removed. concentrations of wildlife nearby. There was no specific plan or training in place for managing One of the station staff had built a small wildlife interactions, but personnel received a short unmanned airborne vehicle which he was using to brief on arrival about respecting local wildlife. No film the site from the air. The Observers were told problems were reported with station personnel or that its use had been approved by BAI. visitors not observing the provisions of Annex II to Arms and Military Support the Environmental Protocol. Research involving wildlife interference had taken place in previous The Observers recorded no explosives or guns and years under permit from the BAI, but no such ammunition on the station, and there were no activity was planned this season. The Observers military personnel working at the station at the were told that there were some areas of moss to time of the inspection. the south of the station, which were off-limits to the station team and visitors. Safety, Training and Emergency Procedures Waste material was separated, with glass and The station team was briefed on safety and metal put in empty fuel drums and stored on a emergency procedures on arrival at Ohridski. This rocky area above the beach ready for collection included a lecture on fire safety, highlighting it as and removal from Antarctica. The drums and gas one of the main risks. The fire drill was outlined in canisters in this area were strapped together to the station manual. The procedure was to raise the secure against wind damage or dispersal. There alarm, move away from the fire, close the doors were plans to erect a temporary storage facility at and then attempt to fight the fire. There were this location in which waste material could be smoke detectors in the main hut and reportedly stored in the future, and which would be powder extinguishers throughout the station, dismantled at the end of each season. although these were not prominently displayed. Areas that must be kept clear are marked around The station had a medium size two-chamber/ heat sources that may present a fire hazard, but phase incinerator situated in a workshop linked to there was evidence that this was not always the main living accommodation, and approximately achieved. The Observers believe that the station two metres from the fuel storage area and the would benefit from regularly participating in fire main generator. It was used to burn paper, drills and that fire fighting equipment should be cardboard and food waste. The ash from the more clearly displayed. incinerator was stored in empty fuel drums ready for collection near the beach. The area was also used as a general workshop and storage facility, including a large quantity of packet and tinned

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foodstuffs, some of which appeared to be in poor The Observers were informed that the proposed condition. Basic shower and toilet facilities were new storage building to be erected on the level linked to this workshop/incinerator area. ground above the beach has received appropriate permission from BAI , but it was not obvious to the There was evidence of small scale contamination Observers whether an Environmental Impact of the ground around the fuel storage area next to Assessment (EIA) had been completed or not. the generator, probably from occasional fuel spills or seepage. The team was informed that a barrel Medical of absorbent dry material was available to cope The sickbay was staffed by a volunteer doctor who with small scale fuel spills. There was no evidence was a trained surgeon, specialising in abdominal of other spill prevention or containment material surgery. The sickbay was basic, but had patient being present. monitoring equipment and a defibrillator. It also had an oxygen concentrator. The doctor had Waste (grey) water and kitchen water and sewage established a good relationship with the doctor at was treated separately. Kitchen water and sewage the nearby Juan Carlos I station and would call on was piped to a single-stage anaerobic digester on them should a medical evacuation be required. All the slope below the main living accommodation. clinical waste was disposed of by incineration. Solid residue was held in the form of dry pellets and removed at the end of each season; liquid Tourism waste was pumped directly to sea using a chemical The Observers were told that there were very few filter system with a capacity of 3m3. tourist visits to the station. During the 2013-14 Grey water was diverted through a separate pipe summer season there had been only one such visit, down a snow-filled gulley to the beach and the when 73 passengers landed from a cruise vessel, sea. All waste, including human waste, generated having first contacted the station. There were no during off-station activities was returned to the apparent negative consequences as a result of the station. There was however no evidence of visit, either on the local wildlife or the activity of environmental monitoring of human impact, the station. including monitoring of sewage and waste water, at the station. Summary Ohridski is a small scientific research station There were no Antarctic Treaty protected areas operated by volunteers. The Observers were such as ASPAs, ASMAs or HSMs in the immediate impressed by the use of renewable energy vicinity. systems, including wind generators, PV panels and solar water heater on the station. They noted that Environmental procedures and requirements were major improvements had been made to disposal of summarised in a short Bulgarian-language sewage and grey water, with the installation of a handbook which was available on the station. All small anaerobic sewage plant, since the last the non-scientific staff received a short training inspection in 2005. programme. All activities on the station, logistical and scientific, were authorised by BAI, including scientists from outside Bulgaria who worked at the station.

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Recommendations > Fuel drums should be stored away from the main living accommodation and the incinerator. Comprehensive oil spill equipment should be available and an oil spill response plan introduced. > Consideration should be given to starting a monitoring programme of human impacts, specifically the efficacy of the sewage treatment facility and drinking water quality. > An EIA should be undertaken prior to any work commencing on building the new temporary storage facility if not already However, the Inspection team considered that underway. safety issues should be addressed as a priority at > A forward coherent science plan should be Ohridski: fire extinguishers were not prominently developed for the station. displayed, there was poor storage of flammable chemicals, irregular maintenance of the incinerator, and fuel handling and storage was not in line with current best practice, with evidence of numerous historic minor oil spills in the fuel storage area near the main building.

Station personnel have to deal with significant snow accumulation around the station, with the problem being much more significant since the last inspection in 2005. The snow has buried an arch-frame Parcol-type shelter, the original station main buildings and the original station generator building, including the generator. Considerable work will be required to remove the accumulated snow and to assess the need and feasibility of removing abandoned material and waste.

25 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

Gabriel de Castilla (Spain) Inspected 31 December 2014, 1430–1845

Date of last inspection containers are centred around the main living 20 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and block which houses the living space, station Peru). leader’s office, communications office, showers, toilets and bedrooms. Introduction Personnel Gabriel de Castilla station is located on the south side of Deception Island at 62o 58’S; 50o 40W. It is The station staff had arrived at Deception Island a medium sized, summer only (December – March) on 1 December 2014 onboard the Spanish Navy station. Established in 1989 by the Spanish Army it vessel RV Hesperides and spent their first four days has been in continual use ever since. The station removing snow and opening up the station’s was well-maintained and had impressive scientific facilities. At the time of the inspection there were facilities and a clear scientific primary purpose. 18 personnel at the station, 12 from the Spanish Army and six scientists. The station leader was an Physical Description army major who personally selected the military The station is located on volcanic ash substrate and team from a pool of approximately 250 volunteers. set back 15-30m from the shoreline. It consists of The military personnel provided the support to approximately 30 buildings some of which are operate the station and deployment of field teams permanent structures, and the remaining are in order to allow the scientists to focus on their shipping containers. The buildings and shipping research projects. The military team included the

26 Research stations

station leader, boat officer, doctor, environmental eruptions might take place. It used a range of science officer, two engineers, communications automatic sensors and instruments, including manager and two cooks. The station had a seismometers, at a number of sites on the island. maximum capacity of 36 people. > GEOTINANT – The University of Cadiz was responsible for this project which was The Observers were advised that the army monitoring the movement of magma within the personnel change every year, apart from one army volcano using a comprehensive network of engineer who was on his second of two seasons. Global Positioning System (GPS) sensors. The This post was typically a two year assignment to GPS allowed the team to detect very small allow continuity for the maintenance of changes (mm) of the ground surface. equipment. > PERMATHERMAC – This project was being run by the University of de Alcala in Madrid. It was Scientific Research measuring temperature changes in permafrost Gabriel de Castilla had a very strong focus on on the island using a network of sensors in Earth system science. At the time of the inspection, several borehole sites to assess the impact of there were six Spanish scientists at the station climate change and regional warming. studying seismology, vulcanology, permafrost and geology. The senior scientist told the Observers that all the Spanish scientific projects being supported at the station had undergone rigorous international peer-review organised by the Spanish Polar Commission. This ensured that only the highest quality research was undertaken.

Later in the season the station would be supporting two international research projects. A geological science team from Argentina and Portugal would be investigating permafrost, and a biological science team from Belgium and the Czech Republic would be studying diatoms.

The station had a large dedicated science The station was supporting three major Spanish laboratory building, which had been created by the research projects on the day of the inspection visit. redevelopment of the old station main building All of the studies involved long-term survey and and had been opened in 2001. As well as basic monitoring of Deception Island and each had office and laboratory bench space, the laboratory collected over twenty years of data. The projects had a fume cupboard, scientific freezers (-80o C), were: and a drying oven. A shipping container next to the laboratory building was used to store science > SISDECVOL – This project was operated by the cargo boxes and spare equipment, but had also University of Granada and was undertaking the been used in the past as a wet laboratory for seismic monitoring of the volcanic activity at marine biology research. Deception Island and trying to predict when

27 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-5

In front of the science laboratory building there Electrical power was generated by two Gesan– was an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) which Volvo 6 cylinder Penta diesel generators, supplying was operated and maintained by the Agencia 150kva, 230v at 60hz, which was more than Estatal de Meteorología (Spanish Meteorological adequate provision for the station’s needs. Most Agency). Gabriel de Castilla sent the AWS data to impressively, the generators can be monitored by a a meteorologist based at the Spanish Juan Carlos I wi-fi application on a tablet computer and also station on Livingstone Island, who provided daily accessed remotely in Spain in case further technical weather forecasts for Deception Island. assistance is required. All machinery and vehicles were sampled regularly for fuel quality, noise The Observers were impressed by the excellent emissions and exhaust emissions and repaired if scientific research being undertaken at Gabriel de out of limits. Energy saving was a priority for the Castilla, particularly in seismology, vulcanology and station staff and motion sensitive lighting was geology, and by the professional way the station evident in the main accommodation area. was being operated by the Spanish Army. The station was an excellent working example of how Transport and Communications military support can greatly assist scientific research There were a wide variety of vehicles and boats to within the Antarctic Treaty area. The station also allow the science teams access to different parts of provided an important volcano hazard warning Deception Island. The station had two quad bikes service to the wider Antarctic community visiting (one of which was tracked), two John Deere Deception Island. buggies (one tracked), one telescopic boom tractor, and four Mk 4 and two Mk 5 zodiac Logistics and Infrastructure inflatable boats with 60hp outboard motors. Stores, equipment, food, fuel (diesel and petrol) were supplied periodically by RV Hesperides during Two SATCOM dishes, and HF, VHF and UHF the summer season. Diesel was stored in four communications were available. The internet doubled-skinned diesel tanks behind the station connectivity speeds (1.5Mb upload and 8Mb (total capacity 25m3) with an endurance of download) were particularly impressive, and approximately 83 days (300lt/day). Petrol was facilitated a wide range of tele-conference, stored separately inside a shipping container in a tele-medicine and tele-engineering. Further bunded double skin 1m3 tank. The container also wireless communications were available with a housed the outboard motor fuel tanks. A good variety of remote scientific sensors positioned supply of oil spill response equipment was stored around the island feeding data back to the station around all fuel storage areas; any soiled absorbents continuously. were bagged and sent by ship for disposal. Arms and Military Support Water was supplied by pipeline to the station from The Observers recorded no weapons or a glacial lake about 1km from the station, and ammunition at the station. Gabriel de Castilla was 3 stored in a 15m storage tank. This water was not run and maintained by the Spanish Army with used for drinking, but was used for all other funding from the Finance Ministry. requirements (showers, toilets, cleaning etc). Bottled water supplied by support ships was used for drinking. A reverse osmosis system could be used in an emergency if required.

28 Research stations

Safety, Training and Emergency training on arrival. The Observers were impressed Procedures that pre-deployment training assessed the existing The Spanish Army provided a minimum of three strengths and weaknesses of personnel in terms of weeks training for their personnel. This included a their future training requirements in Antarctica and week long specialist training course for individual weighted subsequent training accordingly. There posts, a small boat handling course, and a were excellent and detailed records of the mountain survival and cold weather training course completion of this training, which occurred as soon conducted in the Pyrenees. Evacuation and fire as staff arrived on station. In addition to strong drills were regularly carried out and coordinated by technical background and training in the Spanish the station leader. A zoned smoke detection Army, the station environment manager also system was in place around the accommodation, received a short dedicated training package prior office and laboratory areas with further sensors to deployment. being installed in the generator room, petrol and There was a good system of environmental workshop containers. Fire extinguishers were monitoring in place on the station, focusing on visible, but the condition of the carbon dioxide potential micro-biological and chemical extinguishers was starting to deteriorate. contamination in relation to sewage treatment and Environmental Management hydrocarbon storage; monitoring of carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate It was clear that environmental management was a emissions from vehicles, generators, the incinerator priority for the station leader and the whole of the and any other emission source; monitoring of the station team, and the activity was well resourced. station’s water source; and noise measurements of There was a dedicated station Environment vehicles and generators. All monitoring systems Manager from the Army who was a senior were subject to an annual calibration. member of the team. This position benefited from the use of a well-equipped environmental The environmental monitoring of the sewage monitoring laboratory. The station achieved the process was thorough and well-recorded, with ISO14001 Environment Management System regular samples taken throughout the treatment standard in 2010 and has retained it each year and dispersal process, and solid suspension tests since. The station receives an annual inspection were undertaken, with a particular focus on from the Spanish Environment Agency via video potential nitrogen and phosphorous link and a detailed on-site station assessment every contamination. The station’s locally occurring third year. The Observers were impressed by the water source was also regularly tested for any commitment of the personnel to excellent microbiological contamination. Whilst the local environmental management. water supply was not expected to present any danger to health, for safety and taste reasons There was very good awareness at all levels of bottled water was used for human consumption, station management of the requirement to with the local water used for cooking, washing conduct an EIA for all new activities, demonstrated and toilets. by the planned bank stabilisation works which had been subject to an EIA, a copy of which was held There was a good system for assessing ground on station. There was a thorough training process contamination, including three sample sites for in environmental management for all personnel on ammonia (sewage treatment) and two sites for the station, achieved partly through pre­ hydrocarbons (fuel storage and use sites). These deployment training and by dedicated hands-on

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tests were conducted at a depth of 500mm. In the Island is only permitted in support of science absence of agreed international standards for personnel and programmes, and is conducted acceptable levels of contamination in the Antarctic under specific authorisation by the Spanish Treaty area, the station used European Union authorities. levels. All recorded levels were below the EU limits. The Observers encourage the station team to The station had a strong system of waste continue their comprehensive environmental management, with clear protocols for the monitoring programme. separation and treatment of wastes. Only paper, cardboard, food waste and untreated wood Conservation of flora and fauna was clearly taken was burnt in the two chamber (400oC and seriously and the relevant requirements of the 800-1000oC) incinerator. Glass, cans, plastics, Environmental Protocol were a key part of the incinerator ash and hazardous material were pre-deployment and on-site training for all separated at source and appropriately stored in members of the team. marked containers secured against wind dispersal. Hazardous waste material was stored in a There were no obvious large penguin colonies in dedicated storage facility. Such material, as well as the vicinity of the station, although there was an batteries, lightbulbs, complex or mixed waste was occasional visitor on the beach area in front of the returned to Spain at the end of the season on RV station. Two juvenile elephant seals were seen in Hesperides. Due to a shortened season in 2013-14 the beginnings of moult and were hauled out on (20 days) it had not been possible to return such the beach beside the entrance to the station. waste last year, but it would all be returned this season. Other separated waste, and used oil spill In previous seasons research by Spanish scientists absorbents, was taken out of the Treaty area to from the Spanish Research Council had been local ports in South America. Such material was undertaken on the effects of climate change on handled by vessels from other national Antarctic penguin parasites for which the appropriate programmes as opportunities arose in the season, permits were obtained from the Spanish with the ultimate disposal documentation received authorities. There were no such studies planned back at the station. A small and a medium size this season. general waste compactor were in operation.

The risk of accidental introduction of non-native The station used a three phase sewage system species or transfer of seeds and micro-organisms (filtration, sludge separation and aeration/bacterial within Antarctica was recognised as a potential digestion) before discharging to the sea via a pipe. threat. The Observers were pleased to see good The sludge was collected into plastic drums and evidence of control systems, including liquid and removed from the island by the support ship. aerosol disinfectants, full body suits and a strong training and awareness programme and Medical biosecurity protocol on the station. There was no Station personnel were looked after by an army evidence of the presence of non-native species and doctor who was a general surgeon. She worked in no biosecurity incidents had been recorded in the a dedicated sickbay, which had accommodation current season. for two patients. There was a variety of medical The station sits within the Deception Island ASMA, equipment including defibrillator, ventilator, and a although there are no ASPAs or HSMs in the desktop blood laboratory for simple biochemistry immediate vicinity. Entry to the ASPAs in Deception and haematology. The doctor was supported by a

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telemedicine facility at the station, which links via The volcano monitoring at the station has benefits InMarSat to the military hospital unit in Madrid. that are much wider than just valuable scientific This facility can send and receive ultrasound research, and is important for hazard and eruption images. All medication was brought to the station warning not only for the station, but also for the by ship at the start of the season, and all clinical Argentine Decepcion station nearby, and the many and pharmaceutical waste was removed by ship at visiting cruise ships and yachts. the end of the season. The evacuation plan involved aeromedical evacuation using other The station is now being seriously impacted by the military assets in the area (helicopter and aircraft) effects of rapid climate change. The senior scientist to transfer serious casualties to the hospital in on the station told the Observers that regional Punta Arenas, Chile. This system had been used in warming of the Antarctic Peninsula is causing the past and worked well. In addition to the heavier snowfall on Deception Island. At the same general pre-deployment training the station team time the permafrost is thawing and melting received, the doctor received additional training on because of the higher temperatures. Snow and ice cold weather injuries. melt in summer is now rapidly eroding gullies and channels in the loose volcanic ash around the Tourism station threatening to undercut the foundations of Deception Island and the sites at Whalers Bay, the main accommodation and living building. As a Pendulum Cove and Telefon Bay are heavily visited result, the station is undertaking a major bank by cruise ships and yachts. There was no stabilisation project this season to stop and prevent prohibition on tourists visiting the station and this the erosion. had occurred in the past, without any significant quantifiable impact on the activity of the station or Recommendations local wildlife. > The Spanish Polar Commission should Summary consider how to spread best practice, perhaps within COMNAP, on ways to deal with the Gabriel de Castilla is an impressive summer station effects of permafrost melting and ground undertaking excellent science. The Spanish Army erosion by increased snow melt, on station clearly provide strong support (station operation, facilities in the Antarctic Peninsula. field and boat support, vehicles, tele­ > The shipping containers at the station were communications) to the science being undertaken. beginning to deteriorate from the harsh environment and will require replacement or repainting. A rolling programme to replace the containers should be instigated within the next five years. > The condition of all fire extinguishers on the station should be inspected monthly and units replaced as necessary.

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Brown (Argentina) Inspected 3 January 2015, 1315–1700

Date of last inspection become seasonal. This year the team had arrived 28 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and at the end of December, and would be departing Peru) – helicopter overflight only. The last at the end of February. inspection visit to the station itself was 29 January 1987 (Chile). Physical Description The station consists of two main areas. The first Introduction area includes the main living and cooking Brown station is situated in Paradise Bay, in accommodation, with beds for eight people. position 64o 54’S; 62o 52’W. The bay is not only Previously this building had been the refuge for the spectacularly beautiful, but also very sheltered, and main station before the fire. A small generator is according to the personnel at the station seems to located nearby. The larger second area 300m to have a microclimate which is more temperate than the east consists of six buildings remaining from much of the surrounding area. Originally the original station: an old generator shed, a established in 1951 the station had been workshop and storage area, historic laboratory predominantly occupied year round apart from with two beds, a small generator building and a four years from 1960 when it had been building which now operates as a small visitor temporarily closed. But following a serious fire in office. The Observers were informed that the 1984 there had been a reduction in the number of particular use of each building depends on the personnel and occupation of the station had needs and objectives of each season and these

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buildings could be used as laboratories as required. were roughly double those of the previous years. It Approximately 30m above the larger second area was expected that the number of people would is a small hut previously used for melting ice to continue to grow. All the personnel on station provide fresh water but which the Observers were were Argentine and no international collaboration told was now empty. was foreseen in the near future. The Observers thought that the station was currently at its The Observers were told by the station leader that maximum capacity until further accommodation the focus of the work at the station in the current and services were installed. and previous season was to clean-up the historic wastes at the site and prepare the way for Scientific Research modernisation and redevelopment of the station Brown is a small summer only station, with only as a science and visitor facility. basic science facilities available. At the time of the There were no refuges or emergency shelters in inspection, there were two Argentine scientists at the immediate vicinity. The station leader the station, studying coastal geomorphology and confirmed that there were no detailed plans for oceanography. Both of the scientists were from the new buildings. As and when such plans came into University of Mar del Plata in Buenos Aires. being, the appropriate environmental impact The station leader informed the Observers that the assessments would be completed prior to Instituto Antarctico Argentino (IAA) had recently commencing work. The historic laboratories were developed a new long-term science plan for Brown not currently operational, but would be used by station, and it would be used as a base to study visiting scientists later in the season. Paradise Harbour and nearby areas. The project The main living, cooking and eating was in its early stages, but subject to further accommodation was warm, well-maintained and approval by the IAA, it was hoped to increase comfortable, although relatively basic. A number science activity at the station in future years, and of the other buildings clearly showed their age and the project widened to involve international understandably it had not been easy to maintain partners. During the 2014-15 season the station them to a sufficiently high standard in recent years, would be supporting two projects. One was a not least with the reduced number of personnel at geomorphological study of beach formation in the station. Paradise Harbour involving topographic survey and sediment analysis, the other was an oceanographic Personnel study which was measuring current speeds and There were 10 personnel on the station. This direction at different depths. Both projects made included the station leader and her assistant from considerable use of the two inflatable zodiacs the Argentine national Antarctic programme operated by the Argentine Coastguard to transport (DNA) who were tasked with supervising the the scientists to their study sites and as platforms fulfilment of the Environmental Measures of the for oceanographic measurements. Madrid Protocol, including those related to the management of tourist activities. There were also The senior scientist on the station said that the two scientists (one biologist and one geologist) two research projects had been submitted by the and six personnel from the Argentine Coastguard University of Mar del Plata to the IAA for review covering a range of tasks such as boating and and were required to fit within the science plan for diving, medical support, electrical maintenance the station. As part of the project submission and emergency response. The station had a similar process, an Environmental Impact Assessment number of people last year, but these numbers (EIA) was also submitted to the IAA.

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The station had a small and very basic science water, which was discharged directly into the sea laboratory building, which was also being used as via a pipe to the shoreline. The station leader a dormitory for the two scientists. At the time of stated there was a plan to improve sewage and the inspection, the two scientists had only just grey water disposal by installing a treatment arrived on the station and had not yet unpacked processing plant as part of the future site their instruments and equipment. development.

As well as developing and expanding the science Power was provided from four portable generators undertaken at Brown, the IAA was undertaking a located across the two sites, each rated at 4.5kw. preliminary tourist impact study which involved the There were no wind turbines, solar panels or assessment of several key environmental indicators, evidence of any other source of renewable energy. including monitoring any potential damage to vegetation by trampling and visitor disturbance to the nesting colonies of Gentoo penguins. Logistics and Infrastructure Fuel was supplied at the start of the season in 200lt drums from Argentina and again in late February, with any fuel not used remaining on site ready for the start of the following season. No surplus fuel was returned. Petrol for boats and propane for cooking was also stored with the diesel fuel in an open air fuel storage area until required for use. Fuel for the generators and boats was transferred to small 25lt tanks using a hand Transport and Communications pump contained in a building directly adjacent to the fuel storage area; a drip tray for containing Although there was only approximately 300m small fuel spillages and a supply of oil spill response between the two areas, moving between them equipment was also readily available. Brown by foot was difficult because of heavy snow. station had five redundant fuel storage tanks The station had two zodiac inflatables (one with positioned at the eastern edge of the station a 40hp engine, the other with 25hp), which approximately 5m above the beach, all of which could easily move between the two sites and there were empty and in a poor state of general repair, were two deep water areas in which relatively although there was no evidence of leaks as far as large boats could be easily brought alongside. could be ascertained by external inspection by the The zodiacs were also used to support the Observers. The intention was to remove these scientific studies which took place on the tanks when the station redevelopment began in adjacent beaches. earnest. There were no records of a fuel spillage The station team were landed on 30 December by having taken place at this facility in the last three the Argentine Navy ship Suboficial Castillo, and years. would be picked up by a chartered Russian Water for the station was provided directly from a Federation vessel Vasily Golovin at the end of the nearby glacier and was held in two 1000lt tanks season. The vessel would provide helicopter adjacent to the main accommodation hut. No support to recover some of their equipment, chemicals were used to treat sewage and grey although there was no designated landing area.

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The station had two Iridium satellite phones and was separated into four categories: plastic, six VHF sets, of which one was fixed. There was hazardous, metal and glass and bio-degradable also an HF transmitter and receiver which was waste. There were separate bins for the different operational on a pre-fixed schedule. categories of waste in each of the main occupied buildings. Waste was packed into empty fuel Arms and Military Support drums for collection at the end of the season. There were no members of the military on the station, although six of the team were from the A significant clean-up operation was underway at civilian Argentine Coastguard. There were no Brown, with the concrete platform left after the explosives or weapons on the station. fire in 1984 now used as a flat storage area for the waste material from previously damaged buildings Safety, Training and Emergency and general station waste, alongside the station’s Procedures current fuel storage area. The old building waste The station leader told the Observers that all has been generally separated – wood, metal and personnel took part in a week long training firewood – and would be removed from the programme in Argentina prior to arrival on the station over the coming seasons. station, focusing on practical issues such as first aid The station leader reported that the numbers of and on the principles and requirements of the Gentoo penguins at the station had increased in Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol. recent years and there were now approximately The station leader and those in charge of 500 adult individuals in three colonies around the environmental issues at Brown received specific station. These were often in close proximity to the additional training. buildings, particularly the waste storage area, There were no automatic fire detection systems in workshop and old generator building. The team place, although the installation of such equipment had flagged and roped off the most significant was planned as part of the future redevelopment colonies to ensure an appropriate separation of the station. The Observers were informed that between station staff and visitors and the there were sufficient hand held fire extinguishers penguins. There were some interesting examples of for each building. moss colonisation at the landing steps below the workshop and on the cliffs behind the five disused The station leader showed the Observers an fuel tanks, as well as some examples of Antarctic extremely detailed information pack listing all the hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) in the nearby station procedures and containing all the area. There were no protected areas in the vicinity. appropriate permits and permissions. This pack was for the previous season (2013-14) and was in the process of being updated, given that the station had only recently opened for the season. Environmental Management A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan was in operation and all waste was separated and retained for removal in February on closing down of the facility for winter. There was no incinerator or rubbish compactor and, other than for general cleaning, no chemicals were evident. Station waste

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Medical Guidelines for Visitors in the Antarctic’. Inked Medical support to the station was provided by an ‘stamps’ were also available for visitors to record experienced Coastguard nurse. This was his second their visit to the station. tour at Brown. He had access to an appropriately wide selection of medications including various Summary antibiotics and analgesics. He did not have access Brown is a small summer station with only very to morphine or adrenaline, and did not have a basic science laboratory facilities. Nevertheless, an defibrillator. However, all personnel were given a Argentine scientific programme is in place to study thorough medical examination prior to coming to the local area, involving scientists from the Brown. Supply, resupply, and waste disposal were University of Mar del Plata and the Instituto all via the support ships used. The clinical and Antarctico Argentino (IAA). pharmaceutical waste was kept segregated appropriately. The Observers were impressed at how the IAA have in recent seasons cleaned up and removed Tourism the debris and waste from the major fire in 1984 which destroyed several of the buildings. However, Paradise Bay is a highly visited area by cruise ships there is still much to do, with most of the and yachts and offers a valued opportunity to remaining buildings unused and in need of repair. make a landing on the Antarctic continent. The Observers were told that visitors were welcome. The Observers noted that the IAA plans to Figures from IAATO indicate that 8839 people redevelop Brown as a scientific station, increasing visited during the whole of the 2013-14 season. In the number of science projects developed while line with the General Guidelines for Visitors, maintaining the capacity to receive tourists. numbers ashore were limited to 100 at any one Paradise Harbour is already a major visitor site time, but 60-70 was a more common size. because of its beautiful mountain and glacier scenery. The results of the tourist impact study A station manual on handling visitors to the station being undertaken this season will be important in had been drawn up and would be tested this deciding the future strategy for the station, season. Visitors were not able to access the station including the maximum carrying capacity (visitor itself, but there were a number of marked areas to numbers). The Observers would suggest a Visitor guide their visit to the area and to ensure that the Site Guideline be developed for this location, in penguin colonies were not disturbed. Most tourists line with other heavily visited sites. walked on a marked footpath through the old buildings up to a viewpoint on the ridge above the station (84m). The station leader said that a Recommendations preliminary tourist impact study was being > Modern fire detection, alarm and control undertaken during the current season for future systems should be installed at the earliest assessment by the IAA/DNA authorities. possible opportunity. > An assessment, including environmental A short leaflet in both Spanish and English was impact assessment, be made to consider the available to visitors to describe the history of the removal of the five redundant fuel tanks. station and the science being undertaken, as well > That the long-term strategic science plan for as guidelines to protect the wildlife and the station should include the monitoring of environment. The Observers noted that this leaflet visitor impacts on the local environment. mentioned ATCM Resolution 3, 2011 ‘General

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Akademik Vernadsky (Ukraine) Inspected 4 January 2015, 1230–1700

Date of last inspection A small single storey Ukrainian Orthodox chapel, 1 March 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and Peru). with wooden walls and floor and a sheet metal roof with an approximate area of 4m2 had been Introduction constructed three years ago, immediately in front Akademik Vernadsky is located in the Argentine of the main accommodation building. Islands, south of the Lemaire Channel at 65o 15’S; The outlying buildings, mostly housing scientific 64o 16’W on rocky ground on the north west equipment, appeared to be in relatively good order corner of Galindez Island. It is operated by the and weather tight. The wooden slated terrace area National Antarctic Scientific Centre of Ukraine in front of the main accommodation building had (NASC). been damaged during the filling and testing of a Physical Description free-standing tank and had subsided heavily in one particular area. The large antenna and aerial The infrastructure and systems of the station are systems around the station were being well much the same as they were when it was maintained and were in relatively good order. The transferred from the United Kingdom to Ukraine in station leader was not aware of any significant 1995 and as described in the 2005 inspection plans to update or alter the buildings or facilities in report. The buildings are clearly ageing, particularly the near future. internally, but are generally well-maintained, warm and weather proof.

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Personnel meteorological data was sent from the station to The station leader was very experienced having the NASC and then to the World Meteorological spent ten seasons at Akademik Vernadsky, Organisation (WMO). The station also operated a including four full years. There were currently tide gauge on behalf of the UK National 12 people on the station and the maximum Oceanography Centre. capacity was 14. For this current 19th Antarctic As well as the long-term monitoring studies ‘campaign’ the station personnel included: a diesel started by BAS, the station also supported marine mechanic, electrician, mechanical engineer, biology projects developed by the NASC. One of systems administrator, doctor, cook, seven the scientists was investigating parasites and their scientists including two meteorologists and the transfer within the marine food chain, and another station leader. The operating languages of the was studying marine phytoplankton and station were Ukrainian and Russian. All personnel zooplankton distribution around the Argentine were Ukrainian and employed under contract by Islands. The marine scientists used the station’s the NASC. inflatable boats to also undertake a range of long-term marine survey and monitoring studies, Scientific Research including hydrography. The primary purpose of the station was scientific research, with a very strong focus on Earth system science. The station supported a wide range of science including geophysics, ionospherics, seismology, ozone monitoring, oceanography, marine biology, meteorology, and medical research.

At the time of the inspection, there were seven Ukrainian scientists at the station all of whom were working for the NASC. One of the meteorologists also served as the station leader. There was a high ratio of scientists to logistics support staff on the station. The station leader told the Observers that it was a Several of the physical sciences projects were high priority for the NASC to continue the long­ continuing important long-term monitoring term studies handed over by BAS, as required studies, which had previously been undertaken by under the station transfer agreement between the the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) up until 1995 UK and Ukraine. The selection of Ukrainian when the station had been transferred from the national science projects undertaken at Akademik United Kingdom. The senior scientist told the Vernadsky were chosen by the State Special Observers that there continued to be very close Purpose Research Programme in Antarctica for co-operation between the NASC and BAS, with 2011-2020. meteorological, ozone, and geophysical The station has separate and well found biological, measurements and data being passed to BAS on a geophysical, meteorological and ozone monitoring daily basis. Data was also sent to relevant laboratories, with various instruments and international organisations. For example, computers, all of which are in the main station

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building. Ozone monitoring was undertaken using Diesel was stored in a double-skinned 200m3 a Dobson spectrophotometer in the loft, along tank which supplied one ready use tank in the with a UV-B light sensor. Near to the main building generator room. The station used around were two small huts for the magnetometers and 130-140m3 per year and was resupplied yearly. the seismograph, and also the Very Low Frequency Petrol and engine oil was stored in 205 litre drums (VLF) ionosounder building and aerial arrays. The and placed to the side of the generator room and seismograph was able to detect earthquakes in the workshop. Two large disused fuel tanks (145m3 Southern Ocean and data was sent by satellite to and 33m3 capacity) remained on the site. The the INTERMAGNET world data centre. Observers understand that one of these tanks had been cleaned and was now storage facility for dry To the east of the main station building there was materials. It was intended that the same would be a Global Positioning System (GPS) base station done with the other tank. operated by the US National Science Foundation as part of the Larsen Ice Shelf system, Antarctica Three Volvo Penta diesel generators provided 415v, (LARISSA) project. three-phase at 50hz with a total capacity of 80kw. Only one of the three generators was used at any The Observers noted that although still fully one time, with the other two engines as standby functional, the scientific laboratories had not been or undergoing maintenance. The generators significantly upgraded since the transfer from the supplied electricity to the station via a switch United Kingdom. To ensure that the station can board also situated in the generator room. The maintain its strong focus on effective science the building housing the generators was wooden in authorities should now develop a plan to ensure construction and vented via glass windows. The the station is effectively equipped to support its building did not have a fixed fire fighting system scientific aims. but was protected by smoke detectors.

The station doctor undertook human medical The generators were well maintained with research for the NASC, in which all members of sufficient spares and tools to cover most issues. An the station team participate. The aim of the engine telemetry system had been installed in the research was to determine the physiological and past three months to enable the engineers to mental changes to station members during the monitor engine performance from the main expedition and evaluate how they adapted to the building. The generators did not have any emission isolation and environmental conditions of control and air suction was via the space through a Antarctica, particularly during winter. The doctor particulate filter. No renewable energy sources carried out monthly tests on each station member, were in use. including electro-cardiograms, during the year that they spent at the station. The station had hoped to operate an unmanned aerial vehicle this year for practical aerial survey of Logistics and Infrastructure local ice conditions and general awareness Fresh water was produced by reverse osmosis purposes, but the system had been blocked on system which took suction from the sea via a bath departure from Ukraine by customs officials. to maintain system priming. It was capable of generating 3m3 per day which the Observers were The main station resupply during the last year was told was more than adequate for the station’s done by the MV Polar Pioneer in March-April, but needs. The water was treated by UV light and other in-season resupply took place on an ad hoc chlorinated. basis. Where embarked on the vessels, helicopters took part in this resupply.

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Transport and Communications All personnel joining the station attended a The station had HF, VHF and Iridium week-long training programme at the NASC prior communications, but internet bandwidth was to deployment. Station personnel were a limited and mostly used for scientific support. deliberate mixture of those with previous The email and telephone access, and satellite experience and new staff. This training programme bandwidth, had been improved since the last included learning about the provisions of the inspection in 2005, enabling the staff to e-mail Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol. home much more regularly. Environmental Management There were six inflatable boats with 5, 6, 40, 55 A station Waste Management Plan existed and all and 60hp outboard motors; two skidoos (one waste was separated into three categories: metal, currently defective); and three plastic rowing boats. glass and general waste, which included plastic, There was also a fixed HIAB crane beside the boat paper and food. Cans were flattened and then landing area, which was used for stores and boat stored in empty fuel drums prior to removal. operations, with a lift capacity ranging from General waste was compacted using a small 2000kg to 250kg depending on boom length. compacting machine and then wrapped in grey plastic sheeting and tied together with plastic Arms and Military Support bands, prior to removal during re-supply or at the The Observers recorded no firearms or other end of the season. weapons were on the station and there was no All the waste was stored outside on a decked area. military support. The Observers saw evidence of wildlife interference with this waste, including a brown skua which had Safety, Training and Emergency become habituated to human contact at the Procedures station and which appeared to be feeding or There was a monthly emergency training cycle attempting to feed at this location. which concentrated primarily on fire safety and evacuation drills which was controlled by the Refrigerated food storage was in two large self- station leader and engineer. The accommodation contained stores inside one of the buildings. One and office spaces were separated into seven zones of these was a freezer unit and the other for fire detection and there was a control panel in maintained at 4oC. The Observers felt that these the main entrance. Four breathing apparatus sets storage conditions, as well as the labelling and the and fire suits were located near the main entrance. general condition of the contents could be The fire fighting equipment was aging and significantly improved. apparently not regularly maintained (e.g. labels on some extinguishers suggested they had not been recharged or checked for up to ten years). There was no fixed fire suppression system fitted to any high risk areas, such as the generator room. General fire detection across the station was by smoke and heat alarms. The Observers were told that extinguishers were checked annually.

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The station did not have a sewage treatment plant Observers were subsequently informed that the and discharged sewage directly to the sea. The permit was available on the station and that details sewage outfall was separated from the sea intake of the proposed construction were presented to for drinking water generation. ATCM XXXIV. It was the inspection team’s opinion that the actual environmental impact was likely to There were basic oil spill kits available at the be minimal, as the location was on the site of station for use during generator maintenance or already impacted ground. boat re-fuelling. Inflatable booms were kept at the station for the control of oil spills in the sea, along The only protected area within the immediate with some absorbent material. But it was not clear vicinity was Wordie House (HSM No. 62). Under to the Observers whether regular oil spill the provisions of the Visitor Site Guidelines, the key prevention and clean-up training was undertaken. for the hut was held at the station. Where the Petrol drums were stored directly on a raised personnel at the station know the operator or wooden area between the main accommodation visitors well, they would allow them to access the building and the boat shed. There were no spill hut without being accompanied, otherwise a prevention or containment facilities in evidence. member of station staff would supervise the visit.

The Observers were informed that the total Green Island (ASPA No. 108) is located quantity of petrol provided for the current season approximately 10km to the south east. Previously was 1400lt and that at the time of the inspection scientists from Akademik Vernadsky had travelled about two drums were left. The empty drums to this location having received appropriate were filled with waste oil but were not used for permission from the Ukrainian authorities. But longer than two seasons. The Observers were told there were no plans to access the site in the that their condition was checked by station current season. The pre-deployment training technical staff and also included in the twice-daily included details on protected areas in the local station inspection duties. area.

There were a large number of Gentoo penguins Medical nesting around the station buildings, and Medical support to the station was provided by an according to the senior scientist on the station experienced consultant trauma surgeon. He was there were approximately ten times the number of resident for the whole year. He monitored the health penguins seen now compared to a decade or so of the station staff at least monthly and also earlier. Adélie and Chinstrap penguins were also conducted research. Monitoring facilities for ECG present in small, non-breeding numbers. It was and EEG were available. There was a portable X-Ray reported that small numbers of Fur seals unit, but this had been broken for some time, (Arctocephalus gazella) were also present later in possibly up to six years. The Observers were assured the season. that the X-Ray source itself remained intact and safe. The pharmacy had a wide range of medication, It was clear to the Observers that the planning and including adrenaline and morphine, as well as a construction of the Ukrainian Orthodox chapel had defibrillator. Pharmaceutical supply was provided by occurred without the direct input of those ship at the time of the change of station crew. operating and managing the station. There was no Segregated pharmaceutical and clinical waste was documentary evidence available to the Observers removed from the station at the same time. at the time that any environmental impact assessment had been carried out. Although the

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Tourism The Observers noted the rapid colonisation by The station is a popular destination for cruise several hundred pairs of Gentoo penguins nesting vessels and yachts, and the station leader informed around the station since the last inspection in the Observers that visitors are usually made 2005. This may well be a clear example of the welcome. Five cruise vessels and four yachts had impact of rapid climate change on the visited so far this season. A small natural harbour environment in the Antarctic Peninsula. and sheltered area behind the station provided good shelter for visiting yachts and two were Recommendations anchored here during the inspection. IAATO > Improvements to pollution control figures show 4989 people visited the station in management are required, with more 2013-14. The station staff would occasionally comprehensive oil spill equipment and decline a visit if it was likely to interfere with the improved storage for the free standing fuel station’s activities. The Observers were informed drums to stop any potential leaks from that visits to the station were managed in line with entering the sea or the surrounding ground a ‘guidelines for visitors’ document which was area. available at the station. No adverse impacts on the > Ukraine should consider installing a sewage local wildlife or the work of the station were and grey water treatment plant at the station reported by station staff or noted by the to prevent potential marine pollution. In the Observers. In addition to a small shop selling interim, monitoring should be undertaken to Antarctic souvenirs the station offered an establish any impact on the local environment. ‘Antarctic Passport’ in which visitors can collect > Wastes, particularly general waste including inked ‘stamps’ from Akademik Vernadsky and food waste, should be stored in a covered other locations. area where it cannot be accessed by birds or The Observers visited nearby Wordie House (HSM other wildlife. Alternatively, the station should No. 62), a historic British hut managed for the consider installing a small incinerator for waste United Kingdom by the UK Antarctic Heritage food products. Trust and for which there is a Visitor Site Guideline. > All building works, even those on previously The Observers did not undertake a formal impacted areas, should be subject to an inspection, but noted that the hut was in generally environmental impact assessment and the good condition. documentation held on the station for inspection. Protocols should be put in place to Summary ensure that no construction takes place at the station without the clear and documented Akademik Vernadsky is a permanent research approval of the National Antarctic Scientific station undertaking a very wide range of Earth Centre and other appropriate authorities. system science and long-term monitoring. The Observers were pleased to see the continuing and Comments received by Ukraine on this successful collaboration between the National inspection report are noted in the Annex. Antarctic Scientific Centre of Ukraine and the British Antarctic Survey, which benefited both parties in maintaining the collection of important long-term data sets.

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Yelcho (Chile) Inspected 5 January 2015, 0915–1145

Date of last inspection Physical Description 28 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and All of the existing wooden buildings from the Peru) – overflight only. station were undergoing refurbishment or conversion. A new science laboratory and Introduction accommodation building was being constructed, Yelcho is a summer-only station located at South which will have wet and dry laboratories on the Bay, Doumer Island at 64o 54’S; 63o 35’W. It is a ground floor with accommodation above. small facility of six buildings on a rocky outcrop Construction of the new building had been started around 5m above the shore. The station was in January 2014 by INACH and it was hoped to established in 1962 by the Chilean Navy and had complete this facility in the current season. undertaken scientific investigations up to 1998, when it had been closed. The Instituto Antarctico Personnel Chileno (INACH) has now taken over the running There were six people at the station at the time of of the station and this was the second season of the inspection: the station leader, a cook, its renewed operation. electrician, two general builders and a carpenter. There were no scientists on the station. The Observers were informed that it was expected that the team would be joined at the start of February

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by two Portuguese scientists and five Chilean There were three main scientific research projects scientists. All the Chilean nationals on the station during the 2014-15 season. The first was a were employed under contract by INACH. The terrestrial biology project led by researchers from current maximum capacity of the station was 13, the University of Magallanes, who would be with three sleeping on the upper floor of the collecting moss samples. The second was a marine recreation and kitchen building and the remainder biological project led by the University of Santiago in the new building. involving sub-aqua diving to collect molluscs and algae. The third project was led by Portuguese Scientific Research scientists and was an oceanographic study of the Yelcho was currently undergoing major restoration local area. All of the scientists would be and redevelopment by INACH as a science facility. transported to Yelcho by the Chilean Navy and Over the past two seasons INACH had been would stay on the station for about a month. constructing a new two-storey building consisting Equipment for the Portuguese scientists had been of a laboratory downstairs and accommodation delivered to the US research station at Palmer and and bathroom facilities for a maximum of ten would be collected by zodiac inflatable from people upstairs. The new laboratory would be Yelcho. fitted with microscopes, computers, centrifuge, Chilean scientists wanting to undertake research and a large freezer for storing biological samples. work at the station were required to present their At the time of the inspection, an extension was projects to the annual INACH science conference. being built onto this new scientific building, which INACH would then choose which project to give would comprise a marine laboratory and aquarium funding and logistic support in Antarctica. Each on the ground floor and storage space above. The research project was expected to last between station leader told the Observers that the INACH three and four years. Science Support Department had undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the new Logistics and Infrastructure building and this had been presented to the Water was generated by filling a 3000lt tank set Ministry of Environment Committee overseeing about 300m behind the station with snow which EIAs in Antarctica and approved. was then melted by an electric heater and piped to a 5000lt tank at the station. The water was not treated. The station used about 1200lt per week. Another 5000lt tank will be installed to cope with the extra demand when the scientists arrive. This water was used for showering, cooking and flushing toilets. Bottled drinking water was supplied by regular ship visits every two months.

Diesel was stored in 205lt drums which were delivered by helicopter from the Chilean Navy re-supply ship. The station was provided with 4000lt at the beginning of the season and it was expected that this would be sufficient to last for

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the whole summer season. Petrol was also stored Safety, Training and Emergency in 205lt drums (1200lt in total) and was used for Procedures outboard motors and small portable generators. The station leader had received specialised training Both types of fuel were transferred by hand pump for cold weather and mountain survival. All station to ready use fuel drums for filling the generators members had undergone a five day course on and outboard motors. basic fire fighting, first aid and emergency training as well as environmental and wider Antarctic The station currently had three generators (one Treaty awareness in Chile. No emergency exercises diesel and two petrol) which were temporary units were currently carried out, but a training until a new Cummins 33kva diesel generator was programme would be instigated once the station installed when delivered by a re-supply ship at the was fully operational. end of January 2015. The old laboratory had been converted to house the new generator, including A zoned smoke detector system covering the the installation of new fire-resistant and noise- accommodation, laboratories and machinery reducing materials. compartments was being installed. A small number of fire extinguishers were spread around Transport and Communications the station, but did not appear to be regularly The station had VHF and Iridium communications. inspected for condition. The Observers felt that Internet was limited and currently on trial from a carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in Chilean communications company. If the trial was areas where portable gas fires were installed. successful and cost-effective then the bandwidth would be increased from 256kbs to support the Environmental Management scientific work. There was a significant focus on cleaning-up the station after a number of years of neglect. A large There was one inflatable boat with two 50hp amount of old waste building material had been outboard motors. This boat was primarily used to collected from around the site in preparation for support scientific research. The Observers were helicopter uplift to the resupply vessel later in the concerned about the safety and risk of single boat season. There was still a considerable amount of operations being undertaken at the station, snow covering the site and it was expected that especially the long boat journeys planned this further wastes would be uncovered before the end season to Palmer station (United States) to collect of the season. The Observers were concerned to scientific equipment. see that much of the waste was stored in a metal There was a small concrete helicopter landing pad cage which was open to the elements. A large at the station, but this had been colonised by green plastic tank had already been recovered Gentoo penguins. Helicopter resupply now takes from the sea after it had blown down the slope. In place with under-slung loads so there was no need addition to historic waste there was also new for the aircraft to land in normal operation. waste produced by the building projects.

Arms and Military Support There was minimal oil spill kit or absorbents available at the station for use during generator The station had no military personnel and the maintenance or boat re-fuelling. Observers recorded no weapons or ammunition.

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The new laboratory and accommodation building, Medical including the wet and dry labs, had been the The station had a modest supply of medication, subject of an appropriate environmental impact including pain relief and the station leader had a assessment, which had been approved by the good awareness of general first aid. In the event of Chilean authorities. a more serious problem, support or evacuation Whilst the new building did not appear to have a would be requested from larger Chilean stations or significant impact on the surrounding area, it was vessels in the area. evident that there was some environmental Tourism practice not in line with current best practice, with paint or other liquid treatments being allowed to Yelcho is a small station with a limited amount of drip onto the surrounding rocks. It appeared that snow or ice free ground and it would be unable to old red paint on many of the buildings had either support significant numbers of tourists. The station flaked off and collected on the ground, or had leader confirmed that there was no intention to been scraped off without an appropriate means of cater for tourism and that the only recent visitors collection. had been very occasional calls from National Antarctic Programme vessels and a passing yacht. There were considerable numbers of Gentoo penguins nesting in the area, particularly the area Summary between the station and the rocky foreshore. The Yelcho is a small summer station with basic Observers were told by the station leader that he facilities undergoing significant building and thought the numbers had been increasing gradually. redevelopment work. The Observers were Chinstrap and Adélie penguins were occasional impressed by the way in which INACH had taken visitors, but did not appear to be breeding. responsibility for the station and the construction of a new science laboratory building. The station leader was not aware of any deliberate or accidental introduction of non-native species. There were a large number of Gentoo penguins All the cargo due to arrive at the station nesting very close to the station buildings, as well underwent an extensive process to clean and as a few sheathbill nests. It is thought that the check it prior to departure from Punta Arenas. numbers of Gentoo penguins have increased over the past few years as a consequence of regional climate change.

The Observers were concerned at the waste management procedures on site. Waste and rubbish had not been bagged or drummed properly and was in danger of being blown away. Safety management could also be improved, especially given the apparent risks of single boat operations over a large area.

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Recommendations > INACH should review the safety of small boat operations at Yelcho, particularly those involving long boat journeys with one boat. > Diesel and other fuels should be stored in a dedicated area rather than placed on snow without any form of spill protection. A robust oil spill management plan should be put in place when the new diesel generator is installed. > That all waste material should be stored in a secure facility awaiting collection, to avoid accidental wind dispersal over the surrounding area. Improvements should be made to building methods and processes to avoid inadvertent and avoidable contamination of the site by paint and litter.

Comments received from Chile in relation to this report are noted in the Annex.

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General Bernardo O’Higgins (Chile) Inspected 7 January 2015, 0845–1300

Date of last inspection this was the original 1948 single storey station 23 November 2006 (United States). structure, which was occupied until 2003 but which was now empty and provided storage. The Introduction last inspection report (United States, 2006) noted General Bernardo O’Higgins station was that this old building was scheduled to be established in 1948 and is a large year-round demolished, but the Observers were informed by facility operated by the Chilean Army. It is located the station leader that it was now protected as a at 63o 19’S; 57o 54’W, in the north west of the historic site by Chilean domestic legislation and Antarctic Peninsula. The station also provides would remain. support to the German Antarctic Receiving Station In addition to the main facility, there were a small (GARS) O’Higgins which was also visited. The number of other buildings which acted as garages, station leader stated to the Observers that the workshops and other stores. In front of the main station had four aims; to assert Chilean building and overlooking the jetty was a bust of sovereignty; to provide administrative and logistical General Bernardo O’Higgins, along with three support to the scientific research programmes other plaques and busts nearby (HSM no. 37). coordinated by INACH; to support expeditionary There were no plans for any new facilities or major operations in Antarctica; and to provide a search construction. The station was separated from the and rescue capability. mainland at high tide, and at these times access to Physical Description the skiway on a glacier above the station was via a short wire foot bridge. The station was dominated by a large two storey main building constructed in 1999 which provided Personnel the main living, cooking, dining, recreational (there The core permanent team of 21 was provided by was a large basketball court and gym) and the Chilean Army, all of whom wore a special scientific facilities. Generators, water treatment, non-military uniform whilst in Antarctica. This general storage and other facilities were housed in complement included a member of the Navy who the basement of the main building. Attached to undertook what was described as Coastguard

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duties. At the time of the inspection, an additional > The study of antifreeze proteins of renovation and maintenance team of 18 people microorganisms (Chilean Bioscience Foundation) from the army was at the station carrying out > The study of the biodiversity around the station maintenance in anticipation of the visit from the and local area head of the Chilean Army which was expected in > The microbiology of Campylobacter in the next few days. The Observers were informed Antarctica, which would include the collection of that the week after the inspection visit a team of guano from penguins, gulls, skuas and 16 scientists from INACH was due to arrive and sheathbills from the Kopaitic refuge (University stay for approximately three months. The of Andres Bello, University of Kalmar, and the maximum capacity of the station was 76. The University of Concepcion). station leader told the Observers that, apart from any temporary scientific teams, only men from the Chilean Army were allowed to serve at the station.

Scientific Research The Observers were shown a small, but well- equipped, multi-purpose science laboratory in the main building. The laboratory was built in 2007 and was owned and operated by INACH. It contained a wide range of scientific instruments and equipment, including microscopes, weighing balances, autoclave and a fume cupboard. The laboratory enabled scientists to process their The scientists would work at the station for about samples before sending to Chile for further three months during the austral summer, with no analysis. scientists overwintering. The Chilean Army The station leader confirmed that O’Higgins would personnel provided logistical support to the be supporting six major INACH projects during the scientists, such as small boats for diving and field 2014-15 season. These were: safety assistance on the nearby glaciers. The station leader explained that the scientists brought > The production of metabolites and their own scientific instruments and equipment photosynthetic activity in Antarctic snow with them to the station, including their own microalgae (Chilean Austral University) diving gear. > The atmospheric monitoring of aerosols and black carbon at the La Paloma observatory, and There was a meteorological office, operated by a the collection of snow surface and soil samples Chilean Army observer, which was supplemented for chemical analysis (University of Magallanes, by an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) on the Chilean Centre for Environmental Technologies, roof of the tower on the main building. Climate Technical University Federico Santa Maria) data was recorded and sent to Eduardo Frei station > Monitoring of marine pollution, including, (Chile) on King George Island, where it was sewage and waste water around O’Higgins combined with data provided by the other Chilean station, including the sampling and analysis of Antarctic stations, and then sent to the mainland sea water and waste water (University of to the Chilean Meteorological Office and used to Magallanes) help compile weather forecasts.

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Next to the station was a 20m high atmospheric About 6km away from the station there was a small instrument mast, also with an AWS. The Observers field laboratory ‘La Paloma’ which supported a range were told that the mast was built as part of a joint of atmospheric research instruments, including the project between the University of Magallanes and automatic monitoring of chemicals and aerosol a Chilean electricity company to investigate the emissions and the UV-B radiation monitoring. potential of wind power at O’Higgins. The results Logistics and Infrastructure of the project showed that wind power was not feasible. However, the mast and AWS have The station was occupied all year round with the remained as they have proved to be very useful for main crew rotation and resupply taking place in climate change research being undertaken by the December via ship. Additional supplies and university. personnel were brought in by the Chilean Air Force using a ski-equipped Twin Otter and helicopters. Immediately in front of the Chilean station was the German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS), Diesel fuel (MGO) was kept in a number of old and 3 O’Higgins. There was an agreement between Chile new storage tanks with a total capacity of 2100m 3 and Germany for the operation of the GARS, and and a daily consumption in the region of 5m . it was evident to the Observers that there was Petrol for the two zodiac inflatables was also excellent logistical collaboration between the two readily available, but the exact quantity held was nations. In addition, scientists from the Czech difficult to determine, although it was likely to be Republic were working with colleagues from Chile in the region of 2300lt contained in 100lt barrels at O’Higgins to investigate the impact of increased and 25lt ready use tanks. UV-B radiation as a result of the ozone hole over Diesel for the two 250kw Deutz generators was Antarctica. No radioisotopes were used in scientific pumped directly from the storage tanks, and petrol research on the station. for boats transferred using a hand pump. There were also a large number of 1000lt plastic

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containers located adjacent to the main fuel storage leader said that a UAV operated by a foreign facility which were partly filled with old fuel and national at the station had been lost the previous sludge. Although there were no records of a fuel season. spillage having taken place at this facility in the last three years available for inspection, fuel The station provided a facility to stamp visitors’ management and spill response did not appear to documentation and it was also possible to send conform with the best practice available, with only a postcards and other mail, using Chilean stamps. very basic and minimal amount of spill response equipment on site. The Observers were told that the The Observers were informed by the station leader main oil spill kit would arrive with the resupply ship, that the naval member of the station team had the which used floating hoses to resupply the tanks. specific responsibility for contacting shipping in the local area and establishing vessel information, Water for the station was provided directly from movements, intentions and the number of the sea using two reverse osmosis plants able to passengers and crew on board. The Observers produce 5m3 per day. One was a recently new were shown a map by the station leader which he addition and it was understood that the other was said showed the Chilean territorial waters and their also due to be replaced next season. The total Exclusive Economic Zone in the Antarctic Treaty amount of water that can be stored was 20m3. area. The Observers had witnessed the contact from the Chilean Navy in action the previous In addition to the two 250kw Deutz generators, evening when their vessel was contacted by power could be provided from a number of O’Higgins station to request vessel details and portable 4.5kw generators or one emergency other information. On departure from the station generator believed to be rated at 125kw. There the vessel was similarly asked again for these were no wind turbines or solar panels at the details. The Antarctic Treaty (including Article IV) station. was not referenced during this request.

Transport and Communications Arms and Military Support There were a large number of vehicles at the The Observers recorded no weapons or explosives station, including 11 skidoos, one snow cat, two held on the station. snow diggers and one 20 tonne mobile crane stored in outbuildings. One of the snow diggers Safety, Training and Emergency was believed to be unserviceable, and the mobile Procedures crane was restricted to seven tonne lifts. All personnel on the station received a one week training course run by INACH and the Chilean The station had significant communications Ministry of Foreign Affairs covering the Antarctic capabilities, with numerous satellite feeds Treaty and Environmental Protocol and related providing VOIP access. There was also an HF set issues. Additional job-specific training was available and several VHF sets, one of which was used to for those with individual responsibilities, such support the Vessel Traffic Service which the station meteorology. All personnel were volunteers and used to monitor shipping across the Antarctic were required to pass a written test prior to arrival. Peninsula. There was no specific additional training for the station leader, who drew on the expertise gained No UAVs were in operation at the station. The in his military career to date. Observers were told that the usually very strong winds prohibited their practical use. The station

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The station was well maintained, secure and satellite antenna had provided a windbreak and appeared to be safe, with good fire protection, which now made this area more attractive for detection and containment systems. There was an breeding penguins. eight-screen CCTV system in the main communications centre, which allowed good The station leader was not aware that the bust of visibility of the various parts of the station. General Bernardo O’Higgins had official protection under the Antarctic Treaty as Historic Site and The station had a well-developed medical Monument No. 37. He told the Observers that he evacuation plan which occurred in two stages. The understood that all the plaques, busts and historic first stage was evacuation by helicopter to Eduardo buildings on the site had protection under Chilean Frei station (Chile), where there was a doctor. domestic legislation. Following assessment by the doctor, then the patient would be sent to the hospital at Punta In the original 1948 section of the station the Arenas, Chile by aeroplane. Observers were shown a presentation box which contained soils from the different regions of Chile. Environmental Management Whilst the soil was self-contained within the box A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan and presented little practical risk of contamination, existed and all waste was separated and retained the Observers wondered whether it was in out buildings for removal via ship. The station appropriate to retain the item in Antarctica in light also had one incinerator which was used of Annex II of the Environmental Protocol. fortnightly. Although functional, it appeared to the Observers to be in a poor state of repair and the Medical station staff confirmed that it was due to be The medical facilities were modern and well replaced shortly. There was also a small waste equipped. The medical staff comprised two compactor for metal cans next to the waste bins. military nurses, who received some specific training prior to deployment. They were supported by a Sewage and grey water was disposed of through a tele-medicine link to the military hospital in sewage treatment plant using aerobic action to Santiago de Chile. There was a single patient bed break down waste and a final UV filter to kill any which would be used for isolation of infectious bacteria prior to discharging directly to the sea. disease. Otherwise patients were managed in their The Observers were told that the station engineer own accommodation. There was a wide selection tests the effluent discharge monthly to ensure no of antibiotics and analgesics amongst other bacteria was present, with additional samples medications. The sickbay did not hold either returned to the University of Magallanes for adrenaline or morphine, but did have ECG laboratory testing. monitoring equipment, a defibrillator and bottled oxygen. There was also a functioning digital X-Ray The station was surrounded by a large Gentoo suite which could transmit images via the penguin colony. The Observers were told that a telemedicine suite. monthly penguin count was undertaken and that the numbers appeared to be stable, or even Some diving occurred at the station but the increasingly slightly. It was remarked on by several Observers were told it was of short duration and people that the construction of the German limited to a maximum of five metres. As it was considered that this would preclude decompression sickness arising from evolved

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nitrogen, there was no specific medical plan for Recommendations diving injuries. The Observers considered that having awareness of the nearest recompression > Consider expanding further the scientific facility in Antarctica would be useful in the event research carried out at O’Higgins. For of an arterial gas embolism which can occur, example, whether it would be appropriate to though rarely, on shallow dives. use the scientific laboratory facilities all year rather than for a short period in the summer. Tourism > Improve the knowledge and awareness of the Antarctic Treaty, particularly Article IV, on the The station leader reported that tourism was not a station. Suggest that the requests made by significant issue. One cruise ship had visited last the Chilean Navy to passing vessels for season and disembarked passengers to visit the information include reference to the Antarctic historic station, send postcards and have their Treaty and confirm that the information is passports stamped with commemorative inked sought on a purely voluntary basis. stamps. It was not expected that visitor numbers > Improve the knowledge and awareness of the would increase significantly, which the station provisions of the Environmental Protocol in leader believed was probably appropriate given relation to protected areas, to ensure that the their facilities. bust of General Bernardo O’Higgins and Summary related structures (HSM No. 37) continue to receive appropriate protection; and clarify the A well-managed large station operated by the status of the 1948 station and other busts Chilean Army. The small science programme both and plaques on the station. underway or scheduled by INACH did not appear > Increase awareness of diving related injuries, to the Observers to be proportionate with the size and establish and disseminate the location of of the support facilities. the nearest recompression facilities.

Comments received from Chile in relation to this report are noted in the Annex.

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German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) O’Higgins (Germany) Inspected 7 January 2015, 1145–1400

Date of last inspection The GARS was established in 1988 and the 23 November 2006 (United States). satellite antenna which it supports became operational in 1991. During its first 19 years, the Introduction station usually only operated in the austral summer The German Antarctic Receiving Station (GARS) season, but since 2010 it has been staffed all year O’Higgins is operated as a unit of the German round. Although a separate facility, it is heavily Remote Sensing Data Centre (DFD), which is in dependent on the neighbouring General Bernardo turn part of the German Aerospace Centre (DLR). O’Higgins station for logistic support. The station is The main purpose of the station is to serve as the situated within the overall footprint of the Chilean international ground segment for remote sensing station. satellites; providing a downlink for satellite data The scientific activities of the station were and an uplink for satellite control, and enabling permitted by the German authorities and the geodetic research. The station operates in station’s logistical resupply and transport conjunction with other satellite receiving stations arrangements by the Chilean authorities through at Troll (Norway), Syowa (Japan) and McMurdo INACH. The appropriate German Antarctic Treaty (United States) in Antarctica. and Environmental Protocol documentation was held on the station and seen by the Observers.

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Physical Description commercial users. One of the primary aims of The station consisted of three main facilities: a set TanDEM-X is to produce accurate global elevation of single storey shipping containers providing maps with a 12m spatial resolution and a relative office, living and sleeping accommodation; a vertical accuracy better than two metres, including separate set of containers containing power Antarctica. GARS is one of the three core ground generation and related activity; and the large stations around the world used to downlink the satellite antenna. The buildings appeared to the huge amount of SAR data being acquired by the Observers to be well maintained, secure and safe. TanDEM-X mission. There were no immediate plans to alter the GARS operated a large nine metre diameter footprint of the buildings, but it was thought that antenna to receive satellite data and to send should the European Galileo satellite project bid control instructions from the control centre at the become successful, there might be a need for one German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in or two more shipping containers. Germany, and from Canadian control centres. The Personnel antenna was constructed especially to withstand the extreme environmental conditions in The normal complement of the station was Antarctica, with its high wind speeds and low between four and eight, depending on the time of temperatures. year and the requirement for maintenance work. During the inspection there were four people on GARS also supported geodetic research, including the station: two technicians/scientists and two Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) using the maintenance staff. The Observers were told that 9m antenna as a radio telescope and taking the maximum capacity of the station was permanent Global Navigation Satellite System 12 people. (GNSS) measurements for the German Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). The Scientific Research data is used to measure the tectonic movement of The station currently provided a ground segment the Antarctic Peninsula, to realize the International service to the following satellite missions: Celestial Reference System (ICRS) and the TanDEM-X, TerraSAR-X, GRACE, TET, NEOSSat and International Terrestrial Reference System (ITRS), to Cassiope. Services provided included receiving derive Earth Rotation Parameters (ERP), and to satellite remote sensing imagery and data, and also support radio astronomy research like the TANAMI the command and control of satellites operated by project (Tracking Active Galactic Nuclei with DLR and other international mission operators. Austral Milliarcsecond Interferometry). As part of this support for the BKG, the station also operated The main mission run at GARS was the DLR’s an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) collecting air TanDEM-X mission, which uses two X-band temperature, pressure, humidity and wind Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, TSX-1 direction and velocity. and TDX-1. The two satellites fly in close formation in orbit around the earth and to do this safely they There were no foreign scientists at GARS at the require ground control and support from GARS. time of the inspection. The Observers were told The high resolution SAR images acquired by these that the station was seldom used in this way, satellites, which are received at GARS, are used for although Canadian scientists had used the station a wide range of purposes, including rapid warning in the past as a testing site for the production of and assessment of natural hazards. The imagery sea ice charts using satellite radar imagery. and data are provided to a variety of public and

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The Observers noted that the GARS staff did not drinking. Water for personal consumption was necessarily know who the end clients were for provided from 1.5lt plastic bottles delivered via ship satellite data being received, which could be at the start of the season, along with all other government, commercial or military. Thus it was a provisions. The total amount of water that can be grey area as to whether the station was primarily stored was 2.6m3 in two separate fresh water there to support the peaceful scientific use of tanks with a capacity of 2m3 and 0.6m3. remote sensing data, or whether it was also supporting commercial or even military uses as The Observers were told that there was an well. understanding between the German and Chilean authorities concerning logistical support by Chilean Logistics and Infrastructure Antarctic operators where the basic costs for the Antarctic Diesel was supplied by vessel through the transport of personnel, cargo and fuel would be same facility as the adjacent Bernardo O’Higgins met by the German authorities, but the cost of the station and current capacity was 64m3 retained in on-site movement and the subsequent return of storage tanks. However, these tanks were to be waste was covered by mutual support. partially replaced with three new tanks which were already on site each with a capacity of 24m3. The Transport and Communications station engineer was unable to provide data on The team had an Iridium phone and VHF general fuel consumption, though this was communications. Other communications were estimated to be in the region of 330lt per day to available through the Bernardo O’Higgins station, power one of the two Elbe Strom 104kw which was a two minute walk from the GARS. generators (the two generators were operated Given the work of the station there was very good alternately). The station had a fuel separator to satellite communications link with 1mb download maintain fuel quality and ample oil spill equipment and 2mb upload speeds. and materials to limit the impact of fuel spillage. In addition to the two Elbe Strom 104kw generators, Arms and Military Support power could also be provided from a 60kw There were no military personnel on the station emergency generator. and no weapons or explosives were held.

Safety, Training and Emergency Procedures Pre-deployment training to staff at GARS was provided by DLR and AWI in Germany and includes medical tests, safety training and advice, as well as guidance on the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol.

Station staff did not leave the locality of the GARS station and the surrounding General Bernardo O’Higgins facility. The only time that they used the short wire bridge to access the mainland was Water for the station was provided from the sea when they arrived and left on the Chilean Air Force using two reverse osmosis plants (100lt/hr and Twin Otter aircraft. 50lt/hr capacities). However, this was not used for

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were broadly stable. Other penguins such Adélie and Chinstrap were occasionally seen, but did not appear to breed. A German penguin webcam provided images of the colony every few hours on the Internet.

Medical The station had a good range of basic medical facilities and all staff were required to complete a first aid course prior to departure from Germany. In the event of more serious problems, the station staff would use the neighbouring Chilean station’s facilities.

Tourism There were no records of tourist visits to the station and little expectation of visits in the future, particularly given the small size and highly operational focus of the station. Environmental Management Summary A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan existed and all waste was separated and sent to GARS is a well operated and maintained small the nearby General Bernardo O’Higgins station for research station. GARS is different to the other either incineration, compacting or storage for stations visited by the Observers as it only supports subsequent return with the Chilean waste. satellite remote sensing, VLBI and GNSS measurements, rather than a variety of science Sewage and grey water was managed with one disciplines. Satellite missions supported by GARS Martin Systems BMA 12 sewage treatment plant provide important new information to scientists (STP) which was fully functional using aerobic around the world working in many different action to break down waste and ultra-filtration to disciplines. The missions are also of direct benefit purify the remaining liquid waste. Monthly to the study of Antarctica through, for example, monitoring of the treated wastewater from GARS provision of SAR imagery for high resolution 3D O’Higgins was carried out in collaboration with the mapping of the continent. Universidad de Magallanes (UMAG), the Instituto Antártico Chileno (INACH) and the Departamento Recommendations Antártico del Ejército (DAE). Solid waste (300lt > The German Remote Sensing Data Centre annually) was removed at the end of the season, (DFD) and German Aerospace Centre (DLR) along with sewage waste from the Chilean station, should consider clarifying whether the station with the purified liquid waste from the STP being processes data for military purposes. discharged directly to the sea. Comments received from Germany on this The station was surrounded by a Gentoo penguin inspection report are noted in the Annex. colony. The Observers were told that whilst there was some change from year to year, the numbers

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Petrel (Argentina) Inspected 8 January 2015, 1415–1830

Date of last inspection noted and appreciated the fact that the team had 25 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and completed Checklist A (Resolution 3, 2010) ahead Peru) of the Observers’ arrival. Introduction Physical Description Petrel station was established in 1967 and is The station had been permanently occupied from located at 63o 28’S; 56o 13’W on the western 1967-1978 but following a very serious fire which shore of Dundee Island. It comprises two distinct had destroyed all the living accommodation in the sets of buildings on a low and generally flat area southern section of the station, it had only been parallel to a narrow beach and shallow bay. For the occupied sporadically since then during the first time the station was under the joint command summer seasons. of the Argentine Navy, Air Force and Army, The only useable living accommodation was now supported by a representative from the Dirección at the northern end of the site, in the former Nacional del Antártico (DNA). emergency refuge. This comprised comfortable but The station was being reactivated and cleaned-up basic bedrooms, cooking and dining spaces. Two in order to prepare for future science and research other buildings completed this group, housing the activities. The station team had arrived the storage facilities and the generator. This group of previous day by helicopter from Marambio station buildings were situated on ice-cored moraine (Argentina) to start the season. The Observers which showed significant signs of melting and

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subsidence. Rock-filled gabions had been placed on the slopes beside and below the buildings to combat this movement, with partial success.

The southern set of buildings had not yet been opened after being closed for the winter and the Observers were grateful to the station team for opening up the buildings as part of the inspection. These buildings included the concrete base of the former main living accommodation; a disused freezer store; another concrete base; a basic but sound emergency refuge with bunk beds for around 10-12 people and a small supply of A set of historic fuel tanks was located to the east emergency food and water; one smaller shed of the southern set of buildings. These appeared being used to store waste material, including over to be empty, and were intact and with no visible a 100 empty wooden crates; a medium-sized shed signs of leakage of fuel sludge either on the tanks with at least 50 drums (contents unknown); as well or the ground beneath. as a large corrugated iron aircraft hangar where there were several hundred stored fuel drums, and There was a very large and long flat area between large quantities of waste metal, corrugated iron, the two groups of buildings and the narrow beach, wood, other waste materials. The wastes had been which has been used in the past as an aircraft sorted into specific groups over previous years, and runway. The ground was mostly obscured by were a mixture of historic waste from the remains snow, but the Observers were told that the area, of the fire and newer seasonal waste and surplus approximately 1400m long, was now criss-crossed fuels. There appeared to be at least 200-300 fuel by meltwater streams. drums stored in the southern set of buildings. Personnel The Observers’ view was that the only significant There were 18 people at the station during the change in this area since the previous inspection inspection. This included the core team of three report in 2005 was the clearance of the remains of sets of four people from the Navy, Air Force and the burnt out buildings, with the material Army, together with an additional five people from apparently being now stored in the large hangar. It the Navy to provide dedicated clean-up support. did not appear that any significant removal of An environmental specialist from the DNA was wastes or fuels from the site out of Antarctica had also present and was expected to stay for around yet occurred. 20 days.

Whilst there was a considerable amount of snow Scientific Research and ice in the entrance way to the main hangar At the time of the inspection, there were no and some other areas, the building itself was scientists working at Petrel. The civilian generally sound. It was apparent that in some of environmental specialist, with a science the buildings, especially the medium-sized garage/ background, from the DNA working with the joint warehouse, that plastic-framed windows had been forces team was advising on the clean-up and installed relatively recently. However, most removal of old fuel drums, scrap metal and buildings were in a seriously dilapidated condition. building wastes. The adviser was also undertaking

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baseline environmental surveys of the local wildlife and vegetation to assist with the future planning of the station.

In the past, geological, soil and glaciological studies had been undertaken. There were no dedicated permanent science facilities on the station. However, the Argentine National Meteorological service planned to install an AWS at the site later in the season. The station was supplied by one Dietz 6 cylinder The Observers were told that the DNA was diesel generator producing 380v, 50hz with a producing a plan for the future development of capacity of 31kva which was fitted in 2012. A Petrel. The long-term aim was to provide new 200lt ready use tank housed in the generator facilities for scientific research and logistical compartment was refilled by 205lt drums kept support. In the meantime, the joint Argentine beside the compartment and regularly re-supplied forces team were concentrating their efforts on by ship. A small but effective spill kit was kept completing the clean-up. alongside the generator. Logistics and Infrastructure Transport and Communications The team were landed on 7 January 2015 by The station had limited communications using VHF helicopter via Marambio station. Stores, and Iridium telephone. The Observers were told equipment, food and fuel were supplied at the that once the station becomes more established, same time. The 17 team members were due to satellite internet services would be provided to leave the same way at the end of February. The support the scientific work. The station did not chartered Russian Federation vessel Vasily Golovnin have any vehicles or boats. There were many large, was due to call with additional stores at the end of old aerials in the vicinity of the station, which were January and was expected to take away some of a legacy from when the station was fully the waste by helicopter lift. It was not clear to the operational. Observers, or apparently to the station team, how much historic waste would be removed at the end Arms and Military Support of the season, or how much had been removed in The majority of the personnel on the station were previous seasons. military. This was the first occasion that the Argentinean military had provided a tri-service Bottled fresh water was used for drinking and all contingent to operate an Antarctic station. There other water was currently being provided by were no weapons, ammunition or explosives on melting glacier ice in the galley. An electric snow the station. melter was in the process of being re-commissioned to be used to support this Safety, Training and Emergency season’s team. Procedures There was a three-stage training programme for all the station staff. The first was provided by the DNA and covers the Antarctic Treaty and Environmental Protocol and related environmental

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issues. The second was emergency training, such Tourism as fire fighting and first aid. Finally, there was a There were no records of tourist visits to the nine month cold weather and mountain training station itself or the wider vicinity. But the station course held in southern Argentina. leader indicated that he would be open to such The fire fighting equipment on the station was old visits, if contacted in advance. but appeared to be in good condition. The Summary generator compartment was fitted with a CO2 gas drench system which would be upgraded during Petrel is a small station, run by a new joint unit of the following season. There was no automatic fire, the Argentine Antarctic Command. No science smoke or heat detection in the main cooking and was being carried out at the time of the living accommodation. inspection. Many of the buildings were unused and abandoned, or contained very large quantities Environmental Management of partially sorted waste and fuel drums destined A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan for removal from Antarctica. The primary purpose existed and all waste was separated and collected by of those at the station appeared, at the time of the support vessels and landed at the vessel’s destination inspection, to continue the long-term clean-up in Argentina. Sewage and grey water was processed operations which have been going on at least since using the same septic tank system as in 2005. Solid 2005, when the last inspection reported a similar waste and liquid was removed in drums for disposal situation. outside Antarctica at the end of the season. The Observers noted that, despite the good The key elements of the Antarctic Treaty and intentions of the current team at the station, the Environmental Protocol were on prominent display key recommendations from the 2005 report for: on notice boards in the main living smoke detectors to be installed in buildings; and a accommodation. decision on whether to invest in the clean-up and There were small numbers of penguins and seals removal of the station or to invest in new science on the narrow beach below the station, as well as facilities had not been acted on. skuas around the main buildings. There were no significant bird colonies or Antarctic Treaty Recommendations protected areas in the nearby area. > The clean-up of Petrel should be completed as Medical soon as practical, especially the removal of the There was a small medical store, which was in the very substantial quantity of waste fuel, empty process of being itemised. Medical support was fuel drums, scrap metal and general waste provided by an experienced medical assistant who stored in the old hangar and other locations also had training and some experience of dentistry. around the site. He did not have access to morphine or adrenaline > A forward science strategy be developed for or a defibrillator. Supply, resupply, and waste the future use of Petrel. disposal were all via the support ship, with clinical > Old fire detection equipment should be waste kept appropriately segregated. In the event replaced and modernised and an annual of a medical emergency advice could be sought condition inspection programme instigated. In from Marambio station (Argentina) via VHF and a particular a fire alarm system should be helicopter evacuation arranged followed by aircraft installed in the accommodation area at the medevac to Argentina as necessary. earliest opportunity.

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Comandante Ferraz (Brazil) Inspected 9 January 2015, 0830–1215

Date of last inspection been shipped back to Brazil. A new temporary 1 December 2012 (United Kingdom, Netherlands station facility was completed on 20 February 2013 and Spain). and has been established on top of what was the large helicopter landing pad. Nearly all the burnt Introduction out ruins of the previous building have already Comandante Ferraz station is located on the been removed, with only a few loads of scrap eastern shore of the Keller Peninsula in Admiralty metal remaining to be taken from the site. The Bay, King George Island at 62o 05’S; 58o 23’W. It Observers were impressed with what was clearly a was established in 1984 as a permanent research very substantial clean-up and recovery by facility and is operated by PROANTAR, the Brazilian PROANTAR from the devastating fire. Antarctic Programme. A fire, in which two people Physical Description were killed, devastated the main building in February 2012. The temporary station facility was composed of modular Weather Haven units linked together on Since 2012, the Brazilian Government has been the site of the former helicopter landing pad. engaged on a highly ambitious station clean-up Underneath the new facility was the waste and re-building programme under the direction of separation and storage area, and further to the the Navy. Over the past three seasons, over south a series of small buildings and converted 800 tonnes of debris and waste from the fire has shipping containers with the incinerator and

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scientific laboratories. Around 100m behind the The new station personnel for the 2015-16 season station, up a short slope, were a small number of would arrive on 4 November 2015 and the meteorological instruments and communications outgoing crew would depart on 25 November installations surrounding a small hut. To the north 2015, allowing a handover period. Around 10-20 of the new building was the area where the per cent of incoming personnel would already previous station stood, which was now a partial have experience of having worked at Ferraz. storage and parking area and a site for further ground remediation. Scientific Research The primary purpose of the station was scientific Further to the north were the garages and vehicle research, and it supported a wide-ranging science stores and the fuel tanks. Beyond this was a programme with a focus currently on marine slightly raised area on which was located the old biology. The station also supported several other British station ‘Base G’, which was demolished by science disciplines, including micro-biology, the Brazilian Navy in 1995 in agreement with the oceanography, meteorology, ozone measurements, United Kingdom. Only the concrete foundations ionospherics, and environmental monitoring. now remain. Approximately 100m above the station is a small hill with the graves and crosses of At the time of the inspection there were both Brazilian and British men who have died on 12 scientists working at the station, all from Keller Peninsula. In addition to the main buildings Brazilian universities. The ratio of scientists to there were a number of small refuges situated in logistics support staff was very high, at almost the local area. 40 per cent of the station complement. There was one foreign scientist, from Columbia, working on a The station leader told the Observers that Brazilian university project monitoring PROANTAR hoped to start the construction of the phytoplankton and zooplankton in Martel Inlet new station in the 2015-16 season and it would and wider Admiralty Bay. The senior scientist on take two seasons to complete at a cost of the station explained that they worked closely with $US110m. The new station would be built on the Polish scientists working at the nearby Arctowski same footprint as the old station and would have a station (Poland). suite of state-of-the-art science laboratories.

Personnel At the time of the inspection there were 33 people on the station, including 15 from the Brazilian Navy, including the station leader. The maximum number of people at any one time on the station since the fire in 2012 was 54, but the maximum capacity of the temporary station facilities as currently configured was 66. Around 15 people over-winter from the Brazilian Navy, with the numbers occasionally increased with a small number of researchers. Most of the scientists at Ferraz were working from cramped temporary laboratories housed in specially modified shipping containers, which had been set up in the 2013-14 season after the

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catastrophic fire. There were three temporary There were three different micro-biology studies biological laboratories. One was a wet lab and taking place. One was being led by the University housed a marine aquarium containing live of Sao Paulo, called MICROPOLAR, and was specimens of Antarctic notothenioid fish, another studying extremophile bacteria and the effects of was a larger microbiological laboratory, and the UV radiation. The scientists involved were third was a general purpose dry lab. There were undertaking a number of simulation experiments two further laboratories for physical sciences on in the laboratory and exposing bacteria to different the hill above the station. One supported levels of UV-B radiation, and comparing this to meteorological research, including ozone natural conditions in the field. They were also monitoring, and the other housed the VLF space examining how extremophile bacteria survive physics computers. However, no ozone under different UV-C radiation levels, as a model measurements were being made this season whilst for conditions on the surface of Mars. the station was under re-construction and had limited facilities and accommodation. The selection of scientific projects to be carried out Ferraz was rigorous and undertaken annually. The marine projects made considerable use of the University researchers in Brazil had to develop a zodiac inflatable boats for local area work. If written proposal which was then submitted to the scientists needed to go further away from the National Council on Scientific and Technological station, and into the more remote areas of Development (CNPq) for assessment. The CNPq Maxwell Bay, or if the weather was poor, they selected the best projects and provided funding. would use a steel launch called Skua. The launch Each of the chosen projects must also carry out an was about 6m in length and was kept ashore on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before the beach. they go ahead in Antarctica. Permission for each project was provided by the Brazilian authorities, No radioisotopes were being used on the station including for those scientists from other countries. for scientific research, although they had been used in the past. The senior scientist told the Logistics and Infrastructure Observers that it was not possible for radioisotopes to be used whilst they were using the temporary The initial building work for the current temporary facilities. facility involved a total of 140 personnel and five ships for transport and logistics. That the Brazilian As part of the science programme, an government invested on such a scale, in a relatively environmental impact monitoring study was being short time period after the 2012 fire, was undertaken by the Oceanographic Institute of the considered by the Observers to indicate Brazil’s University of Sao Paulo in association with experts strong commitment to future scientific operations from the Brazilian Ministry of Environment. The on the Antarctic Peninsula. scientists were taking samples of sediments, soils, moss and plants to analyse them for persistent Diesel fuel storage was in double skinned tanks. organic pollutants, such as PCBs, and also organo­ Fuel was moved through storage, to settling, and chlorines and heavy metals. The project had been to ready use in order to remove water prior to running for eight years and this had enabled the filtration and use. Fuel lines were inspected daily scientists to compare the baseline chemical results and were also double skinned for insulation and from before the fire with those now, and hence atomisation avoidance. The main storage tanks assess the impact of the fire on the local (10 x 30m3 capacity) remain unchanged since the environment. fire. The station was re-supplied yearly by ship

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transferring fuel ashore via a fuel barge. Petrol for Observers noted that the steel-hulled launch used outboard motors was stored in a separate tank for marine sampling was nearing the end of its near the main diesel storage tanks. Oil spill design life and will require replacement in the near response equipment and material was provided for future. any accidental spills by all of the fuel areas, and a solid boom is placed around the barge when No UAVs were in operation or held on the station. transferring fuel from ship to the barge and then The station leader believed that a special licence from barge to shore. would be required from the Brazilian authorities should one be needed. The station received occasional air supply, using parachutes, from a Brazilian Air Force C-130 Arms and Military Support Hercules aircraft during the winter. These supplies All the logistical support staff were provided by the were collected by a 4x4 tracked Ford pickup with Brazilian Navy. No weapons or explosives were on HIAB. station. The chassis of an old M100-13 battle tank Two Caterpillar diesel generators supplied 0.41mw had been brought to the station and after each to the station at 480v three phase which was extensive cutting and welding the tracks would be transformed to 230v and 110v for domestic use used as the launching vehicle for the station’s small and machinery. The diesel generator modules were steel-hulled boat. temperature controlled to maintain lubrication oil Safety, Training and Emergency temperature. There was a gas fire suppression in each module, directed from the machinery control Procedures centre situated between the modules. The accommodation and office spaces were separated into 17 zones for fire detection and Water was obtained from two glacial lakes above controlled in the centre passageway. Portable 90kg the station and supplied by four electrical pumps compressed water extinguishers were situated (two at each lake). It was chlorinated and treated along the passageway and north and south exits. with UV prior to consumption. Also, smoke curtains were used to break up the large accommodation spaces. Automatic fire Transport and Communications suppression systems were in operation in the The new facility continued to use the previous kitchen. communications station, which was undamaged by the fire. It used HF and VHF radios and two satellite dishes to provide communications. Station staff reported that they have good wi-fi internet connectivity of up to 2mb/s allowing support to scientific work and regular use of video links such as Skype.

The following transport was noted; two snowmobiles, a tracked crane, a 4x4 tracked Ford pickup with HIAB, three tracked earth movers, two JCB diggers, a rigid hulled boat, a fuel barge and two barges for transport of shipping containers or large vehicles. There were also several zodiac inflatables with various sized outboard motors. The

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There were two fire emergency muster points in granted for taking samples from penguins and the facility with 20 breathing apparatus systems other animals, but there was no such activity this and fire suit sets. Fire extinguishers were returned season. to Brazil at the end of each season and recharged units brought in. Whole-station fire training took There were extensive patches of moss and place every week. Antarctic pearlwort (Colobanthus quitensis) alongside a shore side track marked with rocks The station leader confirmed that everyone either side, approximately 200m long, to the north received a two week training course in Brazil prior of the site of the old British Base ‘G’. The Observers to deployment, covering the provisions of the were informed that the nearby whale skeleton had Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol. been assembled several decades ago from separate bones found on the beach by the French This station was the only one where the Observers underwater explorer and marine biologist Jacques were shown an in/out board for personnel leaving Cousteau. The Observers saw wheel tracks in the the station for further afield. There was a good moss at the end of this track, where a small vehicle system of coloured safety zones on a prominently had driven over the area at some point in the past. displayed map near the boot room (green – yellow The Observers considered that the tracks could – red) which indicated the land and sea areas and have been created when a vehicle was driven on the precautions and permissions required. overlying snow.

Environmental Management The station leader and his team were not aware of Five different types of recycling bins were observed any non-native species around the station. All inside the accommodation and working areas checking for such non-native species was along with larger holding bins outside. Wastes undertaken by the scientists involved as and when were sent out on re-supply ships and returned to they packed and unpacked their own stores, or in Brazil. In addition, the station had a modern and Punta Arenas when food stores were embarked. clean diesel fuelled incinerator for the disposal of non-recyclable rubbish such as hand tissues, toilet The station leader confirmed that PROANTAR was paper and food waste. undertaking an experimental soil biodegradation programme to help clean-up and restore ground An aeration sewage treatment plant (STP) was in which had been heavily contaminated by operation. Grey water was mixed into the third hydrocarbons during the fire, as detailed in ATCM stage of the STP and discharged to the sea. The XXXVII/IP007 Remediation Plan for the Brazilian station was operating both chemical (chloride) and Antarctic Station area. Further soil decontamination biological STPs. Sludge was dried, with the ‘soil’ work would be conducted this season. The sent to Brazil at the end of the season. Observers were subsequently informed that this year however, an ex situ bioremediation technique There were a number of Gentoo, Chinstrap and was undertaken with the construction of a Adélie penguins around the station, but there conventional biopile. Contaminated soil was were no breeding colonies nearby. The nearest removed from an area between the area treated in large penguin colony was situated on the hills and the first phase and the shoreline and deposited in other ice-free areas near Copacabana station another impacted area previously prepared for this (United States). In the past permits had been purpose. Then fertilisers were added and the biopile was covered with a geomembrane. This

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intervention included 450m3 of oil-contaminated already been purchased for the new station and soil. Four technicians from the Ministry of the will be fitted at a later date. The sickbay also had a Environment would supervise this work. portable warming device for helping hypothermia patients prior to their return to the station. In case Medical of emergency, patients would be evacuated by air The station had a modern and well equipped following liaison with Eduardo Frei station (Chile). medical facility in a temporary site awaiting Pharmaceutical supply was via a regular ship visit. completion of the new station. There was also a Pharmaceutical and clinical waste was segregated smaller secondary facility. The Observers were told and leaves via the same ship. that the doctor kept an emergency bag of equipment to take to the secondary facility should Tourism it ever need to be used. The station leader understood that the area had been an attraction for tourists in the past, before The medical cover was provided by a pre-specialist the fire and before the British Base ‘G’ had been Brazilian Army doctor who is four years post- demolished (1995-96), and it was thought that the graduation. He was conducting a one year tour new station might attract visitors in the future. But after which he will enter specialist training. He had for the moment, all tourist activity at the station received extensive training in remote and was discouraged and was limited to vessels wilderness medicine prior to deploying to Ferraz. cruising in the bay.

The medical centre had a good range of Summary medications including adrenaline and opiate Comandante Ferraz is a well-run station with very analgesia. The equipment included patient strong attention given to safety and fire monitoring equipment, portable defibrillation, and prevention. The Observers were impressed to see blood analysis equipment which can measure Brazil maintaining its strong science focus in troponins and simple biochemistry. Although there Antarctica, despite the considerable challenges was no formal tele-medicine set-up, the doctor presented by the fire, the temporary had support from the military hospital in Rio de accommodation and the plans for the Janeiro via Skype. Although there was no imaging redevelopment. There was high quality science equipment at the current station, digital X-Ray had being undertaken with senior professors from well-respected Brazilian universities working on the station with their post-doctoral and research students.

Recommendations > PROANTAR should continue to consult widely with the Antarctic science community in Brazil to ensure the plans for the facilities, infrastructure and laboratories in the new station meet modern research requirements.

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Camara (Argentina) Inspected 10 January 2015, 1315–1600

Date of last inspection Physical Description None. The main building housed the living accommodation, bedrooms, cooking and dining Introduction facilities, with large quantities of dried and tinned The station is situated at 62o 35’S; 59o 55’W in the goods and other stores in the loft. There were central section of Half Moon Island, about 30m numerous large water tanks, as well as a above a broad gravel and rock beach. The workshop in the basement below. This main summer-only station is run by the Argentine Navy building dated from 1953 and was aging, but was and is usually open for 70-80 days a year. The warm and dry, and well-maintained and station was established in 1953 and for three conserved. seasons was a year-round facility. All the buildings date from this time and are of considerable A smaller nearby hut contained a fresh food store. historical interest. Slightly above the main building A little to the north were the generator sheds and is a memorial cross to men who died in an aircraft a separate emergency shelter with basic provisions. crash. The Observers noted and appreciated the A hangar, originally thought to house a helicopter, fact that the team had completed Checklist A was now used for waste and for the storage of (Resolution 3, 2010) ahead of their arrival.

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fuel in 205lt drums. All these buildings were The station leader told the Observers that there similarly aging, but were in an overall sound state were no plans for significant changes to the of repair. station. The focus was on conserving the historic buildings, assisting visitors, and maintaining a The station was notable for its unique wire winch presence on the island. system used to haul light general supplies (less than 150kg) on a sledge from the beach up to the Personnel top of the snow slope level with the main living There were 17 personnel at the station, all from and storage accommodation. The Observers saw the Argentine Navy. The team would normally only the winch, in which the weight is distributed by a consist of 12-14, but additional personnel were pulley system that lightened the tension over the brought this year to effect repairs to some of the pole anchoring, in action. It was also used to send buildings. The maximum capacity of the station down waste at the end of the season. The was said to be 22, but it was clear to the Observers were informed that heavy cargo was Observers that this would have stretched the moved by helicopter. station’s available facilities considerably. The team had arrived five days before the inspection and were still heavily engaged in bringing up supplies from the beach and in getting the station operational again for the summer.

Scientific Research At the time of the visit there were no scientists working at Camara. The Observers were told by the station leader that, according to the Argentina’s Antarctic Annual Plan 2015, he expected between two to four scientists from the DNA would visit in February or March and that they were currently at Primavera or Carlini station (Argentina). The scientists would be carrying out a Behind the main building there was a small botanical survey, and making sample collections, pumping shed at the edge of a meltwater lake, of the native Antarctic grass (Deschampsia accessed along a short wooden boardwalk. There antarctica) for genetic analysis and morphological was also a small boat shed and a refuge. There studies. The fieldwork at Camara was part of a were six substantial free-standing aerial masts in wider survey of the grass, and the DNA scientists the vicinity of the station, estimated to be about would visit five other Argentine stations in the 20m tall. They were no longer in use and dated northern Antarctic Peninsula during the 2014-15 back to the 1950s. The station leader said that the summer season. stability of each mast was assessed each season, There were no permanent scientific facilities or but it was not clear to the Observers what form major scientific equipment at the station. Scientists this assessment took. They were concerned to see used the station as a temporary facility when one of the old aerial masts used as the anchor undertaking fieldwork in the local area. The station point for the top end of the winch system. leader said that four Brazilian scientists would be working at the station this summer. The plans for

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the future use of the station included its continued use to support scientific and technical research in the local area.

Logistics and Infrastructure The station leader informed the Observers that the station was usually occupied from around December to March each season, with replenishment taking place in January via ship. Diesel (MGO) (13.5m3) was stored in 100lt drums and was transferred to the generators using a hand pump. Kerosene (2.8m3) was used for general heating and propane (1.5m3) held in 45kg Transport and Communications cylinders for cooking purposes. All these were stored in the hangar away from the main building. Given the purpose of the station and the small size Annual consumption of diesel was estimated to be of the island on which it was situated, the team 7m3 with the station leader stating the fuel had no vehicles or boats available to them. resupply took place every three years or as Sufficient communications were available, with required. There was an ample supply of oil spill one Iridium phone, one HF set and three VHF sets response equipment and absorbents on site available. There was no internet access. situated in prominent areas adjacent to fuel There was no helipad, but there was sufficient facilities plus a small but useful store in the loft of space on the flat area near the hangar for a the main building. helicopter to land. No UAVs were in use and there Water for the station was provided directly from a were no plans for their use in the future. glacial lake using a 600lt/hr diesel-driven pump which transferred the water into nine tanks Arms and Military Support capable of storing around 27m3 in the basement of All personnel on the station were from the the main building. One of the tanks was seen to Argentine Navy. The Observers recorded no be leaking a significant amount of water from a explosives or weapons on the station. The team failed seal at the bottom of the tank. Glacial water had been landed by the Argentine Navy vessel was used for showers and toilets only, with all Canal Beagle just a few days before. drinking water supplied in bottles at the start of Safety, Training and Emergency the season. In an emergency, the glacial water Procedures could be treated and consumed. The Observers were advised that all personnel who In addition to the two 45kw and 31kw Equidiesel were new to the station undertook three courses generators, power could be provided from one of 15 days in Argentina which provided small 7kw portable emergency generator. There information on the Antarctic Treaty, the were no wind turbines, solar panels or any other Environmental Protocol, the operation of the source of renewable energy at the station. station and handling dangerous materials. Fire exercises were undertaken once a week.

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Environmental Management opiate analgesia or adrenaline. There was no A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan defibrillator on the station. Medical evacuation existed and all waste, including food waste, was would occur initially by helicopter and then by separated and retained in the basement of the aeroplane to the Argentine mainland, coordinated main building for removal at the end of the season by Marambio station (Argentina). Medical resupply via ship or earlier if the opportunity occurred. occurred by ship. Clinical and pharmaceutical Although there was no incinerator, the Observers waste was segregated and removed by ship back understand that that a manual waste compactor to Argentina. will be installed for the next season. Tourism Sewage and grey water was treated using a very Half Moon Bay is a popular tourist location with a old bacteriological separation system made up of Visitor Site Guideline in place. Figures from IAATO three tanks in the basement of the main building. suggested 13,069 people landed ashore in the Once settled the liquid was pumped directly to 2013-14 season. A much smaller number, thought sea, with the solids removed at the end of the to be around 600 people last season, visited season. Camara. The station staff noted that visitors followed the general guidelines of no more than There were no colonies of breeding animals in the three ships in one day and no more than 100 immediate vicinity of the station, but skuas, people ashore at any one time. There was no Gentoo penguins, Leopard seals and Chinstrap evidence of problems presented by visitors to the penguins were all regular visitors to the area. There station. were significant quantities of moss and lichen on the rocks and cliffs above the main station Summary building. Camara is a basic, but well-run and conserved The Observers were told that sampling of the lake summer station, though without any significant water took place each year, but the station leader scientific research underway. It is clear that the age did not have the results to hand. It had been and nature of the facilities require a larger number thought that the level of the lake was decreasing of support staff than would otherwise be needed slightly each year, but on inspection the Observers by a station hosting occasional visiting scientists. noted that the level of the lake water was at least 60cm above the floor of the small building which Recommendations acted as the pumping station. > The six very tall aerial masts should be surveyed by a suitably qualified mast engineer There were several copies of the Antarctic Treaty for safety, and if at risk of collapsing should be and Environmental Protocol on display in the main demolished and removed from Antarctica. living area. > That the DNA develop a future science plan Medical for Camara and consider whether the facilities available at Camara were able to support such There was a small basic sickbay in the main plans. building. This was run by two navy nurses who received specialist cold weather injury training prior Comments received from Argentina on this to deployment. The sickbay had a wide selection inspection report are noted in the Annex. of antibiotics and analgesics, but did not have

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Juan Carlos I (Spain) Inspected 11 January 2015, 0830–1100

Date of last inspection The station team had arrived on 30 November and 21 February 2005 (United Kingdom, Australia and would leave at the end of February, spending Peru). approximately 90 days at the station. Science being undertaken was international, with German, Introduction Bulgarian, Japanese, Portuguese and Russian Juan Carlos I was established in 1988 as a summer- scientists working there. There was evidence of only station on Livingstone Island at 62o 39’S; 60o expeditionary capability, with the station 23’W. It is operated as a civilian-run station by the facilitating science in the mountains and beaches Spanish National Research Council, through its nearby, including a field camp on Byers Peninsula, Marine Technology Unit. The Observers found a which was approximately two hours away by boat. well-run station with an obvious focus on scientific Physical Description work. Juan Carlos I is the largest station on Livingston Island, and provides seasonal logistical The station was dominated by several new, large and medical support to St Kliment Ohridski station red glass fibre panel buildings raised on stilts. The (Bulgaria), which is approximately 30 minutes away largest of these had three accommodation ‘spokes’ by either boat or skidoo. which were linked through a central yellow hub and were designed to be the main living, dining and sleeping accommodation. Other new buildings

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for generators, storage, workshops and a boat Scientific Research shed and laboratories had also been constructed. Juan Carlos I is a summer-only research station There were nine new buildings in total. operated by the Marine Technology Unit (UTM) of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The The new station was due to be operational in primary purpose of the station was scientific 2013. However, the Observers were advised that, research, and it was supporting a very diverse and due to severe financial constraints in Spain and a comprehensive international science programme. long-running dispute with the main building During the 2014-15 season the station would contractor, all construction work on the site had support research in glaciology, atmospheric been stopped and would not continue this season. chemistry, meteorology, geomagnetics, geology, As such only the new boat shed was in active use. and biology. The other buildings had no insulation, heating or fixtures and fittings and were not in use apart At the time of the inspection there were from occasional storage. 11 scientists working at the station, including a group of four Japanese glaciologists. The ratio of It was expected that the building work would take scientists to logistics support staff was very high, approximately two seasons to complete and the at over 65 per cent of the station complement. Of intention was to occupy all the new buildings on particular note was the large number of the site by 2018 at which point all the other international scientific collaborations being buildings would be demolished. The new station undertaken, and scientists from Germany, Portugal would be able to accommodate 50 people and and the Russian Federation, as well as Japan, have six new science laboratories. would be working at the station during the But for the moment, the station personnel were 2014-15 season. In total, 27 scientists would be living and working in an assortment of single supported during the summer. In addition, the person ‘melon’ huts, modified shipping containers station worked closely with Bulgarian scientists at and a variety of other temporary buildings, which the nearby St Kliment Ohridski station 1.7 km away together with the empty shell facilities, numbered to the north-east. around 49 structures in total, with two small The scientists were working in three temporary refuges up on the glacier behind the station. laboratories housed in specially modified shipping The station leader noted how snowfall was containers. One of the laboratories was being used increasing and glaciers accelerating in this area of by the glaciologists, one by the atmospheric Livingstone Island, a problem also seen by the scientists and the other by the meteorologists and Observers at the nearby Bulgarian station. a geophysicist. The research facilities available were basic, but adequate. However, they were cramped Personnel and there was very little space for instruments. This meant that some scientists had to work outside. During the course of the season it was expected For example, the Observers saw a team of two that around 17 technical staff and 27 scientists CSIC scientists melting and filtering snow samples would stay at the station. The expected maximum in the open near to the laboratories. number of people on the station during the course of the season was expected to be 29, but the technical maximum capacity was 46.

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The station leader told the Observers that the GPS and AWS, to measure mass balance and ice station would support eight major science projects dynamics. The data produced were being used to during the season. At the time of the inspection, constrain and test glacier computer models. Glacier four were taking place: measurements from the DINGLAC project were also sent to the World Glacier Monitoring Service. > Meteorological monitoring (AEMET) (Agencia The Japanese scientists were undertaking hot Estatal de Meteorología, Spain) water drilling to depths of 120–150m on the > Glaciological research (DINGLAC) (Technical glaciers and taking samples of basal water for University of Madrid in collaboration with microbiological studies and also inserting Hikado University and the National Institute of instrument chains to measure the temperature of Polar Research in Japan) the glaciers at different depths. During the > Geomagnetic monitoring (Observatori de l’EBRE, previous season, the DINGLAC project had used a Spain) UAV to undertake an aerial survey of the glaciers, > Atmospheric monitoring of persistent organic which in some places were unsafe to reach on foot pollutants (REMARCA) (CSIC, Spain) because of the danger from crevasses.

The station supported a major research programme in meteorology co-ordinated by the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología. There was usually a team of three people working at the station during the summer season, comprising two scientists and a weather forecaster. The weather forecaster provided predictions not just for Juan Carlos I, but also for the Spanish summer station Gabriel de Castilla on Deception Island and for field camps. The station operated two AWS, and a range of other instruments measuring a wide range of environmental variables, including UV radiation and soil temperatures. Meteorological observations have been made at Juan Carlos I since the station was established in 1988 making the data important for long-term climate studies. Meteorological data were provided to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and Juan Carlos I had WMO Observing Station status.

The station leader told the Observers that Juan The Observers were told that the station was an Carlos I was supporting a major international excellent location for glaciological studies because Spanish-led field camp on Byers Peninsula during of its proximity to Johnsons Glacier and Hurd Ice January 2015. There were seven scientists at the Cap on Nelson Island. This had enabled the camp studying microbiology and permafrost, Spanish scientists working on the DINGLAC supported by two technical assistants. project, and their international collaborators, to set up a suite of instruments on the glaciers, including

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Logistics and Infrastructure 205lt drums for outboard motors, skidoos and The station was undergoing a major upgrade with vehicles. There was an ample supply of oil spill ongoing transition between temporary buildings response equipment on this site situated in and new purpose built buildings and associated prominent areas adjacent to fuel and generator infrastructure. The new generator building was facilities. The waste pads and old engine oil were complete including the installation of three diesel bagged and drummed and sent back by ship for generators which have a generation capacity of disposal in port. 92kva, but it was not yet operational. The waste Fresh water was provided to the station from a heat from the generators would be recovered for glacial lake via a stream and then pumped and accommodation heating and general hot water stored in a 5000lt tank. A separate 1000lt consumption. The new fuel bunkering and emergency tank was used if water could not be distribution building which was on the shore line supplied from the lake for any reason. Sewage and was complete and required connection to the grey water flowed by gravity to a two stage septic generators. The new waste handling facilities, plant where bacteria created sludge and water, including sewage treatment, were yet to be and this water was mixed with the grey water and installed. discharged to sea.

Power was currently generated by three small diesel generators, with two running at any one time, producing a total of 37kva. They worked independently and supplied different areas of the station. The engines were 20 years old, but the Observers were informed that they were reliable and they confirmed that they appeared to be in adequate condition. Alternative energy was provided by three wind generators (two conventional blade generators and one vertical vane generator). An array of 100m2 of solar panels was in the process of being installed and they were expected to provide nearly all the electrical power required by the new station. Existing wind power provided around five to ten per cent of the total electrical generation for the existing station.

Transport and Communications The station had extensive communications facilities. A V-SAT capability had been recently The station currently used three 6000lt and one installed which provided significant bandwidth for 4000lt (22m3 total capacity) single skin diesel tanks e-mail and internet access. There were also for the generators and vehicles. The station’s total numerous VHF sets, which were used when fuel consumption was about 1500lt/week and fuel scientists deployed either to the mountains or the was regularly re-supplied by Spanish and Argentine adjacent islands. ships. A total of 2000lt of petrol was stored in

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The array of transport available was extensive and Environmental Management included: three zodiac Mk5 inflatable boats; five A comprehensive station Waste Management Plan skidoos, one of which was unserviceable; a quad existed and all waste, including food waste, was bike; a Terry caterpillar-style vehicle used to move separated. Paper and organic material was burnt in the zodiacs, and a John Deere tractor. The skidoos a 750oC and 1200oC twin-chamber incinerator. were petrol driven. All the other vehicles were The remainder, including the ash, was stored for diesel. removal from Antarctica by the re-supply vessel.

There was a marked vehicle track across the stone The Observers noted that the station staff had and gravel beach on which the station was built collected fishing debris, buoys and other flotsam and which linked the various buildings. It had and jetsam from the nearby beaches for removal clearly developed through regular use over time, from Antarctica. not least during the recent construction phase. Several concrete pads had been placed in the The engineering staff had a ten day test and roadway over trenches carrying services, and these sampling routine for sewage discharge water, were marked with red poles to indicate where they generator and vehicle emissions, fuel quality and were when the track was covered in deep snow. fresh water. All readings were reported as normal and there had not been any recorded out of Arms and Military Support tolerance readings in the past season. There were no military personnel at the station. The Observers recorded no weapons or explosives, There were no major concentrations of wildlife in apart from emergency distress flares for the the vicinity of the station. The hills to the north zodiacs. side of the station were heavily colonised by extremely large lichens. There were some areas of Safety, Training and Emergency lichens around the station buildings and these Procedures were marked to ensure they were not trampled by The incoming team were a mixture of new station staff or visitors. There were no formally personnel and those with prior, often very protected areas in the vicinity of the station, the considerable, experience of the station. All new nearest sites being Cape Shirreff (ASPA 149) and personnel received a short focused course prior to Byers Peninsula (ASPA 126), both some distance arrival in Antarctica. away.

All station support staff underwent a fire safety Medical course and regular exercises were carried out for Medical support was provided in a small but all members of the station. A comprehensive well-equipped temporary sickbay. The sickbay training plan would be implemented when the would move into the new buildings as they neared new station was fully operational. All scientists completion. Medical cover was provided by a who were required to work outside the station doctor. The doctor conducted shorter tours than had to be accompanied by a mountain guide who other technical personnel, and two were present specialised in cold weather survival and mountain at the time of the inspection as a handover was in skills. place. The first was a General Practitioner and the second an ENT consultant. Both doctors had completed a three year Masters Degree in

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mountain and wilderness medicine. In addition to Summary providing medical cover to the station, they also Juan Carlos I is an impressive summer-only formed part of the mountain rescue team. research station. It supports a wide variety of high quality research, with a large number of There was a wide selection of antibiotics and international collaborators. The ratio of scientists to analgesics, including opiates. Adrenaline was also logistical staff was the highest seen on any of the available. The sickbay had a ventilator, two stations inspected. defibrillators, and equipment for measuring troponin and biochemistry. The doctors reported The station is also important for logistics support the hardest part of using the blood analysis and acts as the hub to co-ordinate the science and equipment was getting reagents as these were logistics at Gabriel de Castilla and the camp on very expensive; however, this had not caused any Byers Peninsula, as well as substantial fieldwork on medical problems. The doctors were able to use the glaciers found on Nelson Island. video-conferencing with the military hospital in Madrid, and could email ECGs for analysis. They The further potential for the station was hoped to eventually secure a full tele-medicine considerable. But the current output is constrained suite like that seen by the Observers at Gabriel de by the condition of the temporary laboratories, Castilla station (Spain). The doctors were compiling which although functional, are small and without a list of other additional equipment with which all the suitable scientific equipment. they hope to stock the new build sickbay, including FAST ultrasonography equipment. Recommendations Pharmaceutical supplies were brought by ship, but > Completion of the new station should be a additional drugs could be requested and flown to priority for Spain’s Antarctic research nearby stations. Pharmaceutical waste was taken programme to enable the strong scientific by ship to Spain. Clinical waste was incinerated. output to continue to flourish. The medical evacuation plan involved helicopter > The commendable beach clear-up activity evacuation to King George Island for aeroplane undertaken by the station staff should involve transfer to the mainland. the recording of all collected debris and, where the debris relates to relates potentially Tourism to fishing activities, the information should be The station leader told the Observers that the submitted to CCAMLR. station was hardly ever visited by tour ships, and there were no records of significant numbers of tourists ever visiting the station. The decision on whether to accept a tourist visit rested with the station leader and whilst there was no prohibition on visits, the focus of the station was clearly on science.

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Artigas (Uruguay) Inspected 12 January 2015, 0830–1215

Date of last inspection Physical Description 5 December 2012 (United Kingdom, Netherlands The station’s 13 buildings and installations were and Spain). widely dispersed over the site. Nearly all the buildings had been long established and whilst Introduction secure and watertight, were beginning to now Artigas is a small year round station widely spread show their age. The exterior paintwork on the over a mainly flat area above Collins Harbour large two storey science and accommodation towards the east of Maxwell Bay. Located at block, built in 2006 and painted in the colours of 62o 11’S; 58o 51’W the station was established in the Uruguayan flag, was beginning to flake away 1984 and is operated by the Instituto Antarctico in places. Uruguayo (IAU), which is part of the Ministry of National Defence. The Observers were interested The Observers were pleased to see that new to see if there had been any changes to the station double skinned and bunded fuel tanks had been following the previous inspection report in 2012. installed since the last inspection. The Observers noted and appreciated that the The Observers were told that no major station staff had completed Checklist A (Resolution redevelopment at the station was planned, 3, 2010) ahead of the Observers’ arrival. although it was hoped to replace the old single storey building that now housed the basic gym and other storage, with a two-storey building

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housing a larger dining room and a new gym. The building housed two basic general purpose Observers were informed that the Environmental laboratories containing bench and cupboard space. Impact Assessment for this facility was underway, One of the laboratories was for biological research but no decision had yet been taken on the location and contained a fume cupboard and freezer. The of this new building. Demolition of the old facility station leader explained that scientists were was expected once the new building was up and expected to bring their scientific instruments and running. specialised sampling equipment with them to the station. One of the laboratories was occupied by Personnel the two glaciologists, who were part of an There were 10 personnel from Uruguay on the Argentine Antarctic programme undertaking station at the time of the inspection, as well as fieldwork on nearby glaciers. two scientists from Argentina and Germany. A further station member, the doctor, was due to The station was well-equipped for meteorological arrive shortly. The station leader was from the research operating both a conventional weather Uruguayan Army, with all but one of the others, a station and an AWS. Measurements were made civilian meteorologist, from other parts of the every six hours by the meteorologist who was Uruguayan armed forces. All personnel would stay from the Direccion National de Meteorologica in on the station for a full year, usually starting in Uruguay. Adjacent to the weather station, was an December, apart from the doctor who would ozone monitoring instrument, which was being change after six months. Approximately half the operated as a joint project with the Agencie incoming team had previous experience of Estadal de Meteorologica in Spain. working at the station. All those working at the The station leader provided the Observers with a station applied for the positions which, the station list of the research projects that would be leader told the Observers, were highly sought undertaken by Uruguayan scientists at Artigas after. The Observers were told that the maximum during the summer season. The projects were: number of people that could be accommodated at the station was 50. Biology > Analysis of diazatroph microbial communities Scientific Research > The Antarctic – Magellan connection: diversity At the time of the Inspection, there were three and biogeography in Turbellaria in the Scotia Arc scientists working at Artigas, the Uruguayan > Characterization of microbial communities in the meteorologist, and two glaciologists from soils of King George Island Argentina and Germany. The station leader told > Biogeochemical study of the glacial melt ponds the Observers that 12 scientists from a range of in Collins Harbour different Uruguayan universities and research > Environmental characterisation of the lake near institutes would be arriving at the station in the to Artigas station, from which the station drew a next week. He was also expecting three Brazilian water supply scientists. Science supported at the station > Determination of the prevalence of Shiga toxin included biology, geosciences, meteorology, and producing E. Coli bacteria in Antarctica fauna. psychology. Isolation, molecular characterisation and study of the sensitivity and resistance of the strain to The inspection team were shown a large science antibiotics and accommodation block, which was built in 2006, and used only in the summer season. This

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Several of these projects were long running monitoring studies. For example, the Observers were told that meteorological data had been collected at Artigas for over 30 years.

Science projects carried out at Artigas were chosen by the Scientific Department of the Uruguayan Antarctic Institute from proposals submitted by researchers from universities across Uruguay.

The station was making considerable effort to communicate its scientific work. The Uruguayan Antarctic Institute organised an annual ‘Antarctic School’ for about 30 university students who would visit Artigas for a few days during the summer season to learn about Antarctic science and undertake their own projects. Station personnel also used video-conferencing on a regular basis to secondary schools in Uruguay to tell them about Antarctica and their work.

Logistics and Infrastructure Further to the description of the station in the 2012 Inspection Report, a significant addition and Geosciences improvement to the station was the installation in 2013 of eight new 33m3 double skin fuel tanks. > Programme of Geodesic Infrastructure in The replacement of the existing corroded tanks Antarctica (GIANT) and satellite observations was a recommendation from the previous (EPOCH) in the International Terrestrial Reference inspection visit in 2012. The new tanks were empty Frame (ITRF) at the time of the inspection and awaiting the first > Tidal observations in Maxwell Bay fuel supply by ship in February 2015. Environmental sciences Fuel to the station was previously supplied from > Detection of marine debris in CCAMLR sampling the nearby Bellingshausen station (Russian areas and identification of marine mammal Federation) by lorry and then transferred to populations in the local area holding tanks. This supply method was considered > Biological monitoring of the Uruguayan Antarctic too hazardous and the UAI commissioned a new Institute activities linked to fuel management fuelling solution, which was built by the Administracion National de Combustibles, Meteorology Alcoholes y Portland (ANCAP). The fuel would be > Meteorological and climatological observations transferred from the resupply ship to the new shore tanks using floating fuel hoses. The new Psychology tanks were built into a concrete ‘saveall’ with > Study of the psychological characteristics needed by people working in the Antarctic environment

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integrated drains, the fuel system will be serviced Transport and Communications by ANCAP twice yearly and fuel samples taken The station had VHF, HF, Iridium and internet back to Uruguay for testing. which provided wi-fi to all of the station buildings. The internet bandwidth was enough to provide Three diesel generators supplied 220v and 50hz to video conference calling and tele-engineering. the station. One engine was much older than the others and dated from when the station was first There was a wide variety of vehicles, including two constructed in 1984. Two newer engines have skidoos, three zodiac inflatable boats with been fitted in the past 10 years as the station’s outboard motors (40 and 60hp), two BV tracked energy consumption had increased. The generators vehicles (one awaiting replacement tracks), a large were mounted on a concrete ‘saveall’ which was new truck – Russian made, and a tractor. Only one similar to the fuel tanks, and the generators could of the boats (the smaller Mk2 zodiac) was also be monitored remotely via wi-fi. operational as the others required the tracked vehicle to be launched. Fresh water was provided by a nearby glacial lake 3 and piped to a 12m tank. Water was then Arms and Military Support distributed to a 6m3 tank which was used for the The Observers recorded that no weapons or laundry, showers and toilets and the kitchens via ammunition were kept at the station. The station an activated coal filter for drinking water. received personnel and logistics support from the Uruguayan armed forces.

Safety, Training and Emergency Procedures There was a well-developed emergency evacuation plan, including guidance on the triaging of casualties. The station had comprehensive written fire, casualty and oil spill emergency plans which the Observers were informed were read and understood by everybody working at the station. The plans were tested regularly, including during staff pre-deployment training, and once a month at the station.

The core station staff underwent a three month pre-Antarctic training course which included awareness of the provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol, fire fighting, evacuation and cold weather survival. Psychological analysis was carried out for all team members to ensure suitability.

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Environmental Management The Observes noted with interest that the station Sewage and grey water was discharged via a septic leader was also aware of areas around the tank, where enzymes processed the sewage and Maxwell Bay area which station staff should avoid, created sludge and water. The water was or at least contact the ‘managing’ country if they discharged to the sea and the sludge returned to wanted to visit or work there. In relation to the Uruguay for disposal. Sewage discharge and fresh Ardley Island ASPA, the station leader told the water samples were taken twice yearly and Observers that Chile had assumed day to day returned to Uruguay for laboratory analysis. management of this location and that all intentions to visit or work in this location were subject to There was currently no provision of alternative Chilean verification of appropriate national electrical generation. The Observers were informed authorisation, via Eduardo Frei station. that a study had been carried out into the viability of wind turbines, but that it had not proceeded Medical due to concerns about the potential impact on The doctor was not present at the time of the birds. inspection owing to attendance at a compulsory pre-deployment trauma course. Interim cover was The Observers were pleased to see that a full provided by several nearby stations, and all current environmental impact assessment had been staff were first aid trained. The Observers were completed for the installation of the new fuel subsequently informed that the doctor arrived in tanks and that a copy was held on the station. mid-January and that there would then be medical doctor coverage for the whole of the year. Usually A station waste management plan was in an Army doctor provided medical coverage on the operation and waste was separated effectively for station. The doctors were changed after six removal from Antarctica. Paper, food waste and months, and both doctors for a particular occasionally cardboard was burnt in a two deployment year would train together with the chamber incinerator. The resulting ash was put into rest of the year-long station crew. empty fuel drums and taken back to Uruguay. The building housing the incinerator was equipped The sickbay was small, but emergency equipment with a smoke alarm. However the Observers felt around the examination couch was well organised. that the practice of storing so much cardboard At the time of the inspection the new medical near to the incinerator created an unnecessary fire stores for the season had not been unpacked and risk. were awaiting the doctor’s arrival. The sickbay had a defibrillator and oxygen. There were a range of The Observers were impressed with the oil spill kit medications, but it was not possible for the available for use on the station, including a Observers to verify the extent of the medication skimmer, booms and absorbent material. A good available. The station had opiate analgesia, which oil spill response plan was in place and the station were locked in the station leader’s safe. An held regular oil spill response exercises. automated external defibrillator was available in the main hut dining and recreation room. There were no significant concentrations of wildlife in the local area. Personnel were made Pharmaceutical supply was usually at the start of aware on arrival and through the use of maps the season, but there were various options to call about the protected areas such as Ardley Island for additional supplies as required. Pharmaceutical (ASPA 150). and clinical waste was returned to the mainland as segregated hazardous waste.

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A diver was employed to run boats and to collect Recommendations samples for scientists as well as do some underwater maintenance. Where possible, diving > The open rubbish dump behind the generator was restricted to periods when the logistics vessel and storage shed marked as ’waste to be was present. This vessel had a hyperbaric chamber returned’ should be emptied as soon as and a team of divers who would work with the possible and all future similar waste stored station’s own diver. inside to avoid accidental dispersal by the wind and weather. Tourism > The diesel generators should be enclosed for noise and fire safety and fitted with an There was no record of any tourist visits to the appropriate fixed fire suppression system station or the immediate vicinity. Whilst there was > The scientific research and educational no prohibition on visits, it was not expected that activities at Artigas should make more there were likely to be requests in the future. consistent use of the laboratory and other Summary facilities. Artigas is a small and well-run station which Comments received from Uruguay on this appears to be safe and with a relatively minimal inspection report are noted in the Annex. environmental impact on the local area. However, there was little science activity occurring during the inspection visit, except for meteorology. The Observers were subsequently informed that the main body of scientists arrived several days after the inspection. Many of the research projects listed in the Inspection report in 2012 still continue today, providing long term monitoring, but there was little evidence of new science initiatives.

There have been major infrastructure improvements at the station since 2012, especially the replacement of the bulk fuel tanks, although the old tanks have yet to be dismantled and removed. The Observers noted the presence of the logos of the major State-owned Uruguayan utility companies that manage the power generation, the new fuel tanks and satellite communications on the station.

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Other facilities and unoccupied refuges

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Eco-Nelson (non-governmental Czech facility) Inspected 12 January 2015, 1430–1545

Date of last inspection Physical Description 5 December 2012 (United Kingdom, Netherlands The facility consisted of a main hut with a and Spain). The facility was unoccupied and due to workshop and general area, a tiny through-kitchen considerable snow drifts it was not possible to and a small room with a desk and bed, heater and assess the site in detail. several book shelves. Linked to this building, but with separate access, was the battery Introduction compartment room which had been used in the Eco-Nelson is located at 62o 15’S; 58o 59’W on the past to store electricity generated by a small wind Stansbury Peninsula, Nelson Island. It consists of generator and a small storeroom, as well as a small four small wooden huts and was established by a vestibule used as a toilet. A nearby single room hut private Czech citizen in 1988 as a practical study in acted as the main bedroom. sustainable living, minimal environmental impact and survival skills. It has been used intermittently Halfway down the slope to the beach was a small over the subsequent years, although no significant wooden store containing several fuel drums and changes to the buildings appear to have been other general supplies. Just above the beach was a made. It is located about 30m above a small bay small A-framed hut which appeared to act as with a gravel and rock beach. The occupier had another general store. A deflated and apparently arrived on 9 December and intended to stay until unusable black zodiac-type craft lay on the snow the end of January. and rocks outside this building. A collection of

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marine debris, such as buoys and fishing nets, had Personnel been gathered together on the rocks near this The original builder and occupier of the station location. was present at the time of the inspection. The Observers were told that two Chinese researchers The huts at Eco-Nelson had always been were also staying at Eco-Nelson, but had minimalistic and rudimentary, although judging by temporarily left to go camping. However, the pictures shown to the Observers by the occupier, Observers could find no evidence to substantiate the facility was clearly once in much better order. this claim. The facility had clearly housed visitors in The huts were now in an extremely poor state and the past, but it did not look as though it had done there was no evidence of any significant recent so in several years. repairs or ongoing maintenance. The largest room in the main hut had at least 30cm of solid ice on The Observers were told by the occupier that the floor, indicating a lengthy period of neglect. It Eco-Nelson had been occupied year-round in the was the strong opinion of the Observers that the past, and that he was hoping to secure another facility posed a significant safety risk, not least fire winter resident this season. It was the opinion of but also of collapse. the Observers that such a solo over-wintering would be not only very dangerous, but also The occupier said that he had provisional plans to impossible in the living conditions they found. construct a new building to replace the aging facilities. No information was provided about the timing, process of approval, or logistical support for such a plan.

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Scientific Research Water for the facility was provided directly from a The Observers were told that the facility was glacier lake and stored in small plastic containers. designed to test sustainable low-impact living and There was no sewage treatment control other than survival skills, in addition to the ongoing collection decanting solid waste directly into a 100lt drum for of marine debris. Whilst there was evidence that removal at the end of the season. All liquid waste these activities had taken place in the past, the was disposed of directly into the sea. Observers were doubtful that there had been any Although the external inspection of the facility in significant activity in recent years. 2012 found a wind turbine on the roof of the main The occupier told the Observers about a series of hut, what remained was broken and clearly experiments that he had established around 10 non-operational. There was a bank of very badly years ago to test the psychological and practical corroded nickel cadmium batteries, but it was clear survival skills of two sets of children who had that they held no charge. The occupier said he arrived with their parents at the station. Given the intended to fit solar panels, but was unable to ages of the children involved, one as young as provide any detail. seven, the Observers were very concerned that Transport and Communications such amateur, and in their opinion potentially unsafe and unethical, experiments had been The only communication was via a single VHF carried out. radio, which appeared to be powered by small disposable batteries. Access to and from the facility Logistics and Infrastructure was via a single kayak to a nearby location from Diesel fuel was supplied approximately every three which the occupier then walks to the facility. A seasons in four 100lt drums via the occupier’s deflated and apparently unusable zodiac-type craft contacts with visiting yachts, with any fuel not was situated just above the beach. used remaining on site ready for the start of the Arms and Military Support following season. No surplus fuel was returned. 50lt of petrol for the likely unusable inflatable and There were no weapons at the facility, and no cooking purposes was also stored with the diesel military personnel present. A small number of in the same small hut midway between the beach signal rockets were kept for signal purposes in the and main living hut. same shed as the fuel.

There were no generators at this facility so all fuel Safety, Training and Emergency was used for general heating purposes and was Procedures decanted into smaller containers using a hand The occupier told the Observers that he had an pump. A drip tray for containing small fuel spillages emergency arrangement with the nearby station was situated directly under the 100lt drums of Eduardo Frei (Chile) in the event of a diesel. There was no evidence of any oil spill communications failure. If the Chilean Air Force response equipment held, but also no records of a flew over the facility and a Chilean flag was flying, fuel spillage having taken place at this facility in the it meant that there were problems and they should last three years. come to help. The Observers also noted that the signal rockets would presumably also be used as a rudimentary method of emergency contact.

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The Observers considered that in the event of the Tourism lone occupier of Eco-Nelson being seriously ill or It was clear to the Observers that this facility had incapacitated, together with a failure in the VHF been able to operate, at least in the past, by communications, the outcome would likely be visitors paying the occupier to use the facilities or extremely serious. at least by an informal contribution in kind. Given the extremely dilapidated condition of the huts, it Environmental Management was impossible to believe that this kind of activity No Waste Management Plan existed and all waste would now continue. that could be burnt was used for general heating inside the huts. Plastics were retained until the end Summary of the season and food waste, though minimal, Eco-Nelson appears poorly operated and was believed to be thrown directly into the sea. maintained, and the huts are now extremely There was no incinerator or waste compactor at dilapidated and dangerous. The facility poses a the facility and no chemicals, including those for significant risk to human health and potentially to general or personal cleaning, were used. the local environment. Whatever the earlier rationale for the facility, the Observers were not Medical convinced that such a justification existed for it The medical support to the facility was almost now. In the view of the Observers it should be non-existent. The occupier held a supply of closed down and the huts cleaned up and medications of various types in a small cardboard removed from Antarctica. box in the main hut. This was not temperature controlled. A random sampling of the medications in the box showed that all were past their expiry Recommendations date, with 2004 as the most recent expiry date. > Without a complete overhaul of the purpose The facility held a very small cylinder of oxygen, and state of Eco-Nelson, the facility should be but the Observers were not shown either a removed as soon as possible and the regulator or mask which would be required to surrounding area cleaned-up and remediated. administer it. There was no heart monitoring capability and no defibrillator.

There was photographic evidence that children had lived at the facility in the past. There was no evidence of any paediatric medical support. Given the occupier’s stated intention for someone to over-winter at the facility, the lack of regular radio or satellite communications would be likely to result in a casualty being unable to call for medical evacuation should a significant injury occur.

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Stansbury Peninsula Refuge (China) Inspected 12 January 2015, 1545–1615

Summary rusting and exterior deterioration. A large, Whilst approaching Eco-Nelson (a non­ apparently empty, rusting gas cylinder was being governmental Czech facility) the Observers used to hold the door closed. identified a small refuge approximately 1km to the A smaller container adjacent to the main building east of that facility, around a small headland and held a collection of waste material. The door to situated approximately 20m above a gravel and this structure had rusted away completely leaving rock beach. the contents open to the snow and wind. Located at 62° 15’S; 58° 59’W the refuge A third small container lay approximately 10m to consisted of a shipping container, flanked by two the east and was partially filled with snow. This smaller containers. The main building contained contained a half-full 200lt blue plastic fuel barrel, several bunk-beds, a large amount of assorted apparently containing a heating and cooking fuel bedding and blankets and a small store of water such as white spirit. bottles, fruit juice and medicine. The visitors’ book in the shipping container It was apparent from flags in the main building indicated that this refuge was occasionally visited and writing in the refuge’s visitor’s book that this by those living in the nearby vicinity, including from refuge was linked to, or had been used by staff the Eco-Nelson facility, and it contained relatively from, the Great Wall station (China). The shipping recent entries. However, it was the Observers’ container was in poor condition with extensive

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strong opinion that the refuge was now in very poor condition, and without adequate supplies, was not in a suitable state to act as a genuine refuge in case of a serious emergency or accident nearby.

Recommendations > That the future use of this refuge should be reviewed and it be cleaned-up, reconditioned or removed as appropriate.

Comments received from China on this inspection report are noted in the Annex.

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Vessels

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MV Ushuaia (Comoros) Inspected 1 January 2015, 0915–1215

Date of previous inspection Vessel Details None. At the time of the inspection, MV Ushuaia had been charted by ‘Students on Ice’, a Canadian Introduction charity which provides international polar MV Ushuaia entered through Neptune’s Bellows, education expeditions to students, generally in the Deception Island and anchored in Whalers Bay at 14–18 age range. The vessel is an older, but well 0815. Approximately 80 passengers were landed maintained, small cruise vessel, ice class 7. She was ashore to visit the former whaling station. captained by an Argentinean Master with a crew Although the Comoros is not an Antarctic Treaty of 35 mainly Argentinean personnel. There were Party, the operator of the vessel on this occasion, 90 passengers onboard the vessel, the majority of ‘Students on Ice’ was authorised by Canada and is whom were young students from a wide variety of a member of the International Association of different nationalities. Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Master and expedition leader welcomed the Observers on External Inspection board. MV Ushuaia was built in 1970, but it was clear that considerable effort had been made to maintain her. Her external appearance was good, with little evidence of rust, and there were no overboard discharges or environmental concerns noted.

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Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and brief on waste management was given to all Compliance visitors shortly after embarkation. There was no For this cruise, both the vessel and the expedition evidence of toxic waste onboard. had the appropriate authorisations from the The ship had the capacity to hold 12m3 of bilge Canadian authorities. The permit holder was the water, which was then separated using centrifuges expedition leader who also ran ‘Students on Ice’, with the oil transferring to a sludge tank an organisation registered in Canada. For (maximum capacity of 4m3) and the water being expeditions not chartered by ‘Students on Ice’ it is discharged overboard. the Argentine Government who normally provides the Antarctic authorisation for the vessel’s activities The passengers received a full briefing on the in Antarctica. Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Protocol and IAATO Guidelines within the first few days of The Observers noted strong awareness of the joining the vessel, and well before they entered the principles of requirements and responsibilities laid Antarctic Treaty area. Information was progressive, down in the Antarctic Treaty and the starting with the fundamental requirements, such Environmental Protocol by both the vessel’s officers as no littering, within the first hour or so of and crew and the expedition team. The vessel’s departure, followed by subsequent information on usual operator Antarpply and ‘Students on Ice’ are wildlife awareness and behaviour in Antarctica, IAATO members and follow all relevant IAATO particularly onshore. Preventing the inadvertent guidelines. The Observers did not observe any introduction of non-native species was taken significant issues in relation to compliance. seriously with checking of clothes, rucksacks and Environmental Management other equipment, with cleaning and vacuuming as appropriate during the voyage south. Lectures and There were two reverse osmosis (RO) plants on the briefings were provided in the bar area of the 3 vessel each with a capacity of 36m per day. vessel where there was sufficient capacity for all Exhaust gasses from the main engines were used the passengers and a number of television screens. to pre-heat the sea water entering the RO plants to improve efficiency. Passengers were briefed before every landing and copies of the relevant Visitor Site Guidelines were Sewage and grey water was managed using two usually available wherever appropriate. Translations International Maritime Organisation (IMO) of the Guidelines were made available to approved sewage treatment plants. They were old passengers where necessary. Passengers received a style plants using aerobic action to break down re-cap and de-brief on completion of landings. waste and, as such, required no chemicals to operate. Passengers and expedition staff moving off the ship and returning from onshore were directed to MV Ushuaia did not have an incinerator so all a straightforward boot washing and scrubbing waste was separated into different colour bins facility, using appropriate disinfectant. throughout the ship and then transferred into separate plastic and domestic cages on the aft Pollution and MARPOL Plan deck for offloading at the next port visit. Food A comprehensive MARPOL Plan existed with waste was retained in large bins again on the aft notices promulgated throughout the vessel. Fuel deck and removed along with all other waste. A spillage exercises were conducted regularly under the direction of the Chief Engineer. There were

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two fuelling stations (port and starboard appropriately. Should evacuation of patients be amidships) with an adjacent upper deck locker required the doctor would liaise with the ship’s containing MARPOL spill equipment. MV Ushuaia Master to arrange this. was also fitted with deck overboard valves which were shut in the event of a spillage and this too The expedition doctor was carried for insurance was controlled by the Chief Engineer. The ship was purposes owing to the age group of the ‘Student single skinned with both bottom and wing tanks on Ice’ expedition, where some students were as containing diesel fuel (MGO). There were no young as 14. She was a generalist doctor, present records of a fuel spillage having taken place in the on a volunteer basis, who normally worked in a last three years. hospital in northern Canada. The ‘Students on Ice’ team had also brought their own medical Emergency Procedures equipment to supplement the ship’s sickbay The ship’s Master and Chief Officer discussed equipment. This included an additional portable emergency procedures with the inspection team. defibrillator. Robust arrangements seemed to be in place for Small Boat Operations accounting for, mustering and if necessary looking for missing passengers. All safety equipment was Passenger transfers to and from the shore were in date for mandatory inspections, appeared well conducted using the eight zodiac boats onboard. maintained and was sensibly dispersed throughout Each was equipped with outboard motors and the ship. The designated Muster areas appeared to operated by the vessel crew. All zodiac drivers be of appropriate size and the Observers were were accredited to STCW95 for basic safety informed that emergency drills were conducted at training, and received further appropriate training the first opportunity after the embarkation of a on the vessel. The Observers were informed that new set of passengers. The Observers were also IAATO guidelines for the use of small boats in ice advised that the lifeboats and life-rafts were covered waters were followed. Boats appeared sufficient for more than 150 per cent of those well controlled and handled with safe procedures onboard. for the passengers, and lifejackets were available for and worn by all passengers onboard. Medical Immersion suits were not provided given the The ship had two doctors present during the proximity of the vessel to the shore. Emergency inspection. One was part of the vessel crew and equipment was landed with the passengers, but the other was part of the ‘Students on Ice’ only once the majority of passengers were ashore. expedition team. The crew doctor was a specialist Control of passengers to and from the shore was in emergency medicine. She worked in Santiago, well run, with a single point of exit from the vessel Chile when not on the ship. There was a small and and a crew member accounting for each person. functional, but aging, sickbay. The sickbay Expedition and Tourist Management contained two defibrillators, one of which was portable in a carry case with an associated bag of The activities ashore were concentrated in Whalers emergency drugs. There was bottled oxygen in the Bay within the area described in the relevant Visitor sickbay. A wide variety of medication was present. Site Guidelines, including exploration of the site. The ship updated her stocks when in port, and Swimming from the shore was offered as an disposed of clinical and pharmaceutical waste activity and although not directly observed by the inspection team, it was reported that nearly all passengers took part in this activity. Swimming

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was under the direct on-site control of the Summary expedition leader and guides and the MV Ushuaia has a capable and professional crew accompanying doctor, with towels to hand and at and a highly experienced expedition team from least two zodiacs available at all times, one in the ‘Students on Ice’, with a clear focus on educational water and one on the beach. learning and understanding Antarctica and the site being visited. There were no significant issues The landings began with the arrival of the observed, other than one concerning the timing of expedition leader and guides, shortly followed by the landing of emergency equipment. the passengers, who received a short and effective briefing on landing. Guides were stationed at key points around the site, including the old aircraft Recommendations hangar, but passengers were left to explore the > The emergency equipment, including shelter, site within the limits of the Site Guidelines. The medical supplies, warm clothes, food should guides provided briefings on the history, geology be brought to shore at the start of the and wildlife of Whalers Bay. The expedition leader passenger landing, and before large numbers remained around the landing site and proactively of passengers arrive from the vessel. and effectively kept in contact with all the guides > The vessel operator should investigate the using handheld VHF radio. Two zodiacs remained opportunities to access tele-medicine services on the beach, accompanied by drivers to return or similar support, in order to provide passengers to the ship whenever they wished. additional back-up in the event of a medical emergency. Passengers wore their own clothes. There were sufficient expedition guides, supported by a number of other ‘Students on Ice’ staff volunteers who accompanied the students. Supervision was effective and no infringements of the Visitor Site Guidelines or environmental regulations were observed.

The only activities being undertaken during this voyage were shore landings, zodiac cruises and swimming. There was no scientific research taking place on board or being supported by the ship ashore. No UAVs were onboard, either for use by the ship and crew or passengers. The inspection team were told there was no intention to carry UAVs onboard Ushuaia in the future.

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MV Hanse Explorer (Antigua and Barbuda) Inspected 1 January 2015, 1430–1645

Date of last inspection Vessel Details None. MV Hanse Explorer is a small polar vessel used for private expedition charters for up to twelve Introduction passengers. The vessel was visited whilst at anchor MV Hanse Explorer entered through Neptunes in Whalers Bay, Deception Island and landing Bellows and anchored in Whalers Bay, Deception procedures were observed. Ice classed to E3 and in Island. Five passengers went ashore to the whaling classification with Germanischer Lloyd (GL), she is station along with the expedition leader. The vessel very well maintained and has a multi-national crew was conducting four voyages in and around the of 14. In this instance, a Canadian family of five Antarctic Peninsula, collecting and depositing had charted the vessel for a 10 day period. The passengers from Marsh airfield on King George vessel was not undertaking any scientific research. Island, with each trip in the Antarctic Treaty area lasting around 10-14 days. No refuelling took place External Inspection in Antarctica. Although Antigua and Barbuda is Launched in 2006, the Observers considered the not an Antarctic Treaty Party, the operator was vessel to be modern and very well maintained; authorised by Germany and is an IAATO member managed by her parent company Harren and and the Master and expedition leader welcomed Partner. Her external appearance was good and the Observers onboard. there were no overboard discharges or environmental concerns noted.

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Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and leaving and returning to the vessel. The expedition Compliance leader, from EYOS Expeditions, provided onboard The vessel’s operator Harren and Partner received a dedicated training for both passengers and vessel permit from the German competent authority and crew. the Observers confirmed that all the appropriate Pollution and MARPOL Plan documentation was held on the vessel. The permit allowed the vessel to operate in the general area A ship’s Oil and Pollution Plan was held on the of the Antarctic Peninsula and in conditions of up Bridge and well understood by all staff. The to 8/10ths ice concentration. Harren and Partner is Observers were subsequently informed that a full IAATO member. It was evident from the according to the company’s International Safety inspection that appropriate guidelines and Management practice a MARPOL drill is conducted procedures were being followed correctly. monthly which is put on record in the logbook and the training matrix. Leak stopping equipment was Environmental Management held on the quarter deck for boat operations and The reverse osmosis (RO) plant can provide 20m3 in the bunkering station midships on the port side. of fresh water daily. Water was also treated with Any used absorbents were bagged and kept for ultraviolet light. Hot water was produced by a disposal in port. All emergencies were coordinated calorifier, which included a second stage for by the Bridge supported by the Chief Engineer in general heating of the accommodation areas, the Engine Control Room. There were no records upper decks and fuel tanks. of fuel spills in the past three years.

Sewage and grey water was treated by aeration in Emergency Procedures an IMO approved sewage treatment system, Emergency procedures were discussed with the where grey water was fed into the third stage to Master, Chief Officer and two Deck Officers and assist filtration and dilution. Bilge, oily water and all seemed well versed with the vessel’s emergency sludge were held onboard and removed during procedures. Primary and alternate muster stations each port visit, and the vessel had tank capacity of had been provided and emergency roles were one month in normal charter running. All designated for all crew. Emergency drills were equipment was well maintained and managed by carried out regularly including the recovery of man a ‘Sertica’ Platform Management System (PMS). overboard markers to ensure all crew were fully trained. A rescue boat and life raft space for 100 All waste was segregated and stored onboard and people were carried along with survival suits for all discharged ashore during port visits, and it was personnel. All life saving equipment appeared to managed by the crew under the responsibility of be in very good condition. the Chief Officer. No waste was discharged to sea except by IMO approved equipment. Medical The sickbay was a small self-contained It was clear that compliance with the compartment, containing an examination couch, environmental provisions of the Antarctic Treaty medication store and defibrillator. The medication and the Environmental Protocol were taken included adrenaline, injectable morphine, and a seriously by the vessel and the operator, with variety of antibiotics and analgesics. The ship had a IAATO Guidelines prominently on display in the contract for telephone medical support with a disembarkation area. There was a dedicated German telemedicine assistance service. bootwashing and disinfecting station for both Pharmaceutical supply was through the parent

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company’s logistics division. Pharmaceutical and Summary clinical waste were segregated and landed as MY Hanse Explorer is a very well equipped and hazardous waste. managed polar vessel, and is clearly provided with full support from its parent company in Germany. Small Boat Operations Professional procedures were evident in all aspects Passenger transfers to and from the shore were of work, with a well-motivated and friendly and conducted using a well maintained zodiac boat knowledgeable crew and expedition leader. MY equipped with an outboard motor and crewed by Hanse Explorer operates in Antarctica every year, the expedition leader. The boat appeared well conducting expedition cruising for very small controlled and handled with safe procedures for numbers of passengers. No infringements or issues the passengers, and lifejackets were available for were observed either with the operation of the all passengers onboard. Immersion suits were not vessel, the landing or the overall conduct of the provided given the proximity of the vessel to the expedition. shore.

Expedition and Tourist Management Recommendations Given the small numbers of passengers ashore at > None. Whalers Bay supervision and assistance was provided directly by the expedition leader who accompanied the party of five visitors ashore. The vessel had a copy of the short introductory film about Whalers Bay produced by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and this had been shown to passengers prior to arrival. No issues, infringements or unmanaged risks were observed during the landing or the visit ashore.

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SY Spirit of Sydney (Australia) Inspected 2 January 2015, 0900–1015

Date of last inspection External Inspection None. The Observers considered that the vessel was in good order and well capable of the sea conditions Introduction found in Antarctica. The rigging had been SY Spirit of Sydney was visited whilst at anchor at renewed in the past two years and had been fully Port Lockroy. She had seven passengers and two overhauled four months before the inspection. All crew, including the master. The operator is Spirit of repairs and maintenance were completed by the Sydney Expeditions Pty Ltd. two experienced crew members.

Vessel Details Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and SV Spirit of Sydney is a modified Open 60 sailing Compliance yacht, launched in 1986, with an aluminium hull The vessel was flagged to Australia and the and rigging, a displacement of 18 tonnes and operator was Australian. The operator had a five capable of 8kts under power. The vessel is year authorisation from the Australian Government operated by two Ocean Yacht Master crew to operate in Antarctica. The Observers had the members, with a maximum of nine guests with opportunity to see paper copies of the up to date 16 life raft spaces.

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authorisation document, which demonstrated that operator himself that one of the water tight seals the vessel was in the third year of its five year required replacing, although the Observers were authorisation. The operator is a member of IAATO. told it still functioned well. All sea and fire safety equipment was in date for mandatory SOLAS Environmental Management inspections and stored pressure fire extinguishers A small reverse osmosis plant was fitted but not were arranged around the ship and in each WTC. generally used due to the adequate 500lt tank The Observers were informed that the operator’s capacity. Sewage and grey water was discharged second yacht was only one day behind the Spirit of overboard, with the two day holding tank used Sydney and that they would normally shadow each when close into land or anchorages. The vessel other during their time in the Peninsula. The had the capacity to generate electricity via a small operator also had good awareness of other vessels wind turbine. in the vicinity, not least other IAATO vessels.

Waste was managed onboard by separation and Medical stored on the stern for removal in port. Passengers Both the master and crew had appropriate were thoroughly briefed on environmental and wilderness and first-aid training and experience waste management procedures on joining the and had suitable medical supplies on board to deal vessel. The crew were fully conversant with the with relatively straightforward conditions. In the IMO regulations for discharge into the sea and did event of a more significant medical issue, the not discharge any products, except sewage and response would be to contact the wider IAATO grey water in the Antarctic Treaty area. network.

Pollution and MARPOL Plan Small Boat Operations There was no formal oil pollution plan held The vessel had two inflatable boats with a 15hp onboard, however, spill kits were held and the outboard motors (Bombard C3 Commando and vessel operated a dry bilge routine (no oily Achilles 3.2) launched using a davit on the stern. products discharged by the bilge pump). All used There were also four kayaks stored on the forward absorbent materials were bagged and landed in deck. port. The diesel fuel tanks (1400lt capacity) were double skinned; petrol (140lt) and gas (four bottles) Expedition and Tourist Management were stored on the stern away from the main The Master also acted as expedition leader. accommodation area. Emergency fuel spill Although the vessel was in the vicinity of Port exercises were not regularly carried out, but the Lockroy, no landings or small boat operations were routine appeared to be well understood by the observed there. The seven passengers on board crew. were intending to conduct a range of climbing and mountaineering activities, including skiing and Emergency Procedures snowboarding around the local area and at other A man overboard exercise was carried out on each locations in the Antarctic Peninsula. Environmental expedition voyage, and safety briefings and and bio-security procedures were in place, familiarisation were conducted soon after the including training for passengers once they had passengers embarked. There were six water tight joined the yacht. An up to date set of Visitor Site compartments (WTCs) in the vessel and all Guidelines was held on the vessel. No scientific separated by a water tight door, when on transit research was being undertaken by the vessel. these were kept closed at sea. It was noted by the

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Summary Spirit of Sydney is a well set-up vessel with a master who has significant experience of operating in ice-covered waters.

Recommendations > That the water tight door seal is renewed.

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SY Saoirse (New Zealand) Inspected 2 January 2015, 1030–1200

Date of last inspection Vessel Details None. Launched in 1997, SY Saoirse is a custom built Langedrag steel hull 17.8m sailing yacht, with a Introduction displacement of 30 tonnes and capable of 8kts SY Saoirse was visited and inspected whilst at under power with a 250hp engine. The vessel is anchor in Port Lockroy. She had a group of nine managed by three Ocean Yacht Master crew passengers on board, plus three crew members. members with a maximum of nine guests, with She was on a 21 day voyage, expecting to spend numbers limited by IMO sewage and grey water 11 days in the Antarctic Treaty area. The main discharge rules. activities planned included photography and shore landings. Previous trips over a period of 24 years External Inspection with another vessel had included activities such as The Observers considered that the vessel was in kayaking, climbing and filming. The operator is good order and capable of the sea conditions of Ocyan Logistics Ltd, based in New Zealand. Antarctica. The vessel was purchased by the current owners 18 months ago and had been fully serviced to be made ready for the voyage. All

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repairs and maintenance were completed either by tanks (8m3 capacity) were single skinned due to the the experienced crew members or by hired age of the vessel. Petrol (100lt) and gas (four professionals. bottles) were stored on the stern away from the main accommodation area. Fuel spill exercises Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and were not regularly carried out, but the routine Compliance appeared to be well understood by the crew. The operator received authorisation from the New Zealand authorities to enter Antarctica. A copy of Emergency Procedures the permit was held onboard the vessel and the A man overboard exercise was carried out on each details verified by the Observers. The operator had expedition voyage, and safety briefings and been a member of IAATO, but was not currently. familiarisation were carried out as soon as passengers have embarked. There were five water Environmental Management tight compartments (WTCs) in the vessel and all A small reverse osmosis plant was fitted but not were separated by a water tight door. When on generally used due to the adequate 1000lt tank transit the engine room compartment and sail capacity onboard. Any further water required was locker compartment were kept closed at sea. All taken from nearby glacial run off. Sewage and sea and fire safety equipment was in date for grey water was discharged overboard, after mandatory SOLAS inspections. Stored pressure passing through a 20mm filter. There were extinguishers (water, powder and CO2) were in currently no holding tanks fitted, but it was good condition and arranged around the yacht intended to fit a sewage tank during the next and in each WTC. The Observers were impressed maintenance period. by a fixed fresh water fog system which was fitted to the engine space for fire suppression. The Waste was managed onboard by separation and Observers were told that the vessel is inspected stored on the stern for removal in port. The before relaunch from the boat yard by the Chilean passengers were thoroughly briefed on joining the National Maritime Authority and all equipment vessel. The crew were fully conversant with the (the 12 person life raft, flares etc) are serviced by a IMO regulations for discharge into the sea and did certified inspection service for SOLAS compliance. not discharge any products, except sewage and grey water in the Antarctic Treaty area. Food waste The vessel was operating in Antarctica in co­ was collected and discharged in accordance with operation with the yachts SY Santa Maria Australis MARPOL regulations. and SY Paradise, providing mutual support and assistance in the event of an incident. The No renewable electrical generation was currently Observers were informed that the vessel also fitted to the vessel. It was intended to fit both solar checked-in every day with the regional MRCC and wind generators in the next maintenance authorities and with their expedition base manager period. in Canada.

Pollution and MARPOL Plan The Observers were told that the yacht had two There was no formal oil pollution plan held on- firearms on-board, a 12 gauge shotgun and .470 board. However, spill kits were held and the vessel rifle which were required as part of the vessel’s operated a dry bilge routine (no oily products permissions in Canada to operate in the Arctic, discharged by the bilge pump). All used absorbents due to the threat posed by polar bears. Both were bagged and landed in port. The diesel fuel firearms were registered in Greenland. The

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firearms were disassembled and parts stored It was a requirement of the contract signed by all separately in a private area which was locked passengers that they must abide by the provisions whenever the owners were not onboard the yacht of the Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental whilst in the Antarctic Treaty area. Protocol. Similarly, drinking alcohol was prohibited while the vessel was underway and limited in Medical anchorage. No science activities were being carried The crew had good medical experience and out by the vessel, but there was an interest in a training, including wilderness and first responder future programme to support marine sediment qualifications. On this voyage one of the sampling. passengers was also a qualified medical doctor. The medical equipment carried was sufficient to Summary deal with the range of routine injuries that could The vessel was in good order with an extremely be expected. The Observers were impressed that experienced crew. No significant operational, the vessel also had Iridium telephone access to a environmental or safety issues were identified. 24 hour on-call doctor in Canada via a paid-for system. Recommendations Small Boat Operations > The operator should consider the use of a The vessel had two inflatable boats, one Polaris locked cabinet to store firearms, or consider inflatable 12.5’ with 25hp outboard motor and whether there are alternative storage one Zodiac classic with 15hp outboard motor and locations whilst the vessel is in the Antarctic a spare 20hp outboard motor, launched using a Treaty area. halyard from the main mast.

Expedition and Tourist Management The vessel had a good system of ensuring compliance with the wildlife protection and other provisions of the Environmental Protocol and ready access to documents such as the Visitor Site Guidelines. Paper copies of the Guidelines were held on the vessel and access to the most recent versions was available electronically.

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SY Santa Maria Australis (Germany) Inspected 2 January 2015, 1300–1430

Date of last inspection accommodating a maximum of 12 people, the None. vessel was carrying eight passengers in addition to the three crew members. Introduction The yacht had two Deutz 106hp main engines The SY Santa Maria Australis was visited whilst at with two shafts in addition to an independent anchor in Port Lockroy. The vessel had arrived the diesel generator. Heating was provided by a main previous day and the passengers were ashore boiler which provided central heating throughout visiting ‘Base A’ Port Lockroy (HSM No. 61). the boat. The three diesel fuel tanks (total 5000lt Vessel Details capacity) provided an endurance of approximately 4000nm and which gave a significant safety SY Santa Maria Australis is a 66ft ketch rigged margin in case the vessel were to be beset in ice. aluminium hulled (8mm thick) sailing yacht built in Gdansk, Poland in 1998. Flagged in Germany and External Inspection owned by Ritz Consultants she is classed by The Observers considered the vessel to be in good Germanischer Lloyd. Santa Maria Australis is order and capable for the sea conditions found in operated by SIM Expeditions, who are a member Antarctica. The crew members were experienced of IAATO, and was skippered by a German Master yachtsmen, especially the Master who had over who was also the expedition leader. Capable of twenty years of experience of sailing in Antarctica. The crew were capable of carrying out running repairs and routine maintenance as required.

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Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and Emergency Procedures Compliance All passengers were provided with a full safety The inspection team were shown the expeditions brief prior to sailing, which included actions in the permit from the Federal Environment Agency in event of a fire, man overboard and other

Germany and the Master told the team he would emergencies .The engine space had a CO2 drench be providing the agency with an end of season fixed fire fighting system, and adequate supplies of report which would also go to IAATO. The Master fire extinguishers were evident throughout the showed the Observers the IAATO Field Operations vessel. Two eight person life raft, as well as Manual and told the Observers he briefed his emergency survival suits to augment yacht foul clients every time they went ashore, using the weather clothing, were available. When underway Visitor Site Guidelines wherever applicable. the Master had an all-personnel policy of no drinking of alcohol in order to safeguard The Observers were subsequently informed that passengers. the yacht also has a Ship Security Certificate, issued by the German Seamen’s Accident SY Santa Maria Australis had a comprehensive Prevention and Insurance Association and was outfit of up to date charts and publications. An therefore authorised to take aboard paying sailors EPIRB and emergency communications were worldwide. available in addition to the vessel’s Iridium SATCOM and IMM VHF. The vessel was operating Environmental Management in Antarctica in co-operation with the yachts SY Saoirse and SY Paradise, providing mutual support Waste was managed onboard by separation and and assistance in the event of an incident. stored on the stern, in watertight barrels, for removal in port. The passengers were thoroughly Medical briefed on environmental and waste management The Master and crew were first aid trained and a on joining. The crew were fully conversant with comprehensive first aid box was held. All the IMO regulations for discharge into the sea and passengers are required to complete a medical did not discharge any non-permitted products questionnaire prior to acceptance of a booking. In below 60°S. the event of a serious incident, plans were in place to contact an on-call doctor in Germany for further Pollution and MARPOL Plan advice. The Observers were told that there were 12lt of oil in the drive motors, in addition to five litres of Small Boat Operations replacement oil in the engine room. There was no Boat operations to and from the shore were formal oil pollution plan held onboard, but in case conducted using two small inflatable tenders with of a spillage, absorbent material was available. The an outboard motor. Observers were told that any spills on the vessel were cleaned out and all absorbents used bagged Expedition and Tourist Management and landed in port. The expedition focused on sailing and short visits to notable sites around the northern Antarctic Peninsula. The expedition leader accompanied and supervised all visits ashore with his clients.

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Summary Santa Maria Australis is well prepared for the location and conditions in which she operates. She is run by a well-qualified team, with many years of Antarctic experience.

Recommendations > None.

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MV Sea Adventurer (Bahamas) Inspected 2 January 2015, 1430–1700

Date of last inspection these 12 are deck or engineering crew and the None. remainder are hospitality staff. The Master has 17 seasons experience in the Antarctic region and, Introduction along with the Chief Officer, was Russian. Most of The MV Sea Adventurer was visited during the the rest of the crew were from the Philippines. landing of passengers ashore at Dorian Bay, External Inspection Wienke Island. The vessel was on a 21 day expedition cruise with a mixture of shore landings, The Observers considered that the vessel appeared zodiac cruising, camping ashore and kayaking. well maintained with little rust or corrosion visible Although the Bahamas is not an Antarctic Treaty externally. It was the Observers’ view that most Party, the operator of the vessel, Quark Expeditions recent refits had focused primarily on the met the requirements of the United States, and is a passenger accommodation areas. member of IAATO. The Master and expedition Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and leader welcomed the Observers on board. Compliance Vessel Details The operator was notified that their environmental Sea Adventurer is a Class A1 ice strengthened documentation met the requirements of Article 8 vessel built in 1976 with subsequent extensive and Annex I of the Protocol and the provisions of refits and improvements in 1999 and 2002. The the US EIA regulations. The appropriate ship is registered in the Bahamas. There are berths documentation was seen by the Observers on for 120 passengers and 70 crew members, of board.

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The vessel reported that it regularly supported of 7m3) and the water being discharged overboard small scientific research projects in Antarctica. A 12 nautical miles from land. Exhaust from the main British bird biologist from the non-governmental engines was used to pre-heat the sea water used organisation ‘Penguin Lifelines’ had been on a in a flash evaporator for the production of previous cruise and the vessel had helped him visit technical feed water. a number of penguin colonies where he monitored the birds using automatic camera recording All passengers received a detailed briefing onboard equipment. Expedition staff took part in Orca and the vessel on environmental protection and on Humpback whale photographic identification wildlife awareness and minimising human impact studies co-ordinated by NOAA. Such activities in the Antarctic Treaty area. Passengers were were authorised separately to the passenger issued with yellow jackets on arrival and invited to expedition by the United States. The Observers use the operator’s rubber boots during their cruise. were also informed that the vessel undertook The vast majority of passengers choose to use this occasional logistical support to research stations. equipment. The sea-days were used for briefings and presentations on environmental protection Environmental Management and other issues, including visitor guidelines. All The two reverse osmosis (RO) plants, though passengers also signed a declaration during the functional, were operating at decreased efficiency. first days of the cruise to say that they had read The capacity for fresh water production was 15m3 and understood the environmental guidelines. per day per RO plant with the ship tending to use IAATO Guidelines and the Visitor Site Guidelines 40m3. On longer voyages water conservation were central elements of the briefings given to measures were put in place in the galley and passengers. laundry, and in advice to passengers. Disinfecting and cleaning facilities were prominent, Sewage and grey water was managed using one comprehensive and seen in active use in both IMO approved sewage treatment plant, using embarking and disembarking from the vessel. aerobic action to break down waste and a final Briefings prior to landings were carried out in chlorination tank to kill any bacteria prior to communal areas, with a comprehensive PA system discharging overboard. The Observers were told in operation. Re-cap sessions followed each that all MARPOL requirements were met. landing, which also included a briefing for the following day. IAATO posters and Guidelines were A comprehensive Waste Management Plan existed on prominent display throughout the vessel. with notices promulgated throughout the vessel. All waste was separated and retained onboard for Guides on the vessel included ornithologists, removal ashore; food waste was retained in bags marine biologists, historians and geologists, in within a dedicated cool room, while a rubbish addition to numerous other guides with wildlife compactor was used to compact all plastics, cans skills. All those in expedition leadership positions and cardboard which were also retained in a on the vessel, including all guides, were required dedicated stowage for discharge ashore. There by the operator to take and pass the IAATO field was no evidence of toxic waste onboard. staff online assessment and certification programme. The ship had a capacity to hold 8m3 of bilge water which was then separated using centrifuges with the oil transferring to a sludge tank (max capacity

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Pollution and MARPOL Plan Medical MARPOL Regulations offered for inspection were The sickbay was small, but reasonably well- Lloyds regulations dated February 2011 and equipped. It held a portable defibrillator and responsibility for MARPOL incidents fell to the portable oxygen. There was a second portable seamanship hands supported by the Chief defibrillator in the forward part of the ship. There Engineer. There were fuelling stations (port and was a wide selection of medications, including starboard aft) with an adjacent upper deck locker adrenaline and injectable pain relief. There was a containing ample MARPOL spill response limited amount of storage space in the sickbay, equipment. The Chief Engineer stated that the ship which had resulted in boxes being stacked in the had double bottom tanks and wing tanks shower tray and over the toilet, placing these containing up to 342m3 of diesel (MGO). Petrol facilities out of use. The ship’s doctor had three was held in 5lt plastic cans in dedicated stowages years of emergency medicine experience. on the upperdeck aft, adjacent to the zodiac inflatables. These stowages were fitted with a Medical supplies are topped up at the start of the manually operated fire suppression system. There season, with the doctor conducting an inventory were no records of a fuel spillage having taken towards the end of the season. Clinical and place in the last three years. pharmaceutical waste was kept separated and landed appropriately. The doctor also conducted Emergency Procedures water testing for coliforms weekly on a random The vessel’s emergency procedures were clearly selection of water sources throughout the ship. understood by the Deck Officer, and the In addition to the ship’s doctor, there was also an evacuation routes were well marked throughout expedition doctor who was onshore at the time of the ship. Muster stations were briefed to the the inspection. The Observers were informed that passengers on arrival onboard, and the correct this doctor had considerable emergency way to don a lifejacket was explained and experience. demonstrated at the earliest opportunity. Small Boat Operations There were four enclosed lifeboats on board with a capacity of 50 each with additional life rafts There were 11 zodiac inflatable boats onboard located around the upperdeck. It was the which were used to transfer passengers to and Observers’ opinion that some of the operating from shore. A small fleet of kayaks was also held mechanisms for these appeared to be a little rusty, onboard. All the small boats appeared to be in but there was no indication that they were good repair. The Observers were informed that all defective. The Observers considered that the zodiac drivers were required to complete a small temporary positions of moveable tables and other boat accreditation module with both written and furniture on the upper deck could hamper access practical training, which included environmental to lifeboats and other emergency equipment. and safety aspects. Control of passenger movements was good, with two experienced crew The Observers were informed that no firearms or at the embarkation/disembarkation points to assist other explosives were held on the vessel. passengers. Passengers notified their movements using a tick-sheet on leaving and arriving from the vessel.

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Expedition and Tourist Management limit of 100. The Observers were told that this was The operator offered camping ashore in a number because the original plan was for kayakers to visit of locations, including Dorian Bay, Paradise Bay, and depart the site prior to the rest of the Ronge Island and Portal Point. However due to the passengers coming ashore. This plan was delayed deteriorating weather conditions during the visit for approximately 20 minutes due to increasing the expedition leader confirmed that this activity wind. After which time the kayakers departed and was unlikely to proceed on this occasion at Dorian the passenger count remained under the limit. The Bay. The maximum number of people camping Observers did not consider that this created any ashore at any one time was 30, accompanied by a significant wildlife impact. minimum of two guides and emergency food, The Observers noted that the expedition leader water and other supplies. Any rubbish and human acknowledged that due to tide and wave waste was returned to the vessel the following conditions it had been necessary to choose a morning. landing site in close proximity to a small Gentoo Kayaking was due to be offered at Dorian Bay but penguin colony on nearby rocks. Expedition staff again, due to the deteriorating weather conditions, were on hand to monitor the landing site and the it did not take place. The maximum number of penguin colony. people kayaking at any one time would be 16. A route from the landing site approximately 1km Guidelines for kayaking were those developed by long was marked with flags from the landing point the operator, Quark Expeditions. There were to Damoy Hut (HSM No. 84), and then to the top procedures in place for managing potentially of the ridge to the east of the hut. A guide was conflicting interactions with Leopard seals which positioned on the top of the ridge to meet those included observation, rafting-up and abandoning passengers who wished to walk to the top. The or postponing the activity. The expedition leader Observers were told that passengers had been told the Observers that he did not perceive any warned about the risk of crevasses when walking significant risk in kayaking in the presence of to the top of the ridge and that the guide here had Orcas. appropriate search and rescue experience. The No drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) expedition leader said that he felt that lower were held or operated on the vessel or as part of Damoy Point area was a site with relatively few shore landings. While this activity was considered significant safety risks and passengers were given and assessed in the IEE that met the requirements free rein to explore this area without the need for of the United States, the requirement of the draft dedicated guiding. There were four guides ashore, IAATO Guidelines for the use of Unmanned Aerial in addition to the zodiac crews. Emergency kit had Vehicles for 20 hours of pilot training was seen to been landed with the first guides ashore, who had be prohibitive. also conducted an initial risk assessment for the landing to proceed. The Observers met the expedition leader and his team ashore at Damoy Point, Dorian Bay. The It was noticeable to the Observers that around expedition leader highlighted immediately the fact 50 passengers had walked along the route from that the number of visitors landed ashore by the the landing site towards the ridge before a second vessel had slightly and temporarily exceeded the guide appeared. The operator subsequently maximum number allowed ashore under the confirmed that staff members were being used to Visitor Site Guidelines for the area: 109 versus the assist at the disembarkation point given the

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slippery nature of the rocks. A number of the Recommendations passengers appeared to be in doubt as to whether they were allowed to visit Damoy Hut, for which > There should be an assessment by the there are Visitor Site Guidelines. Some passengers operator of the positioning of guides ashore: did enter the hut, but were asked to leave by the to ensure that there is a good guide to guide when she arrived due to a temporary passenger ratio at all times, to prevent miscommunication because of difficult radio inadvertent contravention of the 5m minimum communications between the landing site and the wildlife avoidance guideline, and to ensure hut. It was subsequently confirmed to the that at locations such as HSMs, the rules of Observers that the hut was open for visitation and entry are made clear. that monitored and interpreted visits were > That the operator should review its landing undertaken before the end of the landing. procedures to ensure that no more than the maximum number of passengers (100) are Two guides were stationed at a point above the ashore at any one time. landing area between small Gentoo penguin > Contribute to the development of industry- colonies. The Observers felt that several passengers wide guidelines for kayaking activities, were within the suggested 5m minimum distance including in relation to potential interaction from wildlife at this point. However the Observers with marine mammals. did not record any significant visible disturbance to the nesting penguins.

Summary It was clear that the expedition leader and operator were strongly committed to environmental protection and maximising the passengers’ experiences both on the vessel and ashore. That the expedition leader self-reported that the number of landed passengers had accidentally exceeded that permitted was a strong indication of this commitment and was appreciated and understood by the Observers.

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MV Bremen (Bahamas) Inspected 3 January 2015, 0900–1045

Date of last inspection a maximum of 188 passengers and 94 crew. None. 141 passengers were onboard at the time of inspection and 103 crew members, including eight Introduction guides. MV Bremen entered Paradise Harbour and was External Inspection discharging passengers for zodiac cruising when the Observers visited the ship. The vessel was on a The Observers considered that the vessel was in a 17 day cruise. The vessel intended to undertake six very good material state with no environmental or cruises in total in the 2014-15 season. The Bremen pollution concerns noted. sailed under the flag of the Bahamas, but the Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and operator is based in Germany and the cruises were organised in Germany. Therefore, the operator was Compliance authorised by the German Federal Environment The operator and vessel were both authorised by Agency. The operator is an IAATO member. The the German authorities. The permit document was Observers were well received throughout and held on board and verified by the Observers. The made to feel welcome by the Master and permit covered the operations of the vessel for the expedition leader. 2014-15 season for all six cruises of MV Bremen to the Antarctic Treaty area, finishing with the end of Vessel Details the last one. MV Bremen was launched in 1990 and appeared well maintained by her owner and operator Hapag Environmental Management Lloyd. Classed by Germanischer Lloyd (GL) she is The Bremen was fitted with a reverse osmosis ice class E4. Bremen was commanded by a plant which was capable of producing water at German Master, and most of the senior crew 100m3/day, with the ship’s demand was about members were also German. There were beds for 55m3/day. The vessel was also fitted with a flash

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evaporator from which waste heat could be area throughout the voyage. Most passengers recuperated from the main engines should the RO preferred to use the yellow jackets and rubber plant become defective. The water was dosed by boots provided by the operator. chlorination and could be treated by UV if required. The observers were impressed with the automatic boot washing facility onboard the vessel, known as A three stage IMO-approved sewage system was the ‘Guanomatic’, with a hand sanitising facility fitted to treat sewage and grey water, where grey nearby, and with the automatic in/out card swiping water was mixed into the third stage and facility for those leaving and arriving. The discharged overboard. Grey water could also be Observers were signed on to and off the vessel contained onboard and the vessel had a tank with and wore visitor passes provided by the vessel. about a six day endurance before discharge. Oily water could be stored in various tanks (approx The passengers and Observers when they came 10m3 total capacity) and processed using an oily onboard had to complete a self-declaration form water separator when above 60°S. The Observers for Ebola in order to assess whether they had been were informed that the endurance for the oily to the affected regions or had been in contact water containment was more than enough to last with someone who had the virus. a cruise period. All equipment was clean and in a good state of repair. IAATO posters and wildlife guidelines were on prominent display in the public areas of the vessel, Waste was separated onboard and managed with particularly around the disembarkation point. various space saving solutions; a shredder was Passengers signed a self-declaration form about used for tin and glass, a rubbish compactor for tin, wildlife and environmental protection in the plastic and cardboard, and an incinerator was used Antarctic and that they had taken appropriate for the majority of general waste and sludge, bio-security measures. The Observers were told except for food which was dehydrated and stored that pre-landing briefing and re-caps after landing for removal in port. and other activities were provided in the main passenger lounge and bar area. The vessel usually catered for German-speaking passengers with occasionally passengers from Pollution and MARPOL Plan other nationalities. The language generally used A robust Ship’s Oil Pollution Emergency Plan onboard was German. Briefings were provided in (SOPEP) was managed by the Chief Officer and English for international groups and for crew kept on the bridge. A plentiful supply of oil spill instruction and training. The vessel had not taken response equipment was kept in a locker on the full charters with other single nationality groups. upper deck and further equipment was in the main store, exercises were carried out biannually as The Observers considered that environmental directed by GL. There were two bunkering stations protection and passenger training was taken (port and starboard sides) which were enclosed seriously onboard the vessel. The Observers were providing adequate protection should a leak occur, informed that the first full day of a cruise was this compartment also contained oil spill focused on ensuring there was no inadvertent equipment and drip trays. introduction of non-native species with vacuum cleaning of rucksacks, and pockets and zips for all those intending to use their own outer clothes. Vacuums continued to be available in the changing

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Emergency Procedures well-controlled and handled with safe procedures The Ship’s Chief Officer discussed safety and for passengers embarking and disembarking. emergency procedures at length with the Control of personnel to and from the vessel was Observers and provided a full tour of all muster clearly well run with capable bio-hazard controls in areas, lifeboats and other emergency equipment. place and a swipe card system to ensure all Bremen had clearly thought out emergency plans. passengers were accounted for. Passengers were briefed immediately prior to the In addition to the 12 conventionally powered vessel sailing on emergency procedures. There zodiacs, the ship was trialling two electric powered were two partially enclosed lifeboats for 73 people versions. The Observers were informed that these each and two smaller partially enclosed lifeboats boats would minimise the impact of tourism on for 32 people each. In addition there were six life the area by removing almost all underwater noise rafts with a capacity of 25 people in each. and any risks of fuel pollution. The Observers Medical noted the potential for their development and that further use of electric boats in the Antarctic Treaty The sickbay was extensive and modern. It area should be encouraged. comprised three sections, a one bed ward, a main room including examination/operating couch, and Expedition and Tourist Management a bathroom accessible from either of the other The expedition leader confirmed that the only two sections. There was a defibrillator with activities being undertaken on the cruise were external pacing capacity as well as two portable zodiac cruises, shore landings and extended walks. defibrillators, one of which was usually taken No camping or kayaking activities were ashore when landings were made. The sickbay was undertaken. The Observers were subsequently equipped with an ultrasound machine and informed that these activities would require an laboratory equipment with which it was possible additional permit as they were not included in the to conduct basic chemistry and haematology, as permit that was issued by the Federal Environment well as more advanced analysis. Agency for this season. The operator was aware of The doctor was a consultant physician (internal this fact and would include camping and kayaking medicine specialist) with a great deal of cold activities in the application if those activities were weather experience. He was assisted by an to be offered in an upcoming season. experienced nurse. Pharmaceutical supply was No UAVs were in use, either by the crew of the arranged through the parent company’s logistics vessel or passengers. It was the operator’s policy chain. Clinical and pharmaceutical waste was kept not to allow passengers to operate UAVs. The separated and disposed of in port through Observers were subsequently informed that the appropriate contracts. There was an existing operator itself did not consider it necessary to use evacuation plan, and the ship had a contract for UAVs for ice-navigation or other ship/company­ telephone medical advice. All expedition guides related purposes and therefore had not yet applied carried a first aid kit whilst ashore. for a permit to use them. Small Boat Operations Whilst there were no shore landings being Boat operations were conducted using zodiac undertaken at Paradise Harbour during the inflatables with outboard motors with around inspection, the expedition leader confirmed that seven or eight passengers in each boat, the usual policy involved sending a scout boat accompanied by a guide. Boats appeared

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ahead with the expedition leader and Chief Mate Science to assess the conditions. Emergency equipment There was no science being undertaken on the (blankets, food, communication equipment and vessel and the vessel was not supporting any emergency shelters) were landed in large boxes. external science projects. However, when The expedition leader said that in 20 years of requested by national Antarctic programs the Antarctic operations these emergency supplies had vessel did take small numbers of scientists as never yet been used by the Bremen. If the location passengers to research stations. For example, in and conditions were suitable for a landing, then previous seasons German scientists had been the lecturers and guides were landed first. transported on behalf of the Alfred Wegener Passengers would then be landed and given a Institute. short briefing on shore, with no more than 100 people ashore at any one time, with around eight Summary guides to assist. The standard approach was to The MV Bremen is a very well operated and flag a suggested route and have guides positioned maintained vessel, with excellent safety and along the route to support passengers and environmental management systems. The enhance their experience. expedition and tourist management of the vessel is also extremely well-focused and well organised. All expedition staff were expected to complete the The use of electric zodiacs by the vessel is notable IAATO field staff online assessment and and novel, and their use should be encouraged certification programme, as part of the operator’s where appropriate and safe to do so in Antarctica. own internal policy.

Recommendations > None.

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SY Australis (Australia) Inspected 5 January 2015, 1400–1530

Date of last inspection External Inspection None. The Observers considered that vessel was in good order and capable for the sea conditions found in Introduction Antarctica. All repairs and maintenance were SY Australis was visited at anchor in Port Lockroy. completed by the two experienced crew members.

Vessel Details Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and Completed in 1994, the vessel is a 22.1m Masthead Compliance Cutter with a hull made of steel, with an ice The yacht was authorised to enter the Antarctic strengthened belt and a displacement of 46.2 Treaty area by the Australian Government. As part tonnes. The yacht is managed by an Australian of the authorisation process, the Master was Master Class 5 skipper, an Offshore Yacht Master required to make an environmental impact First Mate and one other crew member. The yacht assessment for the season on the basis of which can take a maximum of 12 passengers as restricted an authorisation was issued by the Australian by SOLAS lifesaving equipment (2 x 16 person life Antarctic Division. The Master also had good raft). The skipper has sailed in Antarctica and the knowledge of the Antarctic Treaty and the Southern Ocean for 19 years and usually acts as the Environmental Protocol. expedition leader. The operator, Ocean Expeditions, is a full member of IAATO.

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Environmental Management the passengers before sailing. This included: what Fresh water was produced by using a reverse to do in the event of a man overboard, fire, osmosis plant which had a maximum capacity of abandon ship, evacuation and oil spills. 4m3 per day and filled a 1000lt tank, which There were three water tight compartments generally lasted for about three days before more (WTCs) in the vessel and all were separated by a water was required. The vessel started each water tight doors, which when on transit were expedition with all fuel and water tanks filled. kept closed at sea. All sea and fire safety Sewage and grey water was discharged directly to equipment was in date for mandatory SOLAS sea. However, when in an anchorage, waste water inspections, stored pressure extinguishers and was stored in an 80lt tank which would last for smoke detectors were arranged around the vessel about two days before emptying. and in each WTC and inspected yearly by Waste was managed onboard by separation and contracted Chilean maritime inspectors. There was stored on the stern in plastic barrels for removal in a manual fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing port. The Observers were told that passengers system for the engine space, which was controlled were thoroughly briefed on waste management by an operating panel outside the engine room. on joining the vessel. Some food scraps were Medical dumped to sea when north of 60°S, but it was mostly retained for disposal in port. The yacht was well prepared and provisioned for medical emergencies, with three levels of medical Pollution and MARPOL Plan kit. In the event of major medical emergencies, the There was an oil pollution plan in force on the Master explained that he could call two doctors in yacht and spill kits were available for outboard Australia for consultations. All of the crew motor fuelling operations. All used absorbents and members were Level 2 first aiders. The Master also pads were kept in a plastic tub which was held on asked the passengers if anyone else was first aid the stern and landed when in port. trained, and if any were radio operators who could assist in an emergency should they be asked. The diesel fuel tanks were 12m3 capacity and single skinned. Petrol (200lt) was stored on the Small Boat Operations stern away from the main accommodation area in The vessel had two Bombard inflatable boats with a single tank which had a ‘saveall’ spillway to stop 15hp outboard motors which were launched using any leaks when re-fuelling. The Observers were two davits on the stern. advised that occasional exercises were carried out and the routine was well thought about and Expedition and Tourist Management understood by the crew. The Master explained that the yacht was under charter for an expedition cruise and the charterer Emergency Procedures had brought their own guide to supervise the The Observers were advised that at the beginning landings ashore. However, the Master had ensured of each expedition charter the passengers received that as part of the vessel briefing, the passengers a safety brief and were asked to sign a declaration were briefed on how to behave ashore, including to record that they had read and understood the conservation of flora and fauna. The Master had safety information provided. The vessel had an also shown the passengers the IAATO impressive, self-generated training manual which presentation, and along with this the vessel also detailed the initial safety brief which was given to

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had a copy of the IAATO Field Operations Manual Summary and he made the passengers aware of the relevant Australis is a very well prepared and organised Visitor Site Guidelines. expedition yacht with a highly experienced and professional crew. The Observers were impressed Science with the novel science fellowship programme A feature of the activities undertaken by the yacht operated by the yacht. was its strong support for scientific research programmes. Ocean Expeditions operated a science fellowship program, where every second Recommendations season they offered the yacht, free of charge, to > A man overboard exercise should be carried one scientist to conduct marine research. The out on every expedition. Master explained that in the past they had > The replacement smoke detectors and carbon supported a scientist from the University of New monoxide detectors should be fitted as soon South Wales undertaking acoustic research on as possible. Leopard seals and another from INACH who had undertaken photo identification and obtained skin samples from Humpback whales. This season the yacht would support six scientists from the Malaysian Antarctic Programme, however at the time of the visit it was not yet known what science they would undertake. The operator subsequently confirmed that their research included chemical biology, physics, oceanography, and geo-spatial, environmental and human science.

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MV Expedition (Liberia) Inspected 5 January 2015, 1600–1830

Date of last inspection At the time of inspection there were None. 130 passengers and a mixed nationality crew of 71. Introduction External Inspection MV Expedition arrived in the vicinity of Port Lockroy to disembark passengers by zodiac The vessel had recently been surveyed by Lloyds inflatable to Port Lockroy and Jougla Point. The and appeared in good material state for her age vessel was visited and inspected whilst at anchor in with no overboard discharges or environmental the Peltier Channel. Small boat operations, landing and pollution concerns noted. procedures and onshore passenger briefings were Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and also observed. Whilst Liberia is not an Antarctic Treaty Party, the expedition was authorised by Compliance Canada. The Observers were welcomed by the The vessel, and the operator, had both received Master and expedition leader and no difficulties Antarctic authorisation from Canada. The were encountered. The operator of the vessel is documentation was inspected and up to date. The G Adventures, an IAATO member. Observers did not find any breaches of the Antarctic Treaty or Environmental Protocol during Vessel Details the inspection. An older, but well maintained, mid-size cruise vessel built in 1972 the MV Expedition is ice Environmental Management classed 1B by Lloyds Register. The Captain, Staff The vessel, though ageing, was well maintained Captain and Master all had significant Antarctic throughout. The reverse osmosis plant appeared to experience and in the opinion of the Observers be in good working order and had a capacity for clearly ran the ship to high professional standards.

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fresh water production of 60m3 per day with the were no records of a fuel spillage having taken ship tending to only use 35m3. No methods of place in the last three years. The Chief Engineer fresh water conservation were in place. had been onboard for two years and there was clear evidence of a pride of ownership and high Sewage and grey water was managed using one standards throughout. IMO-approved sewage treatment plant (STP); it was an old style functional plant using aerobic Emergency Procedures action to break down waste with a final The Ship’s Chief Officer provided a detailed brief to chlorination tank to kill any bacteria prior to the Observers on safety procedures. The standard 3 discharge. There was also a holding tank of 40m brief provided to all passengers was shown to the capacity, and this was in use at the time of the Observers. This brief was shown to all passengers inspection as the STP discharge overboard was on arrival followed by a demonstration of the shut. correct donning procedures for life jackets and survival suits. Passengers were then taken to the A comprehensive Waste Management Plan existed lifeboats and invited to board. It was clear to the with notices throughout the vessel. All waste was Observers that robust arrangements were in place separated and retained onboard for removal for mustering personnel with consideration also ashore. Food waste was retained in bags within a given to passengers who might require additional dedicated cool room. A rubbish compactor was assistance in the event of an emergency. used to compact all plastics, cans and cardboard, which were also retained in a dedicated stowage The vessel carried four 51 person lifeboats and six aft in the old cargo deck area for discharge ashore. 25 person life rafts. Passengers had life jackets in There was no evidence of toxic waste onboard. All their cabins and an additional 100 per cent of life chemicals were held in a designated chemical jackets were available on the upper deck. Survival store. suits for all personnel onboard were also carried.

The ship had the capacity to hold bilge water in Medical designated tanks which was then separated using Medical cover was provided by a contracted centrifuges with the oil transferring to a sludge volunteer doctor. The current doctor was a trauma tank and the water being discharged overboard surgeon who shared the role with her husband, a 12 nautical miles from land. Exhaust from the main general practitioner. The doctor was on a one- engines was used to pre-heat the sea water used month contract while taking a holiday from her in a flash evaporator for the production of hospital in Svalbard. She had worked for the technical (feed) water. company before both in the Arctic and Antarctic. Pollution and MARPOL Plan As a Svalbard resident, she was familiar with cold weather medicine. The sickbay had a good range The vessel’s oil pollution emergency plan was of drugs, including adrenaline and injectable offered for inspection. The responsibility for morphine, with opiates stored in the Captain’s MARPOL incidents fell to the Chief Engineer. There safe. The sickbay also had two defibrillators. was a fuelling station in the cargo hold and Pharmaceutical supply and waste disposal was adjacent to this a good supply of oil spill response organised through pharmacies at ports. Clinical material held in two designated stowage areas. waste was kept segregated and passed to the The ship had double bottom tanks and wing tanks ship’s company as hazardous waste. The doctor containing up to 320m3 of diesel (MGO). There described a positive culture of development where

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she had made several suggestions for Boot washing and disinfecting was clearly in improvements onboard, most of which were operation and use by the passengers. The majority promptly acted on. of passengers wore red jackets and rubber boots provided by the operator. Guides were clearly Small Boat Operations identifiable. Boat operations to and from the shore were conducted using up to 14 zodiac inflatable boats The weather during the shore landing at Port with outboard motors. The boats generally Lockroy was particularly windy and cold. appeared well controlled with safe procedures for Understandably, this meant that passengers were embarked passengers. Immersion suits were not keen to enter the historic hut ‘Base A’ at Port used, but all passengers wore life jackets. The ship Lockroy (HSM No. 61) sooner rather than later. It was in relative proximity to the shore and the appeared to the Observers that for some periods zodiacs proceeded at relatively low speeds. of time during the landing there were probably significantly more than the recommended Expedition and Tourist Management 35 people inside the hut as specified by the Visitor Passengers were landed in two separate groups at Site Guideline. Port Lockroy and nearby Jougla Point, having left Summary the MV Expedition anchored in the nearby Peltier Channel. They then had the opportunity to move The MV Expedition is well operated. It is an older by zodiac between the two sites, before returning vessel, but one which is thoroughly maintained to the vessel. All passengers received a short and with all appropriate safety features and a strong focused briefing on landing at both locations. focus on standards, correct procedures and drills. There were appropriate numbers of guides, with flags and other markers for protected areas and to Recommendations mark walking routes. > The operator may wish to review how best to There was extensive IAATO documentation and ensure that, even in low temperatures and posters in the common areas of the vessel, bad weather, no more that the recommended particularly around the disembarkation points. The 35 people enter the historic hut ‘Base A’ Observers were told that passengers received a full (HSM No. 61) to ensure compliance with the briefing prior to each landing, as well as Visitor Site Guidelines, minimise overcrowding undergoing extensive bio-security measures and and to ensure the best possible visitor receiving advice on the environmental guidelines experience. on embarking on the vessel.

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RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov (Russian Federation) Inspected 10 January 2015, 0830–1100

Date of last inspection ship to high professional standards. There were 4 February 1993 (United Kingdom, Italy and the 93 passengers on board, 19 expedition staff, Republic of Korea). 43 crew, one scientist and one science observer.

Introduction External Inspection The RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov was landing Akademik Sergey Vavilov is inspected yearly to passengers at Half Moon Island when the remain in Class. During the inspection the Observers arrived. Passengers and guides were Observers considered the vessel to be in a good observed during the landings and during walks material condition for her age with no overboard around the visitor site. The Akademik Sergey discharges or environmental and pollution Vavilov is a polar research vessel owned and concerns noted. operated by the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and Oceanography, within the Russian Academy of Sciences (IO RAS). The vessel is under long term Compliance annual charter by One Ocean Expeditions. It was The operator was authorised by the Canadian expected that the vessel would make ten trips to authorities. The documentation was seen by the Antarctica this season. The operator was Observers and was all in order. No breaches of the authorised by Canada and is an IAATO member. Antarctic Treaty or the Environmental Protocol were observed. Vessel Details The vessel was built in 1988 and was in class with Environmental Management Lloyds Registry as 1A ice strengthened. The crew Good bio-security provisions were in place, with and tour operator have long Antarctic experience passengers being seen cleaning and disinfecting and the Observers considered that they ran the their boots on return to the vessel following the

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landing. The Observers were informed that all Emergency Procedures passengers received full briefings on the provisions An impressive array of emergency equipment was of the Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Protocol and landed ahead of passengers arriving on shore. This the various IAATO guidelines prior to arrival in equipment included a defibrillator, stretcher, food, Antarctica. The Observers were told that there was water, shelter and blankets/sleeping bags. a thorough vacuuming and decontamination process and that passengers were required to sign The ship was classed to carry 170 passengers. a declaration confirming their compliance with the There were two 66 person covered lifeboats and environmental provisions. Briefings were provided four 50 person life rafts. Survival suits were in English, with specific separate crew briefings in available for 10 per cent of persons on board. The Russian. Where non-English speaking passengers Observers were informed during the inspection were present, it was an operator requirement that that whilst there would most likely be sufficient life they bring a translator with them. rafts for all personnel, there could be insufficient survival suits or covered lifeboat space for all Fresh water was embarked prior to leaving port onboard. The Observers were told during the visit 3 where 340m would last approximately 10 days that the vessel’s owners have been requested to until a flash evaporator was then required to provide additional equipment. However, it was 3 generate 24m per day until the ship returned subsequently confirmed to the Observers by both alongside, although the evaporator was not often the operator and the Canadian authorities that the required. No methods of fresh water conservation vessel is already in full compliance with all were in place or perceived by the operator to be appropriate SOLAS standards. needed. Medical Sewage and grey water was processed using one The ship carried two doctors. One was the ship’s IMO-approved sewage treatment plant. It was an doctor, a Russian general practitioner, who looked old style functional plant using aerobic action to after the crew. The other was the expedition break down waste and a final chlorination tank to doctor, an American general and trauma surgeon, kill any bacteria, where grey water was mixed prior who looked after the passengers. Both were to discharging overboard. experienced in both Arctic and Antarctic The ship had a good ballast water management conditions. plan under the control of the Chief Officer and Ashore the doctor had a good supply of abided by the international IMO regulations. All emergency drugs and medical equipment and a waste was separated and paper, cardboard and rescue sled. The facilities on board were extensive used oil absorbents were incinerated and the ash including an operating table and dental suite as landed ashore in the next port of call. well as a separate two bed ward. There was a Pollution and MARPOL Plan defibrillator, adrenaline and a wide range of primary care medications, but no imaging facility. There was a basic Ship’s Oil and Emergency Plan with a small spill kit held near the bunkering The medical evacuation plan depended on the position and further equipment held in the current location of the ship, and all such forward locker. evacuations were coordinated through the ship’s master. Pharmaceutical supplies were topped up at each port call where possible. Pharmaceutical and

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clinical waste was segregated and landed to the The shore landing was well-managed and no South American mainland. The Observers were contraventions of the Visitor Site Guideline or the informed that passengers were questioned about Environmental Protocol were observed. No UAVs their possible exposure to the Ebola virus prior to were in use on the vessel or onshore, either by departure. passengers or crew.

Small Boat Operations Science Small boat operations to and from the shore were Under charter to the operator, scientific survey conducted using zodiac inflatables with outboard work was made possible during mobilisation, motors. The boats appeared well controlled and demobilisation and often throughout the handled safely. passenger season. The vessel undertook a wide range of underway marine scientific observations Expedition and Tourist Management for the IO RAS when it was working on tour On this trip the operator was offering shore charters in the Antarctic each austral summer landings, kayaking, swimming and camping. The season. The Observers were informed that the Observers did not see kayaking in operation at Half operator has also supported a small number of Moon Island but were told that the standard other independent scientific projects in Antarctica. procedure was a maximum of 16 passengers in single or double kayaks, two guides in kayaks and The purpose of the IO RAS underway observation an accompanying zodiac as safety cover. programme, which began in 2010, was to study the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The speed and Approximately 90 passengers were landed ashore, direction of the currents in the upper 30–1000m accompanied by eight guides, including the layer of the ocean were measured using an expedition leader. The expedition doctor was also Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler. Measurements ashore. Passengers were given a short and focused were made during vessel passenger transits to and briefing prior to leaving the zodiac and then from the Antarctic Peninsula and were taken in the followed the flagged route through the site to the Drake Passage, the Bransfield Strait and in some other side of the island. Whilst no specific ‘crossing parts of the Scotia Sea. In addition, measurements guards’ had been posted in the locations where of sea surface temperature and the conductivity of the footpath in the snow crossed the penguin the seawater were taken within a highways, as suggested in the Visitor Site thermosalinograph. The vessel also had an Guideline, there were guides at other ‘pinch automatic meteorological station. The programme points’ to ensure that penguins had the right of was supported by the operator and run by a way to and from the sea. scientific technician from the IO RAS who worked onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov throughout Nearly all the passengers wore red waterproof the austral summer. Data was sent back to the IO jackets and trousers provided by the operator. RAS at the end of each season, and then Approximately half-way through the passengers’ presented to the national federal Russian science time on shore a mist descended which temporarily programme, “One Ocean Expeditions” and also to obscured the vessel. The position was actively the international “Climate and Ocean Variability, monitored by the expedition leader and all Predictability and Change” (CLIVAR) programme passengers were informed about what signals co-ordinated by the World Climate Research from the ship would be given to return to the Programme. shore.

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The Observers were told by the Russian scientific Whilst the operator and Canadian authorities have technician that an Argentine scientific observer confirmed that the vessel is in full compliance with was onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov to all appropriate SOLAS standards, the Observers monitor the underway marine observation were still concerned to note that they had been programme. The technician said that the observer informed by members of the crew that additional was required by the Argentinean government as equipment had been requested from the vessel’s part of the permission given to IO RAS to collect owners. The Observers believe that this issue marine data whilst transiting Argentine waters. should be considered further by the operator and the appropriate authorities. The operator was also supporting a two person science team from the US non-governmental environmental organisation Oceanites. They were Recommendations seen by the Observers making counts of the > IO RAS and One Ocean Expeditions could breeding penguins, terns, kelp gulls and skuas at provide further information about the the Half Moon Bay tourist landing site. They wore underway science observation programme to different colour jackets to differentiate themselves tour passengers onboard the vessel. from the passengers. > Given the apparent success of the underway science observation programme, that One Summary Ocean Expeditions consider if the scientific The Akademik Sergey Vavilov is well maintained capacity of the Akademik Sergey Vavilov and operated, and the shore landing at Half Moon could be shared more broadly with the wider Island was well-managed by an experienced Antarctic community. expedition leader with over 15 seasons experience in Antarctica. There was clear guidance and monitoring of passengers, who received a refresher briefing on arrival on shore. No contraventions of the Visitor Site Guideline for this location, or the provisions of the Environmental Protocol, were observed.

The Observers were interested to see the productive use of the research vessel, whilst on commercial charter, to deliver a major underway programme of science observations. Multiple passenger crossings of the Drake Passage during the season allowed for more frequent observations of the ACC, at no cost to the IO RAS. The results of the programme have been published in high quality international research journals. The Observers noted that other marine science could be supported in this way, at very little cost if supported by the tour operator, either onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov or other Antarctic tourist vessels.

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MV National Geographic Explorer (Bahamas) Inspected 11 January 2015, 1415–1715

Date of last inspection Vessel Details None. Launched in 1982, the MV National Geographic Explorer was purchased by the current owners in Introduction 2007 and extensively refitted to provide The MV National Geographic Explorer anchored at accommodation for 148 guests and 80 staff Half Moon Island around 1400 and had started to (approximately 20 deck crew and 60 hospitality land passengers as the Observers arrived. This was and expedition staff). Her hull is ice-strengthened. the passengers’ first landing in Antarctica on this The operator has also installed forward scanning trip. Over the course of the season the vessel was sonar. expected to complete ten trips to Antarctica, and where ice and weather conditions permitted she External Inspection expected to reach down to below the Antarctic The Observers considered that the vessel appeared Circle. to be in good repair both externally and internally with no evidence of overboard discharges and no Although the vessel was flagged to the Bahamas, environmental or pollution issues were noted. a country which is not an Antarctic Treaty Party, the operator of the vessel met the requirements of Antarctic Treaty, Documentation and the United States. The Observers were made Compliance welcome and no difficulties were encountered. The Observers were shown a comprehensive suite The vessel is owned and operated by Lindblad of documentation covering the vessel and the Expeditions who are a member of IAATO. expedition’s EIA and management processes,

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including the initial environmental evaluation that also a holding tank of 31m3 capacity and this was met the requirements of the United States’ in use with the STP discharge overboard shut at authorities. The Observers were satisfied that the the time of the inspection. Grey water was held in Master, senior officers and expedition staff were two tanks each with a capacity of 23m3. This again aware of their responsibilities. The Observers also was retained and discharged once at sea and in saw the IAATO Field Operations Manual, and the open water. vessel’s draft Polar Waters Operations Manual which was in development, in accordance with the A comprehensive Waste Management Plan existed ongoing work on the International Code for ships with notices throughout the vessel. All waste was operating in Polar Waters being developed by the separated and retained onboard for removal International Maritime Organization. ashore; food waste was stored in a small holding tank via a garbage disposal unit in the galley for Environmental Management discharge in open water. The food waste holding In the Observers’ opinion the vessel had a strong tank was located in a dedicated cool room, which system of training and briefing in place to ensure also contained a rubbish compactor used to that passengers and crew were aware of the compact all plastics, cans and cardboard, for provisions of the Antarctic Treaty and the discharge onshore. There was no evidence of toxic Environmental Protocol. Passengers received a full waste onboard. briefing on departure, with those unable to attend The Observers were informed that the ship had the briefings in person having access to the same capacity to hold bilge water in designated tanks material via television screens in their cabins. All which was then separated using a Marinfloc passengers were required to sign a declaration that system, capable of filtering bilge water to confirmed they understood the guidelines and had standards exceeding those required by MARPOL. decontaminated their own clothes and belongings, Filtered bilge water was not discharged within the such as rucksacks, if they intended to use them Antarctic Treaty area. ashore. Most passengers chose to use the orange jackets provided by the operator. Pollution and MARPOL Plan The vessel, though ageing, was refitted in 2008 The ship’s oil pollution emergency plan was and was well maintained throughout. There were offered for inspection and the responsibility for two reverse osmosis (RO) plants, both in good MARPOL incidents fell to the Chief Engineer. There working order with a capacity for fresh water were two fuelling stations amidships port and production of 200m3 per day with the ship tending starboard and adjacent to these was an abundance to only use 60m3. No methods of conservation of oil spill response equipment held in two were in place with regards to fresh water designated stowage spaces. The ship had double management. bottom tanks and wing tanks containing up to 348m3 of diesel fuel (MGO). There were no records Sewage and grey water was managed using what of a fuel spillage having taken place in the last the Master described as a simple IMO, MARPOL three years. Petrol was held in 31 x 25lt tanks for and Class-approved sewage treatment plant (STP) use in the zodiac inflatables. Although there was a which had been installed when the vessel was designated jettison stowage on the upper deck the remodelled in 2008. It used aerobic action to majority of the fuel tanks were held in the zodiacs. break down waste and a final chlorination tank to kill any bacteria prior to discharging. There was

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Emergency Procedures shipping company’s logistics chain. Pharmaceuticals The Safety Officer provided details of the ship’s were usually sourced from the US, though if evacuation plans, including the briefings the guests necessary they would be locally purchased. receive when they arrive onboard. There were four Emergency evacuation occurred via the Ship’s enclosed lifeboats each with a capacity of 60 Captain and his command team who would liaise people, as well as five life rafts located on either to evacuate personnel as quickly as possible. This side of the vessel. Lifebelts were sighted at was laid out in detail in the ship’s evacuation plan. intervals around the upper deck. Each passenger was provided with a lifejacket and the number of Some of the expedition team took part in diving, lifejackets was used to double check the number often to capture video footage to be shown to of people ashore. Fire drills were regularly carried passengers onboard. The Observers noted that the out for the crew, approximately one per week, and diving team did not know the locations of all the breathing apparatus appeared to be in good hyperbaric chambers in the vicinity and these condition and easily accessible. details were passed on during the course of the visit. In accordance with international cruise ship The vessel was well supplied with communications guidelines, all passengers had completed an equipment, both satellite and VHF were available, Ebola-risk questionnaire prior to arrival in South including four mobile Iridium phones that could be America. taken off the ship for use in the lifeboats if required. All passengers were required to have Small Boat Operations medical evacuation insurance and to provide proof to the operator, prior to embarkation. The vessel carried a number of zodiacs to transport people ashore and as safety boats when guests Medical were kayaking. The zodiacs appeared to be in good repair and well handled by the crew, with Medical cover was provided by contracted additional expedition staff or deck crew on hand volunteer doctors. The current doctor was an to assist guests in and out of the boats at the American consultant internal physician, who shoreline and onboard. There was also a floating undertook the role as a job-share with her platform that could be towed behind a zodiac, husband who was a general and cardio-thoracic which could be used to enable guests to get in surgeon. They had done several Arctic and and out of the kayaks easily. Antarctic trips over a 16 year period. The Observers were told that with National Geographic Explorer, Expedition and Tourist Management the preference was for a minimum of a month commitment. The doctors provided care to both Around 70 passengers were landed on the small the crew and the passengers. beach to the south of Half Moon Island for which there is a Visitor Site Guideline. Another 70 The sickbay had a wide selection of medications, passengers were landed on the wide gravel beach including opiate analgesia and a variety of in front of Camara station (Argentina) and they antibiotics. Defibrillators and emergency drugs trekked in separate guided groups to the top of were present in the sickbay and with the shore the nearby hill. A doctor accompanied these party. Pharmaceutical supply and disposal of groups. pharmaceutical and clinical waste, as segregated hazardous waste, was arranged through the

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Due to the time available for the visit, the non-English speaking passengers it was an Observers concentrated on the Visitor Site absolute condition of acceptance that they bring Guideline site and observed zodiac landings, their own translator with them. The Observers briefings and the behaviour of passengers and were informed that all members of the expedition guides ashore. All passengers received a short team were required by the operator to take and briefing immediately on arrival on the beach. There pass the IAATO field staff online assessment and were five guides and the shore-based expedition certification programme. leader covering this site. Routes were marked with small orange plastic cones and guides stationed at Science the end of the routes. The Observers noted that The Observers were informed that the operating this site was used in a different way to that during company had a policy of supporting a wide range the earlier RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov landing, of scientific research as part of its cruises to with the expedition guides flagging the point Antarctica. An experienced underwater specialist beyond where the snow track was crossed by the was employed as part of the cruise expedition penguin tracks to the south-east as ’out of team. The specialist told the Observers that she bounds’. Both approaches were compliant with the was an experienced sub-aqua diver, and would Visitor Site Guidelines agreed by the ATCM make shallow dives (between 12–22m depth), with in 2013. a buddy partner, at most landing sites in Antarctica. The specialist would take video footage The Observers were informed that National of the undersea life to show passengers back Geographic Explorer also offered kayaking, zodiac onboard. Any interesting or unusual footage was cruising and short walks on fast ice, when passed to marine scientists at the US Antarctic appropriate. No kayaking was seen, but the Program (USAP) or the British Antarctic Survey Observers were told that there were 36 double (BAS). No marine samples were collected during kayaks on board, with a maximum of 30 kayaks in the dives. Passengers were not allowed to dive. use at any one time. Each person in a kayak had an EPIRB system with both manual and automatic In deeper water, up to around 300m, a Remotely activation on contact with sea water. On Operated Vehicle (ROV) was used to make activation, the location and direction would be underwater videos to show the passengers. The sent to both the accompanying zodiac and the pilot of the ROV was the underwater specialist. bridge of the National Geographic Explorer. Any interesting or unusual video footage was also sent to USAP and BAS, and the Observers were The expedition leader confirmed that no UAVs told that footage supplied had identified new were being used on the vessel, either by marine species and helped scientists in their passengers or by the crew for ice navigation research. purposes. The Observers were told that all requests by guests for UAV use would be declined During the 2014-15 season the National and this policy was clearly stated in the company’s Geographic Explorer was also supporting a US promotional material. non-governmental organisation, Earth Vision Trust, in their ‘Extreme Ice Survey’, a project to monitor a The expedition leaders confirmed that passengers number of glaciers in the Antarctic Peninsula were usually a mixture of United States and region using automatic time lapse cameras. This Australian citizens. Single country charters were activity, under the Lindblad Expeditions’ Initial not currently considered. Where there were Environmental Evaluation, met the requirements of

132 Vessels

the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Summary environmental impact assessment process and was The Observers considered that the National authorised separately by the National Science Geographic Explorer has a strong expedition team Foundation under the Antarctic Conservation Act. who have a good knowledge and understanding The ship would deploy two camera systems during of the requirements of the Antarctic Treaty and the the season to support this project. Environmental Protocol. The vessel appears to be well-equipped and maintained and with good The vessel also supported several marine mammal training for operations in Antarctica, particularly identification schemes for different science further south where ice conditions were likely to organisations and institutes, including be more testing. The Master has over 20 years of photographic identification of Orcas, Humpback experience in navigating in Antarctic waters. The whales and Leopard seals in the Antarctic. The science programme offered by the vessel has real Orca study, which involved scientists from the deliverables and the Observers felt it could be National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration considered as best practice in the field. The (NOAA), also included the collection of biopsy Observers did not observe any contraventions of samples for DNA identification and satellite the Environmental Protocol and related guidelines. tracking of individual animals.

On request, the National Geographic Explorer Recommendations would also assist with the transportation of > The operator could consider establishing an scientists to and from research stations, and had independent scientific committee to choose done so last season for the US National Science the best research projects to support on its Foundation and had transported five scientists Antarctic cruises, if future requests outweigh from Palmer research station (United States) to their capacity. South America.

The vessel intended to visit a small number of research stations during the 2014-15 season, including Rothera research station (United Kingdom) later in January.

133 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-152014 -5

Annex

Responses received of a substantial nature to the Inspection Report and hereby included in accordance with Article 14(4) of the Environmental Protocol Party Inspection Report

Argentina Camara...... 136

Chile Yelcho and General Bernardo O’Higgins……… ...... 137

Ukraine Akademik Vernadsky...... 139

Germany GARS O’Higgins...... 144

Uruguay Artigas...... 145

China Stansbury Peninsula Refuge...... 146

134 Annex

135 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

Comments made by Argentina concerning the inspection of Camara station

This season a civilian technician (architect) from the Argentine Navy checked the stability of the aerial masts in order to determine their general condition and if any maintenance might be required.

The station leader confirmed that by the end of the summer campaign the leak on the water tank was sealed.

136 Annex

Comments from Chile on the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report

137 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

138 Annex

Comments from Ukraine on the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report

139 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

140 Annex

141 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

142 Annex

143 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

Comments from Germany on the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has provided the following clarification that the station does not process data for military purposes:

> The Earth Observation (EO) satellite missions TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X are purely civil satellite missions, i.e. there is no dual use character of these missions. The missions are organized in a Public Private Partnership, whereby the German Aerospace Center DLR is responsible for the scientific exploitation of the missions and the industry performs the commercial exploitation. > The data of these missions received at GARS O’Higgins are not processed at the station. Only metadata are extracted at the station and forwarded online to the German processing and archiving center. > The SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) mass data, however, are not transferred online, but are written on tape and shipped to Germany. This procedure takes time – from a minimum of one week to a maximum of about 8 or 12 weeks (depending on logistics within Antarctica). This procedure is cost effective and has been chosen because no time critical usage of the data is performed. > The TerraSAR-X data received at the station mainly belong to the so called background mission and have a clear focus on scientific purposes. The TanDEM-X data received serve for the worldwide digital elevation model processing, including Antarctica, as mentioned in the report.

144 Annex

Comments from Uruguay concerning the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report

145 Antarctic Treaty Inspections Programme Report 2014-15

Comments from China concerning the Antarctic Treaty Inspection Report

The refuge on the Stansbury Peninsula was built by China in 1987 for emergency situations for Chinese scientists carrying out field work in glaciology and geology. It has been not used for many years. China has been planning to remove the refuge whilst considering the transport capacity. It expects it will be done in two years. China will be fully aware of the impact on the local environment when it removes the refuge and will do its best to minimise any impact.

146