Future polar explorers of the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition completed a training and practical training session in Kyiv.
It lasted 19-26 November, 2024, at the National Ecological and Naturalistic Center for Student Youth.
In total, 26 participants joined the training: 20 male candidates and 6 female candidates for the main and reserve staff of the 30th UAE.
Let us recall that recently the annual expedition has 14 winterers. These are scientists in the fields of biology, meteorology, geophysics, a doctor, a cook, a system administrator, a diesel mechanic and a mechanic.
Over the course of a week, candidates were provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in Antarctica for long periods of time.
In particular, they got acquainted in detail with the main areas of research, the division of duties at the station, its history, legal aspects of activities in the Antarctic, safety measures, communication ethics during the expedition, etc. Experienced polar explorers shared their experience with newcomers.
At the same time, the participants got acquainted and underwent coordination. The life of the team was as close as possible to life at Vernadsky: everyone was together, kept watch, and the cook candidates prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners.
The training session was traditionally held under the leadership of an experienced winterer, head of the 15th UAE, head of the Department of Radiophysics of Geospace of the Radio Astronomy Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Andrii Zalizovskyi.
The training was joined by specialists from the Institute of Neurology, Psychiatry and Narcology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, who organized discussions with the participants and observed them during self-presentations.
A physical examination and thorough medical check were also carried out.
All information received will be taken into account by the Competition Committee to make a decision on the final membership of the expedition.
The 30th UAE is scheduled to be deployed to Antarctica in spring 2025.
Let us recall that for six years in a row NASC has been holding an open competition for Antarctic wintering staff. Anyone can apply.
