VT College of Science Quarterly August 2014 Vol. 2 No. 1 | Page 6

A N TA R C T I C a
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protocols, we learned about safety measures
associated with getting on and off the zodiac
boats, which are small, inflated vessels that
take us to and from the Vavilov. Zodiacs can
transport 12 passengers and are easily maneuverable through the Antarctic ice.

Dec. 23:

Photo by Lori Blanc

skins (outer jacket layer) fit properly and our
boots fit. After lunch, the majority of us took
the opportunity to sleep through the continual pounding of the Drake Shake. We then
participated in an Origami activity offered
by the expedition staff and began collecting
our research data. The rest of the evening we
relaxed in the lounge and discussed marine
superstitions.

Dec. 22:

This morning we woke with a quiet sense of
relief, the Drake Shake was over. We made it
through the most difficult part of the journey
and looked forward to smooth sailing for the
rest of the trip. We had several important topics to prepare for our land excursions including
how to clean our wet skins, zodiac safety, and
the International Association of Antarctica Tour
Operators (IAATO) protocol.
Deck by deck, we were called down to the
mudroom, where we brought our wet skins.
We were instructed to also bring any equipment (backpacks, tripods, etc.) that would
come in contact with Antarctica or its surrounding islands. We were required to vacuum
everything thoroughly and remove any seeds
or debris stuck in the Velcro or inside pockets
to prevent the introduction of invasive species. Next, we were called to the presentation
room and given a quick overview of the IAATO
protocols.
IAATO is an organization of tour groups and
operators that work to protect Antarctica. Every year, they meet and discuss how to further
protect and reduce the effects of tourism on
this area. The focus of IAATO is to conserve,
manage and educate tourists about Antarctica
and they work to create ambassadors. On
the Vavilov, there were multiple educational
lectures offered daily for passengers. (For more
information about IAATO, click here.)
In addition to learning about the IAATO

This morning we arrived in Antarctica! There
were icebergs and some of the most beautiful
scenery we had ever seen. There was a feeling
of pure excitement among the passengers and
people quickly rushed to get ready for the first
excursion!
Our first excursion was to Almirante Brown
Station (64o89’S 63o87’W), which is an Argentine base station. Before we were permitted
to leave the ship, we had a short discussion
on the zodiac about how to rescue someone if
they should fall off the small boat.
The Almirante Brown Station has a fairly
large number of Gentoo Penguins. Per IAATO
protocol, we were instructed on how to act
around penguins so as not to disturb them,
and asked to maintain a distance of at least
five meters from penguins and not to walk on
“penguin highways.” Penguin highways are
where the penguins, time after time, walk on
the same trail, and it leaves a deep path. Everyone was excited about seeing penguins for the
first time in the wild.

College of Science Quarterly

Photo by Ralph