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Victoria University Antarctic Research Expedition Science and Logistics Reports 1998-99: VUWAE 43

2.3 Personnel

2.3 Personnel.

Drill site personnel worked 12 hour shifts on site and normally had a 13 to 14 hour work day when the shift change transport (Helo/Hagglund) is added. After routine drill site operations had begun the long work day meant most drill site personnel were tired when returning to camp and usually weren't able to partake in after work recreational activities. The uncertain nature of the day to day drilling operation also means that planned recreation was usually difficult for drill site personnel. However it was disappointing that they were often forgotten while personnel at the camp were able to go on trips and I believe moral suffered.

The experienced drill site personnel understand and accept the uncertain nature of drilling operations and would normally expect to work through the drilling period without planned page break time off. To try and force the drilling programme and personnel with a rigid time off plan is unrealistic as it would require extra personnel and training and I believe could seriously compromise the drilling and drill site science operation. It is therefore very important to have a commitment to a recreational programme in place for drill site personnel once all drill site activities are completed. Many of the drilling and science personnel take pay cuts to come to Antarctica and are attracted not only by the challenges of Antarctic drilling and science but they are also interested in other aspects of the Antarctic environment. To send them home without wider antarctic opportunities would be unacceptable. The recreational opportunity that was available in the Wright Valley after drilling I believe was well received by those who could take advantage of it and similar opportunities will be required in the future.