*PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Reception and planning for your event

  The reception was well organised, friendly and efficient. The main issues of the event were promptly discussed and organised.

• Availability and condition of equipment received

  Upon our arrival Scott Base staff the field support team, J.Barton and D.Mahon had staged most of our field equipment in the HFC. The equipment was in good condition and suitable for our field deployment.

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• Antarctic Field training and any specialist training

  All team members with the exception of Rhodes conducted a refresher training, which was efficient and useful. Rhodes participated the full Antarctic field training. In addition, we conducted an additional glacier travel training. The training, carried out by Davie Robinson, was excellent and catered for the specific needs of this group. Extensive crevasse extraction training, roped skidoo-travel, and management of extreme weather conditions were an important focus of the training. All members felt that the field training was very practical, helpful, and beneficial for the team. We are grateful to E. Barnes for the concept and excellent implementation of a modulised, tailored field training programme

  

• Field party equipment 'shakedown' journey

  The equipment shakedown journey was particularly useful to identify and repair minor defects in the equipment, as well as to practise and revise traverse routines. When the team deployed to Skinner Saddle, all science and field equipment was thoroughly tested and checked.

• Delays at Scott Base, whatever the cause

  We deployed in general on time to and between field sites, with only minor (1 day) weather delays at our move to Gawn Ice Piedmont and from Evans Piedmont Glacier. We purposely delayed our departure from Scott base to Skinner Saddle by one day as this provided the opportunity to use the DC-3 instead of Twin Otter aircrafts. However, due to delays in the DC-3 schedule we used the Twin Otter aircrafts.

• Safety and Risk Management processes

  The risk management process was useful.

• General comments about Scott Base

  The Hillary Field Centre is a well designed, practical, and much welcome improvement for field preparations. The cage system as well as the bench space along with the excellent organisation and coordination by J. Burton and D. XXX allowed a number of groups to concurrently prepare and test their science and field equipment indoors. In addition, this provided an atmosphere for scientific exchange between groups as well as exchange of practical experience between individuals. The doors to the cages are somewhat too narrow and don't allow equipment to be transferred by trolley. The new mess and lounge area is a well implemented improvement of the living quarters.

• Other comments

  We would like to thank Scott Base staff for their very efficient, professional, and above and beyond support with our programme!