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Introduction for Visitors to Antarctica & BAS ships

This webpage aims to guide you through the documentation that you need to complete before you go South or join one of our Research Vessels for a science cruise. Please read all the guidelines and policy documents carefully before filling in the associated form(s).

The forms must be completed and returned to us at the address below, as early as possible and at least 8 – 10 weeks before your planned trip.

Operations & Logistics (OPAL) Support Team
British Antarctic Survey
High Cross,
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 0ET

Phone: + 44 (0) 1223 221 458
Fax: +44 (0) 1223 362 616

Email:

The documents are available as either rtf format for which you will need a word processing package such as Microsoft Word, or in pdf format for downloading and printing, for which you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, available free from the Adobe website.

Forms to complete and return

Personal

1. Personal Details/Acknowledgement Form: pdf | rtf
2. Polar Clothing Form: pdf | xls
(only for completion by those requiring BAS issue polar clothing)

Financial

3. Personal Account Undertaking: pdf | rtf
NB For reasons of security and confidentiality, financial forms should not be returned to us via email. 

Communications

4. BT Odyssey application form: pdf
Return directly to BT in order to use phones whilst on BAS stations & BAS ships.

For further information on completing the forms above please read the following guidelines and policy documents.

Guidelines and Policy Documents

Personal

Lines of Responsibility and Codes of Behaviour: pdf | rtf
BAS Policy on Alcohol and Drugs: pdf | rtf
Respect at Work: pdf | rtf

Financial

Personal Accounts Guidance Notes: pdf | rtf
Admin Notice - Personal Accounts: pdf | rtf

Communications

BT Odyssey application guidance: pdf
Communications onboard RRS James Clark Ross: pdf

Travel Information

Travel To/From Antarctica: pdf | rtf

Making your own way home; Questions and Answers: pdf | rtf

Routine medical screening for all personnel visiting BAS Stations and Research Ships

The full medical forms the basis for establishing the long-term medical framework for an individual's time in the Antarctic. Antarctic-based staff should expect to undergo a medical according to the age framework set out below.

  1. 5 yearly review medical until age 35
  2. 3 yearly review medical thereafter to age 50
  3. Annual review after 50

Although Personnel will check that all staff on Antarctic duty are medically screened before travelling South, please note that it is also the responsibility of the individual to ensure they complete all the required procedures.

Whether or not a medical is required all staff going ‘South’ (unless based outside the UK or by special exception) will have a blood test in accordance with the BAS policy.

The “review” will continue to be either a full medical or consultation on the recommendation of BASMU and final decision on a member of staff’s fitness will rest with the Senior Medical Officer, Mr Iain Grant.

Medical Guidelines and Forms

For any queries relating to medical forms and policies please consult:
BAS Medical Unit (BASMU)
Tel: +44 (0) 1752 315220

Pete Marquis: petermarquis@nhs.net Susan Lawrey: susanlawrey@nhs.net   

Antarctic Pre-deployment Training Course, First Aid, Field Course, Personal Survival Techniques

You may be required to attend the Antarctic Pre-deployment Training Course, First Aid Course and/or Field Course. See the Pre-deployment training course webpage for further information. There are different attendance requirements for delegates according to their circumstances. We aim to send out invitations to all named participants 4 – 6 weeks beforehand; if you consider that you should be attending but have not received these details, please contact us as soon as possible.

For further information about your trip please consult the Participants’ Handbook — A guide to going South with BAS.

First Aid training is compulsory for people visiting stations and working in deep field. For those onboard ships it is desired but not essential.

For all ship visitors working on deck; a Personal Survival Techniques (PST / STCW ’95) course will need to be completed prior to your trip.  Various colleges around the country hold this course. A copy of your certificate should be sent back to OPAL Support Team and the original must taken on your trip.

Failure to take your original PST certificate onboard with you will prevent you from joining the cruise.