/r/antarctica

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Antarctica travel, work, science, history, and news. Please read the FAQs and rules before posting.

  • Please read our FAQ before asking questions about employment.
  • What is antarctica?
  • Watch live webcams
  • 360° tour of Halley VI Research Station (UK)
  • A compilation of antarctic films
  • List of novels set in antarctica
  • Antarctic exploration timeline
  • enjoy your stay on the ice with us!

    /r/antarctica

    28,566 Subscribers

    0

    I would like to Antarctica

    I would clean toilets with my nose 23 hours of the day and swim buck naked out into and back from the Ross Sea for the other hour. I'm not sure if my current occupation counts as a high-volume facility but I'll submit a thousand applications the moment I'm able. I'm not sure what the least competitive position is but I'm sure toilet nose-cleaner is down there.

    10 Comments
    2024/11/08
    04:36 UTC

    0

    Packing for Antarctica cruise

    Hi folks, my wife and I are going to taking the Silverseas cruise to Antarctica in January 2025 and was looking for recommendations regarding what to pack for the trip along with brands and such. I believe the cruise line provides the coats for us to keep and boots for use on the continent. Thanks.

    16 Comments
    2024/11/07
    19:38 UTC

    7

    Any Penpals from Earth's 7th continent :DDD

    Hello Antarcticians :D,

    I love penpalling people from different countries and cultures

    I have penpals from all continents except the fourth largest one - Antarctica ;)

    This is a small bio about me :D,

    - I am a 17M living in Saudi Arabia, I can only have email conversations because postage is ridiculously expensive here but I may occasionally send you a letter if we become good buddies ;).

    I will be starting my studies soon for grade 12 (Senior Year or Year 12) alone as I am self studying so I would love to have some good understanding pals who would motivate me, listen to my stories and I would also love to listen to yours. I could tell you about my culture here and you could tell me about yours. I am also a numismatist (someone who collects coins and banknotes as a hobby), I love reading books and encyclopedias, I am a geography buff too, I am learning german now as a hobby language (hallo, wie gehts), I love being an amateur astronomer too, I am engrossed with movies and series, I love music and my current favourite artist is Taylor Swift so I am also a huge swiftie!!

    I would love to have someone from Antarctica to be my pen-pal :D

    0 Comments
    2024/11/07
    18:50 UTC

    0

    NPQ - Waiver Submitted & Denied

    Long story short -

    UTMB asked for more information, provided the information.

    They took another 3 weeks and stated wasn’t eligible because of mental health, so they NPQ’d me, but said I could file a waiver.

    I provided what they wanted, letter of support, etc.

    Found out that the NPQ would stand and I was denied, yet I could try again next year.

    They didn’t provide a reason why.

    If I contact them and ask why, will they say? Just seems strange. No issues, stable, medicated, cleared by attempting Pdoc.

    If it’s not something that’ll change next year, I’m not going to waste time attempting again, but without a rationalization for the decision, I have no idea what their problem was. Kind of subjective and stupid if you ask me. If the person that treats me and knows me best says yes, then how does some schmo that’s never met me get to say no?

    13 Comments
    2024/11/07
    08:23 UTC

    4

    i looked at the faq but couldn't find an answer about employment

    i looked at the employment offers on the faq and i think i'd qualify for some of the food service postistions. the jobs i'd have the prerequisites for are generally listed in denver though. which isn't a problem. i'm from colorado and wouldn't mind going back. but i'd like to actually work in antarctica.

    is the listing of the employer just saying where they are based or would i be working in denver?

    also i'm sorry if this is stupid question.

    6 Comments
    2024/11/06
    22:55 UTC

    5

    Does my time in Antarctica count towards my 90 day visa in Argentina?

    I’ll be leaning Ushuaia, Argentine for a 10 day trip to Antarctica. Is there a way to get that to not count towards my 90 days in Argentina if I show proof of my travel or will they just see it as me never leaving the country?

    11 Comments
    2024/11/06
    14:46 UTC

    1,079

    First day of 11 months

    62 Comments
    2024/11/04
    17:33 UTC

    1

    Trip to Antarctica in January on MV Ushuaia

    Hello!

    Looking to book last minute trip.

    Is there anyone recommending/not recommending any of the mentioned agencies:

    Have a great day,

    Marta

    0 Comments
    2024/11/04
    11:41 UTC

    0

    Postcard From Antarctica

    Hello, it is my first time on the sub.

    I have heard of people getting postcards from Antarctica though this thread. May I ask if there is anyone in Antarctica [or the Arctic Region] willing to mail me a postcard. I will dm you my address. :)

    3 Comments
    2024/11/03
    16:23 UTC

    1

    Anyone use Oceanwide Expeditions Plancius?

    Hello everyone,

    I'm looking to travel to Antarctica starting late December or in January. It has been a overwhelming experience with all the different expeditions and tours available, but I think I am leaning towards Oceanwide Expeditions - Plancius.

    Has anyone had experience they wouldn't mind sharing?

    I'm coming from Canada, so if there are Canadians who have travelled to Antarctica, I would love to hear about your experience and if you found any deals.

    Thank you,

    10 Comments
    2024/11/02
    21:44 UTC

    0

    Postcard From South Pole

    Hello, i was wondering if there is anyone from the south pole willing to send a postcard.

    I am fine with any other research stations as well. Thank you in advance!

    6 Comments
    2024/11/02
    07:38 UTC

    2

    Last minute travel in November

    Hello group!, got this last minute idea to go on an expedition next week and still trying to decide if I should go. I received a couple of offers but not able to decide which one to pick, if I decide to go. I don't plan to do any paid activities like Kayaking, plunge etc as I cannot swim. I would have preferred a solo cabin but only twin shared are available. Budget is not an issue but I also wouldn't mind saving since the cost is already so high.

    • Quark - World Explorer - balcony suite - pre-departure hotel in USH, no flights. 4 days in peninsula - doesn't cross the Antarctic circle
    • Albatros - Ocean Alabatros - balcony - $1800 cheaper than quark - no flights or hotel. 6 days in peninsula - barely crosses the Antarctica circle
    • Atlas - World Traveller - port hole but window bigger than usual port hole. - $800 cheaper than Albatros - includes flights from EZE to USH, pre-departure hotel in USH. 7 days in peninsula - crosses the Antarctic circle

    Questions

    • Does anyone have suggestions or pros/cons on which one is better? On paper, Atlas seems like the best deal since its 3 days more in peninsula and $2600 cheaper than Quark. Atlas is cheap because someone booked solo and they can add me into their reservation.
    • Is crossing the Antarctica circle worth it? i.e., way better than what you'd already see?
    • If money is not a constraint, would you wait to a make the trip when the flights open for flying over drake? I am really worried about seasickness. I have not done cruises. Since I am traveling solo, also worried about taking care of myself when I am sick.
    • W.r.t clothing for November, do I need to really shop for the woolen stuff? I've 32 degrees base layers from Costco. I don't have any rain pants but have have tech performance pants that I use for hikes. Are those sufficient or rain pants mandatory? I'm a OneBag person. I want to travel with 44L backpack and don't want to carry too much stuff.
    24 Comments
    2024/11/01
    15:07 UTC

    12

    Polar plunge, is the water clear?

    Hi all, my partner and I are going to Antarctica with Quark in December and we are very excited!! I’m just wondering about the polar plunge if the water is kind of murky or clear? Do you actually see the bottom? And is there any interesting wildlife you might see underwater? Was thinking of bringing my goggles, or mask although I know it’s not a snorkeling trip, would be nice to take a peak of what’s underneath…

    24 Comments
    2024/10/31
    12:28 UTC

    0

    Are there any zoomers that currently work as Antarctic researchers?

    Just something I've wondered about, since I am a zoomer (born in the year 2000) and always found this topic interesting, as Antarctica's human population has always only ever been researchers. I feel like by now, enough time has passed that older zoomers (born in 1997 - 2001) could theorhetically be researchers down in Antarctica these days. I don't know if there's a specific age to be one, but I assume you could be a researcher in Antarctica even in your mid twenties and work down there. I know even if that's not the case now, eventually at least one zoomer will work down in Antarctica at some point in the future, but I'm talking about now, current year, and also the past few years (no earlier than 2020, unless you could be a researcher in Antarctica at age 18 - 22, which maybe you could be, I just wouldn't assume that at first).

    There's likely at least some Millenials that work in Antarctica by now, so maybe there's some zoomers like me there too.

    Considering a lot of younger generations tend to be more environmentally conscious than older generations, it'd make sense for a lot of younger people to work in Antarctica, considering global warming or climate change has caused parts of it to melt and even grow grass and plants.

    I do want to be a vet tech, and one class in the Vet Tech Program at my college is about laboratory animals and exotics, so I assume I'll learn about the anatomy of many different animals there, maybe even including penguins, seals and walruses. Maybe ome day, I could be a researcher in Antarctica, helping sick and injured wildlife to get better. Who knows? I know I'll probably go crazy, but the cute animals might help me keep my sanity. I do love looking at and working with animals, and I know Antarctica has a lot, not just seals and penguins.

    8 Comments
    2024/10/31
    00:50 UTC

    0

    Internet, live calls & Starlink?

    Hi everyone,

    So I'm part of a charity project for a trip to the South Pole. First week of January. It's for a charity event to raise donations for Ukraine. We have a couple ideas, but I wanted to check in here to see if anyone knows if they are realistic at all. We will have some strong sponsors so the cost would not be an issue.

    1. Live calls? Our partners in the South Pole suggest "Iridium GO". Haven't gotten in touch with them, but seems to be a sat-phone or something smilar.

    2. Sending videos and images. As far as I understand, images aren't a problem, but videos are much more complicated. True / Not true?

    3. Third, and the craziest - a livestream. Is this even possible? Starlink does have coverage, but I'm not sure if it's enough. Is this realistic at all?

    Any other suggestions would be really helpful. We're trying to make the most of this to raise as much as we can.

    21 Comments
    2024/10/30
    18:39 UTC

    3

    Post to Germany?

    Can I mail letters to Germany from McMurdo? Or only to the US

    1 Comment
    2024/10/30
    12:38 UTC

    0

    Postcard

    Hello !

    I collect postcards from all over the world, especially remote places. I have been trying very hard to get one from one of the research stations from Antarctica. If someone from this forum could send me one, it would be very nice. I have seen that some people from here work on some of the research stations and hope to see my post.

    4 Comments
    2024/10/30
    07:45 UTC

    16

    Why is it so hard to get my foot in the door ?

    Hello everyone! I typically lurk around on Reddit, but I’m finally taking a step to make a post out of general curiosity.

    Since early this year, I have been actively applying for various positions, including roles on expedition yachts, cruise ships, at agencies, and with organizations like ALE. I even visited their office in Punta Arenas to express my interest! As a U.S. passport holder, I've also applied to U.S. bases through Ammentum, Gana Yoo, and Leidos- etc.

    I hold several internationally recognized certifications, including my STCW 10, VHF-SRC Radio, basic firefighting, and powerboat/RIB master courses to name a few. Additionally, I've completed and renewed my Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training several times and have an ACA Level 2 kayaking certification for assisting. I worked a winter season navigating on a Catamaran to see glaciers. Currently, I work as a freelance certified tourist and expedition guide in Chile, originally from the U.S. and now residing in Punta Arenas for quite some time.

    Being child-free, 30 years old, female, not married, and accustomed to freelance work, I’m comfortable with long hours and being away from home for extended periods, especially during peak seasons & holidays.

    Earlier this year, I received a job offer for the Antarctic season but was unfortunately informed around Late April, or May that the person I was set to replace decided to stay. Since then, I haven't heard back from any other positions I've applied for at other companies, whether it be in the galley, as a steward, receptionist, or guest liaison- on the U.S. bases I applied to everything that applied to my experience like postal clerk, guest service positions, waste management, etc. I am open to any entry-level opportunities; I just want something to get my foot in the door.

    Given my nationality, location in Punta Arenas, knowing the climate, and my qualifications, I expected to have a strong advantage in my applications even if they were entry level jobs and I was applying late. However, I’m starting to wonder what might be missing from my CV, or qualifications. I was called for a position back in 2016 but couldn't pursue it then and now I am recently regretting that decision. With the season already underway—evident from the groups I'm currently guiding in Patagonia and the influx of tourists and the expedition ships—I’m eager to know if any last-minute openings in cruises or U.S. bases happen?

    If anyone has information about companies looking for last-minute hires or any tips to navigate this process, I would greatly appreciate it! Don't mind to send a message. Although I have some contacts in Antarctica, none have that kind of influence to assist me in securing a position.

    I know that a lot of people ask about work, so I am sorry about opening up this topic again- and sorry about the long post, but just had to get a little background about myself so that I don't come off as someone with no qualifications/experience looking for JUST the experience of going. Thank you !

    29 Comments
    2024/10/29
    18:51 UTC

    6

    options for a non-citizen living in the us to go on antarctica deployment?

    i only recently learned about the usap and its career oppotunities, and have been looking to apply, but it seems all of them require citizenship.

    i'm an asylee. are there any other options for me?

    9 Comments
    2024/10/28
    01:29 UTC

    0

    People with hypertension, did you do polar plunge when you're in Antarctica? How was it? Should I do it?

    I take meds every day. Just wondering now if I should do it. Thanks!

    19 Comments
    2024/10/27
    20:59 UTC

    29

    A post to thank you for my book

    Hello everyone, with another account a little lost, I asked many questions about Antartica, habit of life for my series of book Hard SF. You've all been very sympathetic and answered my many questions, more or less technical.

    You asked me at the end of the post to let you know when I'd finished my 1st book, and the time has come, my friends. I've finished the book, and I'll be releasing it in a few days in French, so I'll wait a bit to pay for an English translation. Anyway can't thank everyone on the book (which is already a lot of pages) I quoted the entire r/antartica. in thanks.

    You can't imagine it, but you've helped me like never before. French and European institutions are a bit old-fashioned when it comes to communication, and I didn't have much in my hands before your help to make a hard sf series about Antartica. I had so many documents and other things that it pushed me to rewrite (for the 4th time) the book.

    Anyway, thanks to you, and don't worry, I've got other questions I'd be happy to ask, for the book series.

    https://preview.redd.it/3u4rb8c7ycxd1.jpg?width=2484&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=84808898ee98947a9fe74b9c369ff35c78868c8f

    16 Comments
    2024/10/27
    20:22 UTC

    16

    I created a quiz that challenges you to name every single civilian settlement in Antarctica

    5 Comments
    2024/10/26
    22:31 UTC

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