QUESTIONS:
* When you abandon ship into the gondola with the seats that are toilets
        how do you use them in your wet suits?
* How many times has the Polar Duke been on voyages to the Antarctica?
* Do you take any games or things to do on the ship to play if you have 
        time?
* What is the source of heat that you use on the Polar Duke?
* What flag was flying from the Polar Duke's crow's nest?


        From St. Patrick School, Kent, Ohio


ANSWERS from Alan Hickey, Aboard the RV Polar Duke
             Sun, 9 Feb 1997 18:38:59 +0000 (GMT)
QUESTION:
When you abandon ship into the gondola with the seats that are toilets
        how do you use them in your wet suits?
ANSWER: 
Actually, that gondola is called a lifeboat.  We have two aboard the 
Polar Duke, one on the starboard side and one on the port side.  They 
each hold 50 people.  There is only one head (the nautical term for 
toilet) on the lifeboat and in order to use it you most certainly have to 
remove your survival suit.

QUESTION
How many times has the Polar Duke been on voyages to the Antarctica?      
ANSWER
The Polar Duke has been sailing to Antarctica since 1984 and on average, 
makes twelve cruises per year.

QUESTION:
Do you take any games or things to do on the ship to play if you have 
time?
ANSWER: 
During free time, crew and scientists typically catch up on sleep or
relaxed conversations with others.  We also have an exercise room onboard
where we can lift weights, ride a stationary bicycle or take a sauna. 
People also bring books, CD players or even cribbage games.  This, combined
with some of the great scenery that is often present keeps everyone pretty
busy. 

QUESTION: 
What is the source of heat that you use on the Polar Duke?
ANSWER: 
The ship has central air conditioning and heat.  Electric baseboard heat 
is also present in many of the cabins. 

QUESTION:
What flag was flying from the Polar Duke's crows nest?
ANSWER: 
The Norwegian flag was flying from the crows nest since this is a 
Norwegian vessel with nine Norwegian officers aboard.

Thanks for your questions!
Alan Hickey, Aboard the RV Polar Duke