FOREWORD
This booklet will assist you during your stay at Palmer Station. It briefly covers facilities, procedures, services and safety hints that will help you while you are at Palmer. Keep this guide handy as a reference on station operations and procedures. No booklet can address all that you need to know, so please consult Antarctic Support Associates (ASA) Station Operations Manager, NSF Representative or Senior Science Leader for additional information.
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INTRODUCTION
Although the United States has had long historical ties to the Antarctic Peninsula, little work was done there until 1965 when Palmer Station, then a small biological research facility, was established. It is named after Nathaniel B. Palmer, the American sealer who pioneered exploration of the Peninsula area in 1820. In 1969 the new and current station was completed on Anvers Island, at 64o46'S. 64o03'W. It has a pier and facilities for the R/V POLAR DUKE, a 219-ft ice-strengthened research ship that operates in conjunction with the station. The ship provides mobility and supports research in the marine sciences. Shore facilities, including a biological laboratory, complement the ship. A 308-foot ice breaking research vessel, the R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER, began operations in the late 1992 austral summer. The vessel is expected to call occasionally at Palmer Station.
Living conditions at Palmer are crowded but comfortable, with facilities including a cafeteria-style dining room. Everyone at the station participates in household duties. Sinks, showers, a washer and dryer, and flush toilets are provided at the station. Water comes from flash evaporators, a reverse osmosis desalination unit, and is further augmented by glacier melt water during the austral summer.
Palmer's climate is milder than that of the other U.S. Antarctic Stations primarily because it comes under the influence of a polar-maritime air mass. The mean annual temperature is minus 3 C (26 F). Average temperatures range between 2 C (36 F) in the summer and minus 10 C (14 F) in the winter. The annual average wind is about 6 knots. The station does experience periods of high winds, up to 70 knots, and significant precipitation, both rain and snowfall.
Palmer is not serviced by aircraft, as no permanent landing field is maintained there. Ship access is normally from September through June, but the R/V POLAR DUKE occasionally calls Palmer in July and August. Foreign and tour ships visit frequently.
Marine biology and ornithology are the primary research projects conducted on site. Field geology, meteorology and upper atmospheric studies are also part of the science program.
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FACILITY
Palmer Station consists of two buildings and several ancillary structures. The main building, the BIOLAB, houses the biological laboratories, a dining area, kitchen, communications facilities, offices, and storage areas for food and biological supplies. The upper floor provides living spaces for 22 people.
To the rear of the BIOLAB is the Garage/Warehouse/Recreation Building (GWR) which contains the power plant, garage, storage rooms, library and recreational facilities. GWR has berthing for 21 people.
Ancillary structures consist of an aquarium, small storage buildings, workshops, and several shipping containers which are used for storage. Two fuel tanks with a combined capacity of 240,000 gallons store the station fuel supply. Additional outdoor storage space for fuel drums and other supplies is provided.
GENERAL STATION OPERATIONS
The Station Operations Manager coordinates overall station activities including facility operation and maintenance, science support and construction tasks. Operations are coordinated with the NSF Representative or Senior Science Leader. The various ASA section heads (Facilities Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, Physician, etc.) are responsible for their specific areas of operation.
Announcements are posted on the blackboard in the dining room or, if critical, are relayed verbally via the all-call system. General information is located on the bulletin board across from the Operations Manager's office.
HOUSING
Housing is located in the BIOLAB (22 persons, coed, double rooms) and in GWR (21 persons, male, 2-4 person rooms). Rooms are assigned by the Station's Administrative Coordinator. When working on the R/V POLAR DUKE you may be required to vacate your room on Station and during periods of peak station population you may be assigned to temporary space.
Rooms are provided with a set of linen and blankets. You are responsible for laundering your linen. When moving out, strip your bed, fold blankets, pile dirty linen on your bed, empty trash and clean the room.
Bathrooms are located adjacent to berthing areas. The bathrooms are often crowded during periods of peak population so please do not linger when using them.
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WATER USAGE
The water production system normally provides sufficient fresh water to station operations. Please be conservative with water usage. Do not leave faucets running. Take short showers and limit laundry to once per week. You will be advised by the Station Operations Manager or Facilities Supervisor if water restrictions are in effect.
FOOD SERVICE
Meals are served cafeteria style. Meal hours are:
Please bus your dishes, wash them and place them in the appropriate sanitizer tray.
Snacks are available in the food serving area and in the pantry refrigerator. If you need lunches or provisions for field work please coordinate your requirements with the Cook. If you have any special dietary requirements advise the Cook on arrival.
Volunteers are requested to assist with evening kitchen/dining room clean up. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board by the kitchen. The Cook will outline clean up tasks. Volunteer Cooks are also welcome for Sunday dinner.
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WASTE DISPOSAL
In order to efficiently dispose of Station garbage, it is separated into five categories:
Containers for separating garbage are located in key areas throughout the station. Please separate garbage from your room, the lounge and bathroom.
Sewage and organic wastes are macerated and piped into Arthur Harbor. Although station wastes cause minimal impact to the environment, be careful not to dispose of any caustic, poisonous or similar material via this method. Please consult the Facilities Supervisor or Laboratory Supervisor concerning retrograde of any hazardous materials.
HOUSEKEEPING
Everyone on station is requested to assist in keeping the station clean. Please help by keeping both your living and working areas neat and clean.
Station clean-up, "House Mouse" is held weekly on Saturday. Personnel will be assigned cleaning duties by the Administrative Coordinator. The House Mouse List will be posted on the bulletin board in the dining room.
Sign up sheets are posted for mid week cleaning of the bathrooms and bar/lounge area.
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MEDICAL SERVICE
If medical problems arise, please see the Physician. The dispensary is on the BIOLAB ground floor near the entryway. There are no formal hours, but the Physician is normally available in the dispensary daily at 0900 LT.
In an emergency please contact the Station Operations Manager or the communications watchstander if the Physician cannot be located.
If required, the Station Operations Manager and the Physician can provide the appropriate documentation for reporting injury or illness.
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STATION STORE
The Station Store is located on the top floor of GWR. Items for sale include toiletries, souvenirs, hard and soft beverages, film, and batteries. The Physician is the storekeeper. The Store accepts cash (U.S. dollars) and travelers checks. NSF personnel (grantees) may pay with personal checks.
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LOUNGE POLICIES
The lounge is located on the top floor of the GWR. The lounge includes the bar, pool table, ping pong table, video area and paperback library. Movies are shown Sun - Fri at 1930 LT. NO smoking during the movies. Music, pool, and ping pong are not allowed during the movie. The bar is BYOB. Beer and soda left in the refrigerator and liquor behind the bar are shared. The lounge observes quiet hours 2200 LT Sun - Fri and 2400 LT on Saturday. Special occasions are exceptions.
The liquor policy at Palmer Station allows each individual to purchase, for personal consumption, one bottle of hard liquor and your choice of either one case of beer or two bottles of wine each week. Alcohol purchased on station must be left on station.
You are responsible for cleaning the bar or lounge after use.
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GYMNASIUM
The gym is located on the top floor of GWR. The gym contains an exercise bicycle, rowing machine, free weights, exercise videos, etc. Please return equipment to its proper place when finished. The gym is small and often crowded in the afternoon. If your schedule permits, please use the gym at times other than 1730 - 2000 LT.
Incoming mail is delivered via the R/V POLAR DUKE. Mail is sorted in the dining area and should be ready approximately one hour after ship arrival. Outgoing letter mail is carried to the U.S. whenever possible. U.S. postage stamps are available from the Station Store. Outgoing mail may be left with the Station's Administrative Coordinator.
Cachets for philatelic mail are available from the Station Administrative Coordinator. Outgoing packages may be mailed via the R/V POLAR DUKE during scheduled port calls.
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RADIO/SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
The communications room is located on the main floor of the BIOLAB. The Ham Shack is on the top floor of GWR.
Operational communications include:
Please contact the Station Operations Manager or the Communications Technician to arrange voice communications. All teletype/telex message and INMARSAT communications must be approved by the NSF Representative, Senior Science Leader, or Station Operations Manager.
Please see the Communications Technician or HAM operator to arrange contact.
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ADMINISTRATION
If you require administrative assistance see the Station Operations Manager. The Administrative Coordinator will assist you as time is available. If you need office supplies see the Administrative Coordinator.
If you need to operate the station personal computers see the Communications Technician who will review computer use and available programs, and arrange scheduling.
CLOTHING/FIELD EQUIPMENT
Cold weather clothing and field equipment are stored in the USAP Supply room. If you require clothing or equipment see the Administrative Coordinator. All items will be signed out and must be returned prior to your redeployment.
LOCAL TRAVEL
When traveling away from the immediate station vicinity please sign out on the blackboard in the BIOLAB main floor hallway.
Areas of travel are outlined on the map in the Communication Center door. They include:
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BOAT OPERATIONS
Prior to operating inflatable boats all personnel will be given a boating orientation and operational check-out by the Boating Coordinator. Requests for inflatable boats should be given to the Boating Coordinator the day prior to use in order to ensure boats are available and readied.
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LABORATORY OPERATIONS
The Laboratory Supervisor will provide a laboratory orientation and allocate laboratories, equipment and aquaria in coordination with the NSF Representative or Senior Science Leader. On arrival at Palmer a meeting will be held with each science group to outline research goals and support requirements. Science groups are responsible for the clean, safe and efficient use of the laboratory facility. No modification to the laboratories or equipment may be made without prior approval from the Station Operations Manager. All laboratory and research support requests should be initially directed to the Laboratory Supervisor.
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DARKROOM
The darkroom is part of the laboratory facility. Equipment and supplies are available for processing black and white prints and color slides (E6). The darkroom may be used for recreational purposes if it does not interfere with science operations but supplies are limited. Consult the Laboratory Supervisor prior to using the darkroom.
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FACILITIES, OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
The Facilities Supervisor is in charge of all station facilities. If you require assistance, please see the Facilities Supervisor.
The Station maintains a night facility watch. If there is something you wish the watchstander to check, or avoid, please inform the Facilities Supervisor.
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CONSTRUCTION
The construction crew is dedicated to assigned projects. If you have a construction support request, please see the Laboratory Supervisor who will coordinate your request with the Station Operations Manager, and NSF Representative. Prior to using the various shops on station please see the Facilities Supervisor for orientation to, and scheduling of, that particular shop.
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LOGISTICS
If you require material to support your project, please see the Laboratory Supervisor. The Laboratory Supervisor will arrange to get the materials for you or direct you to the Materials Person. If you require commercial air resupply of material it must be coordinated through the Station Operations Manager and NSF Representative. The Materials Person and the Operations Manager will review retrograde operations with you early during the season.
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FIRE PREVENTION
All personnel will receive an orientation on fire prevention, use of the Station alarm system and fire extinguisher use. In the event of an alarm, please muster at the Boat Shop (unless you are part of the fire fighting team). If the Boat Shop is the fire scene, muster at the GWR Garage. Alert your neighbors and co-workers. Dress warmly. If you don't have a jacket, take a float coat from the BIOLAB vestibule. Unannounced drills will be held monthly. All drills are to be treated as an actual fire.
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SAFETY
Safety is of utmost concern at Palmer Station. All personnel should be aware of all safety measures practiced throughout the station. Particular emphasis is given in and around all work environments. Emergency response procedures are provided to all personnel on station. Each person is required to know these procedures. Please report observed hazards to the Station Manager. Remember, prevention is of highest priority to ensure a safe living and working environment.
The basic rule of safety is "THINK BEFORE YOU ACT." This should eliminate the vast majority of the unsafe situations. Please observe the following rules:
Proper safety practices will prevent injury to yourself, as well as delays to your project, and harm to the station personnel and facilities. Remember, Palmer is comfortable, but isolated, and an accident effects the whole community.
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ENVIRONMENT
All personnel at Palmer Station are responsible to know and follow the proper procedures for the disposal of waste products. All waste will be separated for retrograde in accordance with established procedures. Information regarding the separation of waste will be made available at Palmer Station.
An awareness of issues concerning environmental impact and acceptable practices is crucial to the preservation of the pristine antarctic environment.
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REDEPLOYMENT
During your stay at Palmer the Administrative Coordinator will contact you concerning your travel to the United States. Please inform the Administrative Coordinator of your ticketed route, requested travel dates and any special requirements such as excess baggage, dry ice, etc. Travel information is required a minimum of 10 days prior to departing Palmer. Your travel request will be forwarded to AGUNSA in South America to confirm redeployment. The agent will confirm requested flights.
The Administrative Coordinator is not a travel agent and is responsible for only direct redeployment to your point of origin. If you wish to travel en route to the United States, AGUNSA can suggest a local travel agent in South America who will make your arrangements. Any requests for deviations to the schedule must be coordinated with the NSF Representative. Additional costs for deviations to approved travel will be borne by the traveler. Ship schedules can be delayed so please remain flexible with your requested travel.
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KEY PERSONNEL
Station Operations Manager
Administrative Coordinator
Physician
Laboratory Supervisor
Operations Coordinator
Boating Coordinator
Power Plant Mechanic
Communications Technician
LAN Administrator
Materials Person
Cook
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RECOMMENDED READING
NSF Personnel Manual
Instructions on Packing and Shipping
Investigator's Guide to Palmer Station
Palmer Station Operations Manual (includes "Zodiac Use and Regulations")
Research Vessel POLAR DUKE Pamphlet
Research Vessel NATHANIEL B. PALMER Pamphlet
