“Just another day in the ice” is a phrase that cannot be used to describe life in HMS Protector. The ship’s company of the UK’s Ice Patrol Ship has the privilege and unique opportunity to work in one of the most stunning environments anywhere in the world. To wake up to see the ship surrounded by slowly drifting ice with spectator penguins and the imposing sight of Mount Erebus smouldering on the horizon simply takes the breath away. Antarctica is without doubt one of the most amazing places on Earth with spectacular scenery and wildlife and, on the face of it, unspoilt by the modern world.
HMS Protector is the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship and one of the most visible aspects of the UK Government’s enduring commitment to the Antarctic Treaty system.
The ship provides a clear demonstration of the high regard the UK places on maintaining the distinctive Antarctic environment and its irreplaceable eco-system. During the 2015-16 season, and for the first time in 80 years for a Navy vessel, HMS Protector visited the Ross Sea. Here we conducted inspections of fishing vessels, providing reassurance that they comply with the spirit of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CAMLR) Convention as well as the strict regulations that exist to preserve the Antarctic marine environment.
HMS Protector’s presence in the Antarctic means that she is perfectly placed to foster positive relations and cooperation amongst all members of the International Community as we all strive to protect the Antarctic continent as a natural reserve devoted to peace and science. This is no better highlighted than through the immensely generous and hospitable welcomes the ship receives at every scientific base; last season the ship visited the bases of Italy, the United States, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile, conducting inspections to ensure environmental stewardship and to confirm these facilities are not being militarised. Antarctica provides a modern and relevant example of international cooperation and comradeship dedicated to a common cause for the benefit of all.
Beyond the ship’s engagement with the other Treaty signatory nations, HMS Protector has a pivotal role in providing support to the British Antarctic Survey in their scientific endeavours. She regularly plays host to teams from BAS who make use of the ship’s facilities to conduct their work over a wide range around the Antarctic Peninsula and the surrounding waters. This includes cleaning up sites of previous activity and safely transporting the waste materials away from the continent so that it can be disposed of in an environmentally compliant manner.
Above all else, HMS Protector is a survey ship and with the ever-expanding growth of the Antarctic cruise ship industry, the ability to survey the seas around Antarctica with modern sonar equipment is vital to the safe operation of large commercial vessels and the avoidance of an environmental disaster that could take generations to recover from.
HMS Protector, her Captain and crew are honoured and proud to serve the UK and to play our part in protecting and preserving the Antarctic environment.