Logo
Prev
search
Print
addthis
Rotate
Help
Next
Contents
All Pages
Browse Issues
Home
'
Intouch : Intouch April 2012
Contents
3 While the majority of PCU Members are located in NSW, we do have Members around the the globe. But it could be argued none are as isolated as ex-Police Officer Brian Guillaumier, who at the time of writing is serving as an electrician at Casey Station in Antarctica (situated 3,880 km due south of Perth). We spoke to Brian to gain some insight to life in Antarctica. How did the opportunity to work in Antarctica come about? The idea of working in an isolated region I thought would be challenging but also very unique, a once in a lifetime opportunity. I applied to the ‘Australian Antarctic Division’, the Federal Government Organisation responsible for Australia’s presence in the Antarctic. Apart from protecting the Antarctic environment, the Division undertakes scientific work of practical, economic and national significance. Talk us through a typical day in Antarctica, what are some of the jobs and responsibilities you have? My main role is as an electrician at Casey Station, located in the northern part of Antarctica. Most of my work is maintenance, basically keeping the place running. Electricians are responsible for everything from power generation through to changing light bulbs. We have a computer system which monitors power, heating, refrigeration, fire alarms, water etc. If anything goes wrong, my pager alerts me. Although work hours are fairly structured, we are on call 24/7. Are you involved in other areas of the Station? Having such a small group of people on Station means everyone has numerous roles. Some of my other duties include Search and Rescue Leader, Deputy Fire Chief and Postmaster! Plus, I am one of the surgical assistants here on base as I received some training in anaesthetics at the Royal Hobart Hospital. What qualifications did you need? For me, the main qualification was obviously an electrician’s licence. Basically the more qualifications you have, the more chance you have of getting a job. My experience in mining and heavy industry also helped as did my previous policing experience. What’s communication like with the outside world from Antarctica? Communication with the outside world is pretty good. We can call home for about 28c per minute and have free internet/email access but some programs including Skype are restricted. The newspaper is also printed on-site daily. It’s a good way to keep up with what is happening in the outside world and makes you feel less isolated. I am also a licenced amateur radio operator and I have spoken with people all over the world from here. How many people are with you? Over the summer months (November to April) numbers vary between about 80 and 110. During the winter there were only 16 of us here. Our winter crew was made up of basically professional, operational and trades personnel. What do you guys do for fun in your downtime? There are plenty of activities on station such as table tennis, a pool table, darts board and a bar. We have a well stocked library for the readers and a cinema with loads of movies. We can also go out to one of the field huts for overnight trips. There are six field huts around Casey with the furthest being about 40km away. Travel is usually by Hagglunds (tracked vehicle see picture far left below) or quad bikes. There are plenty of places around the station where you can walk and take in the beautiful scenery. How do you deal with the isolation and separation from family? It’s always hard being away from friends and family and it doesn’t get any easier over time. I speak to my wife almost every night by phone. Over winter, the crew became quite close and we’re almost like a family. There was always someone to talk to if I got a bit homesick. After 12 months away though, I am keen to get back home. Toughest job you’ve had in Antarctica? I would have to say helping the plumbers to replace a 75 metre section of the sewerage outflow pipe, in the middle of winter. The pipe froze and was buried under about a metre of snow and ice. We had to dig out the pipe and replace it. The job took four days and it was about minus 25 every day. Luckily we had a bit of sun during the middle of the day. Are there any areas of Antarctica which are yet to be discovered by man? Most of Antarctica has been visited at some time. However, due to the remoteness of this place it is easy to feel like you are the first person to set foot on some of it. We think you may be the most isolated PCU Member! Yes most likely. Antarctica is very isolated and you are really reminded of that in the winter. There is very little transport in or out of Antarctica during the summer but none at all during the winter. Mail comes here about three or four times a year. There is no such thing as going down to the shop to buy something! Left: Brian ‘promoting’ PCU in the Antarctic. Middle: Brian enjoying a majestic Antarctic morning. Right: Casey Station, Brian’s home in the Antarctic. AnAntarcticExperience an interview with our most isolated Member
Links
Archive
Intouch October 2011
Intouch July 2012
Navigation
Previous Page
Next Page
