Antarctica - Looking for crew members of Ice Breaking Ships in Antarctica

Hey all,

I'm desperately trying to make contact with people who actually WORK on the Ice Breaking ships in Antarctica. I understand that there are many different ships working in various areas, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can about: a) how they operate, and b) the people aboard them.

I live in melbourne Australia, and I am researching a documentary idea that I'm hoping to shoot in late 2009/early 2010. But I really need to start meeting people asap, because my knowledge at the moment is thin.

Any advice, recommendations or web links that you think will be of use will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Ryley

MSN Groups has a forum called "Antarctic Memories" in which a lot of current and former ICE workers post. Most of them worked for the US program but you may find a crew member on there. At the very least they can probably point you in the right direction.

Haven't you tried going through some of the companies which sell these, eg. Quark?

Hey all,

I'm desperately trying to make contact with people who actually WORK on the Ice Breaking ships in Antarctica. I understand that there are many different ships working in various areas, but I'm trying to learn as much as I can about: a) how they operate, and b) the people aboard them.

I live in melbourne Australia, and I am researching a documentary idea that I'm hoping to shoot in late 2009/early 2010. But I really need to start meeting people asap, because my knowledge at the moment is thin.

Any advice, recommendations or web links that you think will be of use will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Ryley

The “Almirante Viel” , a Chilean Navy ice breaker is one, the Argentine Navies A.R.A. Almirante Irízar, (not certain it is currently in service) , the Kapitan Khlebnikov and the Sarpik Ittuk are being leased out to private tour operators, there are several others listed with "ice-hardened hulls" not true ice breakers not sure if you want these as well. The Explorer II and the MV Ushuaia are vessels of this type. There are also ships that have ice-strengthened hulls (not sure of the difference) The Lyubov Orlova and the M/V Akademik Shokalskiy are vessels of this type.

Hope this gives you a start anyway.

Sam