2018-2020 USAP Participant Guide

Updated September 7, 2018

You may download the complete version of the Participant Guide below, or select individual sections and chapters using the following links.

Complete Participant Guide

Title Page
Map of Antarctica
National Science Foundation Letter
Some Antarctic Basics
USAP Transportation Map
Table of Contents

Chapter 1

The 1957 South Pole
wintering party at
a group meal

The United States in Antarctica

Background

Antarctic Exploration and the Antarctic Treaty
United States Antarctic Program (USAP)
The Antarctic Treaty and U.S. Antarctic Policy

USAP Structure

National Science Foundation
Support Contractors
Department of Defense
Department of Homeland Security
Department of the Interior
Department of State
International Cooperation

Science Proposals and Grants

Antarctic Data Repositories

USAP Stations and Ships

McMurdo Station
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Palmer Station
Research Vessels

Facility Administration

Chapter 2

A Scott tent in the snow

Before You Leave Home

Program Requirements

Medical and Dental Examinations
Waivers
Immunizations
Privacy Act Compliance

Deployment Paperwork

Travel Arrangements
Travel Expenses
Meals and Lodging in Antarctica

Passports, Visas, and Permits

Passports
Visas and Permits
Visas for Non-U.S. Citizens

Customs

Customs and Your Equipment

Personal Matters

Power of Attorney
Notary Services
Absentee Ballot
Personal Finances
Income Tax
Insurance

Chapter 3

Researchers conduct an
experiment on a stream
running into Lake Fryxell
in the McMurdo Dry
Valleys

How and What to Pack

Baggage Allowances

Commercial Carriers
Flights from Christchurch to McMurdo Station
Research Vessels and Palmer Station
Grantee and Technical Event Excess Baggage
Mailing Excess Baggage

Personal Prescription Medications

What to Pack

What Not to Pack

Baggage Organization

Storage Availability

In New Zealand
In Chile

Chapter 4

An Orca whale in the Ross Sea

Environmental Protection, Permits, and Science Cargo

Environmental Impact Assessment

Antarctic Conservation Act

Highlights of the ACA

ACA Waste Management

Permits and Reporting

Import-Export Regulations

Controlled Drugs, New Organisms, Genetically Modified Organisms
Importing Samples into New Zealand
Shipping Samples Through New Zealand
Radioactive Materials

Science Cargo

Transport Methods for Science Support Cargo
Retrograde (Return) Science Cargo

Chapter 5

A United States Antarctic
Program helicopter

Travel Guidelines

Travel Advice

Customs and Mail Warning
Stay in Contact
Be Patient
Currency Exchange
Electrical Compatibility
Pre-Deployment Personal Vacations
Post-Deployment Personal Vacations

Travel Through New Zealand

ECW Clothing Issue

Travel to McMurdo Station

Travel Within Antarctica

Air Transport
Aircraft Travel Rules and Guidelines

Return to New Zealand

Travel Through Chile

ECW Clothing Issue
Baggage

Travel to Palmer Station

Return to Chile

Chapter 6

Research associates pipette blood in a lab.

South Pole research associates
Nicolas Michel-Hart, foreground,
and Jason Stauch pipette
blood in a lab

Living and Working at USAP Facilities

Work Requirements

Safety

Fire Safety
Diving Safety

Field Safety Training

Antarctic Field Safety Courses

Health

Recreation

Personal Conduct

Alcohol and Drugs
U.S. Criminal Jurisdiction

Waste, Energy, and Water

Communications

Postal Services

Station-Specific Information

McMurdo Station
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
Palmer Station
Research Vessels

Appendix: OPP Code of Conduct
Glossary
Contact Information

For USAP Participants

For The Public

For Researchers and Educators

Contact Us

2018-2020 USAP Participant Guide

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