2023-2024 USAP Participant Guide

Updated September 29, 2023

The USAP Participant Guide.

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
U.S. National Science Foundation Letter
Some Antarctic Basics
USAP Transportation Map
Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The United States in Antarctica

U.S. Navy pilot LCDR Gus Shinn starts up
the Que Sera Sera before taking off for the South Pole
from the Naval Air Facility McMurdo on 31 October 1956.

Background

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

USAP Structure

U.S. 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: Before You Leave Home

Adélie penguins at Cape Royds, Ross Island.

Program Requirements

Background Investigation
Medical and Dental Examinations
Waivers
Immunizations

Privacy Act Compliance

Deployment Paperwork

Travel Arrangements

Travel Expenses

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: How and What to Pack

USAP participants carry their bags to the
elevated station after arriving at the South Pole.

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

In New Zealand
In Chile

Chapter 4: Environmental Protection, Permits, and Science Cargo

Blood Falls is a unique feature where iron-rich brine
from the substrate is released at the terminus
of the Taylor Glacier. Any work within the protected area
of Blood Falls requires an ACA permit.

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: Travel Guidelines

A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft lands near McMurdo Station.

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: Living and Working at USAP Facilities

McMurdo Station is the largest station in Antarctica
and the southernmost point to which a ship can sail.
This photo faces south, with sea ice in front of the station,
Observation Hill to the left (with White Island behind it),
Minna Bluff and Black Island in the distance to the right,
and the McMurdo Ice Shelf in between.

Work Requirement

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