The ship’s team of four divers are a key component of the team, gathering vital underwater data. The team are deployed to carry out their tasks in Protector’s flotilla of small boats, including the state-of-the-art survey vessel James Caird IV.

The vessel is also used to collect imagery as part of Protector’s role in surveying the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula. Together with data from the ship’s multi-beam echo sounder, the information is used by the UK Hydrographic Office to update international navigational charts to improve the safety of other ships and mariners using the waters.

Protector’s Commanding Officer, Captain Rhett Hatcher, said: “The ship’s company have worked incredibly hard in training and preparation over the summer. We have installed a number of equipment upgrades and improvements and having completed operational sea training we are now ready for the challenges of the planned double deployment.

"Experienced members of the crew and new ones alike are very much looking forward to this deployment and proudly flying the White Ensign and the Union Flag around the Antarctic territories and the region.”

Also embarked for the deployment will be a small detachment of Royal Marines from 43 Commando FPGRM, responsible for cold weather and survival skill support and training for Protector’s personnel whenever they land ashore in the Antarctic.



Images by LA(Phot) Maxine Davies

