Emergency Protocols

Antarctica is the most remote inhabited region on the planet. Emergency response capabilities are limited, slow, and entirely weather-dependent. Understanding the emergency framework before you travel is essential.

Search and Rescue Coordination

Who Coordinates SAR?

Antarctic search and rescue operates through a cooperative international framework:

• Maritime SAR: The Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Punta Arenas, Chile, coordinates maritime emergencies in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Argentina's MRCC in Ushuaia shares responsibility
• Inland SAR: No single authority. National Antarctic programs cooperate on a case-by-case basis. The nearest program with available resources leads the response
• Aviation SAR: Limited to available aircraft. No dedicated Antarctic SAR aircraft exist

Response Times

• At-sea emergency near the Peninsula: 12-48 hours for rescue vessel assistance (depending on distance and weather)
• Medical evacuation from Peninsula to Ushuaia: 48-72 hours by ship; 4-8 hours by air if conditions permit
• Interior emergency: Days to weeks depending on weather, location, and aircraft availability
• South Pole: Evacuation flights only operate in the narrow summer window. Winter emergencies at the pole cannot be evacuated

Medical Emergencies

On Ship

1. Contact the ship's medical doctor immediately via cabin phone or crew
2. The medical facility can stabilize most conditions
3. If evacuation is required, the captain coordinates with MRCC and assesses options:
   • Helicopter evacuation to nearest station or mainland (weather permitting)
   • Rendezvous with another vessel
   • Direct sailing to Ushuaia or Stanley (Falklands)

On Shore

1. Alert your expedition team leader immediately
2. Expedition medic provides first response
3. Evacuation to the ship by zodiac
4. Ship medical officer takes over care
5. If shore evacuation is not immediately possible, expedition team establishes shelter and monitors the patient

Interior Expeditions

1. Activate satellite emergency beacon (PLB/EPIRB)
2. Contact base camp via satellite phone
3. Establish emergency shelter (tent, bivouac)
4. Await evacuation by Twin Otter or helicopter from the nearest operational base
5. Interior evacuations can take 1-7 days depending on weather

Communication in Emergencies

Available Systems

• Satellite phone (Iridium): The primary communication method for emergencies. All expedition operators carry Iridium satellite phones
• VHF radio: Ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication within line-of-sight range
• HF radio: Long-range communication used by research stations
• EPIRB/PLB: Emergency position-indicating radio beacons for distress signals to satellites

Personal Communication

Standard mobile phones have zero coverage in Antarctica. If personal emergency contact is needed:

• Ships provide satellite phone call capability (paid service)
• Contact the ship's purser or expedition leader for urgent personal communications
• In true emergencies, the ship's communication officer can relay messages via maritime frequencies

Insurance Claims

In the event of an emergency:

1. Document everything -- medical reports, incident reports, expenditures
2. Notify your insurance company as soon as communications allow (within 24 hours if possible)
3. Obtain written reports from the ship's doctor and expedition leader
4. Keep all receipts for emergency expenditures
5. Your tour operator will provide incident documentation for insurance purposes

Emergency Contacts

Service	Contact
MRCC Chile (Punta Arenas)	+56 61 221 5446
MRCC Argentina (Ushuaia)	+54 2901 422 372
IAATO Emergency Coordination	Via satellite phone, coordinated through operator
Your National Antarctic Program	Contact details provided at pre-departure briefing

The Most Important Rule

Tell someone where you are and where you are going, at all times. Never leave the group during shore landings. Never wander beyond designated areas. Never leave the ship without expedition team authorization. In Antarctica, the difference between a manageable situation and a life-threatening emergency is often simply knowing where people are.