Pre-Deployment Training
Attendance requirements for Pre-Deployment Training are considered on a case by case basis as per the Pre-Deployment Training policy, however you will always be required to attend the Pre-Deployment Training course if:
- You are going South for more than one month
- This is your first visit
- You are a returning member of the Antarctic Employment Pool (AEP)
Elements of the 2026 training course
Training will run from 31st August – 14th September inclusive. There are different elements to the course and different attendance requirements for delegates according to their circumstances. Your invitation will clarify which elements you need to attend. We aim to send out Training invitations to all named participants at least 4 – 6 weeks beforehand; if you consider that you should be attending but have not received these details please contact Rebecca Chisnall at baspdt@bas.ac.uk as soon as possible.
| Courses | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| BASMU First Aid Training | 7th - 11th September | Girton College |
| KEP/BI Winter Teams Training | 11th - 14th September | Bens Bunkhouse |
| Main Pre-Deployment Training | 31st August - 5th September | BAS Cambridge and Girton College |
| PST Training | 5th, 7th, 12th September | Departure from Girton College |
| Rothera Winter Teams Training | 11th - 13th September | Rock UK Frontier Centre |
| Second BASMU First Aid Training | 3rd - 5th November | BAS Cambridge |
Course venues
British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge: Maps and directions to BAS
Girton College, Cambridge: Maps and directions to Girton College.
Course accommodation
Girton College, Cambridge: Maps and directions to Girton College.
Parking
Girton – Cars should be parked in Mares Run car park off Girton Road and not in the college courtyard.
Travel to and from BAS and Girton College
Girton is 1.2 miles from BAS and a 25-minute walk away. Delegates are encouraged to walk. If you are unable to so please let us know as there is limited parking available at BAS.
Accommodation and Meals
All accommodation and meals will be provided for AEP Staff and external collaborators during the period you are required to attend.
Personal Survival Techniques
All BAS personnel and visitors engaged on a research cruise or who are transiting by ship to/from research stations will be required to hold a valid STCW 2010 (Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping) Personal Survival Techniques (PST) certificate.
Training for those in the Antarctic Employment Pool (AEP) will be organised by BAS during the Pre-Deployment training course.
External collaborators are responsible for booking and funding their own PST course.
Please note you will need to bring a form of photo ID and swimwear with you.