How do the AUVs store power? The AUVs run on batteries that get charged after every mission they complete. For us, a mission is the journey that an AUV undertakes as it runs underwater. Between missions, the AUVs are stored on the ship.
Do you cause any damage to the habitat during your research? We are very mindful of our environment and do not harm any of the wildlife here. The Antarctic Treaty is very clear that anyone visiting Antarctica must respect and protect the habitat and environment here. Here is a link to the Antarctic Treaty website.
What do you feel is the scariest part of the expedition? As Captain Knowledge Bengu stated, we are very safe on this vessel. The ship has two layers to its hull which ensures that if anything did knock against the ship, its internal structure would remain strong and stable. Personally, the most nervous I felt was one night when I woke up to a sudden jolt as the ship broke through ice. The S.A. Agulhas II is one of the best icebreaking vessels in the world, and we have an expert team of engineers on board who ensure that we can safely move through the ice.
Is piloting the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) fun? Piloting an ROV is a very cool job. The pilots are the ones who remotely control the ROVS up to 5,000 meters under the water using a camera that is attached to it. It is almost like a big game console connected to a real-life robot that is under the water! It is a very rewarding job, especially if we find any species or wrecks. However, it requires a lot of concentration and focus.
