ON BOARD SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: april 2019 :: RMTnews 22 Royal Research Ship (RRS) Sir David Attenborough (SDA) is state of the art for the latest in high tech maritime science and due into service by 2020 for The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) the country's national Antarctic operation. The vessel is named after famed broadcaster and naturalist David Attenborough, and is currently being fitted out. The new ship will be fully equipped with the latest instrumentation for the purposes of carrying out research, with improved icebreaking capability and greater endurance over existing polar research vessels, and serve as a logistic support vessel for BAS teams in inshore locations. It is part of the Natural Environment Research Council. With over 400 staff, BAS takes an active role in Antarctic affairs, operating five research stations, two ships and five aircraft in both polar regions, as well as addressing key global and regional issues. This involves joint research projects with over 40 universities and more than 120 national and international collaborations. The Sir David Attenborough will provide science for the next generation and will put UK seafarers at the cutting edge of maritime technology. RMT represent ratings on-board SDA and are currently involved in the British Antarctic Survey transition from two ships to one ship where SDA will replace RRS Ernest Shackleton and RRS James Clark Ross. ON BOARD SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH RMT visits new generation British Antarctic Survey ship due to come into operation next year