Antarctica Financial Institutions Face Crisis Management Challenges

The remote and unforgiving environment of Antarctica poses significant challenges for financial institutions operating on the continent. With multiple national programs and bases spread across the frozen landscape, emergency response and crisis management are crucial to ensuring the safety of personnel and assets.

The Unique Framework for Emergency Response

A unique framework has been established by the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) to facilitate cooperation and information sharing among member nations. The “Framework and Guidelines for Emergency Response and Contingency Planning in Antarctica” was developed in 2004, outlining a comprehensive approach to crisis management.

International Cooperation

In times of need, mutual aid from other national programs can be essential. The East Antarctic Emergency Coordination Group, comprising Australia, France, Italy, China, Japan, Russia, and India, shares information on logistics and emergency coordination to ensure effective response.

Search and Rescue Operations

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) plays a critical role in search and rescue operations across the continent. With an enormous area to cover, AMSA works closely with the Australian Antarctic Division to coordinate response efforts.

Recent Example of Effective Crisis Management

A recent example of effective crisis management was the response to the MV Akademik Shokalskiy’s distress call on Christmas Day 2013. The vessel became stuck in pack ice near Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay, prompting a multinational effort involving national programs from Australia, China, France, and the United States.

Australian Antarctic Program’s Emergency Response System

The Australian Antarctic Program has developed a robust emergency response system, with coordination at the level appropriate to the size of the incident. A Crisis Management and Recovery team is activated during incidents that require logistical coordination, family liaison, and media management. On station and voyages, an Incident Management Team uses the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System.

Training for Wintering Expeditioners

Wintering expeditioners receive extensive emergency response training prior to deployment, covering incident management, fire, and search and rescue techniques. The Emergency Response Team continues their training throughout the winter with drills and exercises across various disciplines.

Lessons Learned from Difficult Missions

In the face of challenging Antarctic conditions, the skills and attributes of these teams have been tested during many difficult missions. Incidents such as finding people lost in blizzards, responding to quad bike accidents, aircraft crashes, and vessel groundings have provided valuable lessons for crisis management and emergency response.

Conclusion

As Antarctica’s financial institutions continue to operate in this unforgiving environment, it is crucial that they develop robust crisis management systems and protocols to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.