HMS Scott back in the Antarctic (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

HMS Scott back in the Antarctic

7:10am Tuesday 1st March 2011 in Ex-Service Notes By Craig Mitchell

The Royal Navy survey ship HMS Scott has returned to the southern wilderness of Antarctica for the second time to carry out survey work.

The ship is the Royal Navy’s only ocean survey vessel and is one of the largest in the fleet at 13,500 tons. She is in the Antarctic to protect Britain's scientific interests, and to patrol South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the South Shetland Islands and beyond.

The ship left Devonport in Plymouth before Christmas and her crew has had to endure the worst of the Southern Ocean on the way to Antarctica. Winds have blasted at more than 60 knots, and there have been 20-foot waves and storm conditions.

On arrival, HMS Scott has encountered nothing more than penguins and seals over recent weeks. She will spend the summer in the southern hemisphere working for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the UK Hydrographical Office and the British Antarctic Survey around the Antarctic Peninsula. Her tasks include inspecting fishing vessels, visiting research stations and enforcing the tough environmental measures of the Antarctic Treaty, which ensures the wilderness is maintained for generations to come. HMS Scott will also continue her deep water survey work, mapping the seas to ensure safe passage for the plethora of cruise ships that are now visiting the region.

DIARY DATES Today: The Royal Marines Association meets at 19.30 hours at West Bowling WMC, Dovesdale Road. The Parachute Regiment Association meets at 20.00 hours at Thornbury Barracks. West Yorkshire British Korean Veterans meet at 19.30 hours at North Bridge leisure centre, Halifax.

Wednesday: The RAF Association meets at13.00 hours at The Royal British Legion, unit 16, Listerhills Science Park. The Bingley branch of The Royal British Legion meets at 19.00 hours at 20 Heath Street, Bingley.

Thursday: The Royal Military Police Association meets at 20.00 hours at Pudsey Royal British Legion Club.

Friday: The RAF Regiment Association meets at 19.30 hours at Thornbury Barracks.

Saturday: The Borneo and Malaya veterans meet at 14.00 hours at Headingley Club.

Monday: The Skipton branch of the Royal Naval Association meets at 20.00 hours at The White Rose Club, Skipton.