McMurdo is the entering gate of the American researchers to Antarctica. As the nature of the place is extreme, it is compulsory for those just arrived to be trained about some topics that could be vital for their own survival, like how to build an igloo, how to detect any danger on the ground (that is the permafrost, the frozen soil), to prevent damages caused by low temperatures, how to get protection from the low temperatures by wearing thermic layers, to ski, to walk on the snow, etc.

The skills needed depend on the destination where the scientists will work. If your destination will be a job on the frozen sea, you will need a solid knowledge of the ice dynamics, and to know some rules to cross the ice withouth dying trying to do so, how to use a heater, a radio or checking procedures. If your work implies using a shipboard, you are going to need knowing how to fix her if it breaks down, how to embark and disembark, how to use the survival kits, all that topics between a large amount of practical basics.

The courses are distintc and complete, adapted to the needs of the researchers. The United States Antarctic Program publishes a textbook of compulsory study for those working at the station that can be found in the Internet. Once completed your security training, you can ask for getting the necessary transportation to reach your destination and, that’s important, do not forget to take emergency supplies for 4-6 weeks. Just in case.