This Wiki addresses participants of expeditions with RV Polarstern, especially those who wish to work and to do research on board for the first time. Experienced participants may also use the Wiki as a reference for information and questions  about Polarstern expeditions.

It is advised to read the Wiki to ensure smooth planning and realization of the expedition before starting individual preparations .

RV Polarstern was brought into service December 6th, 1982. It is owned by the German government represented by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, who entrusts the Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI), Helmholtz centre for polar and marine research with utilizing it for German polar research.

Design and characteristics of the ship are dominated by the double function as research vessel and icebreaker in the polar areas of northern and southern hemisphere. RV Polarstern has the task of supplying  the German Antarctic station Neumayer-Station III and also enables outstanding research in the polar areas. The ship is an excellent icebreaker and has very good seagoing features thus making scientific work possible in ice covered areas as well as in heavy weather at sea.

The team of the Alfred Wegener Institute wishes all crew members and participants a safe and happy journey and always a hand's width of water under the keel.

Bremerhaven, October 2018

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