Today, on the International Day of the Seafarer, we salute the men and women whose dedication and skill have made South Africa’s Antarctic programme possible for over seven decades. From the icy waters of Antarctica to the remote sub-Antarctic islands of Marion and Gough, it is our seafarers who make the journey possible — delivering overwintering team members, takeover personnel, scientists, supplies to some of the most isolated research stations on Earth.
Since 1947, South Africa’s involvement in the Southern Ocean has relied on a fleet of vessels and generations of crew who braved treacherous seas and extreme conditions. From the original R.S.A. vessel to the S.A. Agulhas and now the state-of-the-art S.A. Agulhas II, each ship and every crew member has played an essential role in building the legacy of polar exploration and scientific excellence we are proud of today.
We especially acknowledge the current crew of the S.A. Agulhas II, the vessel is currently undertaking the 2025 SEAmester voyage — South Africa’s pioneering floating university — where students and researchers gain hands-on experience in oceanography and climate science while at sea. This journey is made possible through the hard work of the vessel’s officers, engineers, deckhands, galley staff, and support teams.
To all past and present seafarers of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP): thank you. Your legacy sails on with every voyage south.