Under the Pole Divers Breathe Easy Thanks to AST

UK firm Analox Sensor Technology Ltd. (AST) is backing an expedition which aims to produce previously unseen footage of submarine Polar Regions: 'Under the Pole Part II – Discover Greenland' has been inspired by explorer and diver Jacques Cousteau.

AST say that a small team of divers/explorers, supplied with the company's vital safety equipment, has now embarked on a journey which will see them spending 22 months crossing the Polar region.

In the first 20 days, the team reached Torshavn in the Faroe Islands, where they reported that they were awaiting a favourable weather window which would allow them to reach Iceland.  Project Director Ghislain Bardout commented: “We are still on time and if the weather allows us, we expect to reach Greenland early March.  This target allows us to get close to the ice at the end of the polar night.  It is therefore guaranteed to meet clear and limpid waters that will allow us to achieve the first underwater images in fantastic conditions.”
 
The plan is for the team to initially travel up the west coast of Greenland, using a polar sailing ship, before wintering on the ice, and finally crossing over the North Pole, accompanied by Inuits and their dog sledges.  As well as producing previously unseen footage, the team will carry out scientific projects.  These include monitoring polar biodiversity and the polar environment, and reporting on the melting polar ice pack and the effects of global warming.
 
AST has provided the Under The Pole team with gas analysis equipment for use throughout this expedition which will take them to some of the most extreme environments on the planet.  AST has donated an ATA Pro analyser for use by its divers, as well as a maintenance kit.  The team will be diving using rebreather equipment, carrying trimix gas with them.  The ATA Pro enables them to analyse each mix before it is used to ensure it is not contaminated and remains safe for use.  It is designed to be used in even the most hostile of environments, and is therefore ideal for use on this polar expedition.

Kyle Fedyszyn, of Analox Sensor Technology, said: “We’d recommend that everyone follow the team’s progress as they face challenges that are both extreme and exciting, in places on earth which have never previously been explored.  We’re proud to be supplying them with vital safety equipment, and now we are hoping also to help them spread the word, and raise awareness for their expedition and work.”
 
The Under The Pole II Discovery Greenland expedition can be followed via the website: www.underthepole.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/underthepole .