Drinking Water is provided by mining local multi-year sea ice. As seawater freezes, salt brine is trapped but not frozen. Over time, the salt leaches out so that 2nd year or older ice can be melted for drinking. Ice is melted in large stock pots setting on top of the shelter space heater. Recently, a Reverse Osmosis Water Purification unit was added to provide potable water in locations where the ice may be contaminated.
Communications are critical for crew survival and performance of projects.
VHF FM radios provide short range around camp. High Frequency Single Side Band radios provide remote camp to base station long range communications. A Global Positioning System provides accurate camp coordinates and an omni directional beacon transmits a homing signal for incoming aircraft. A VHF aircraft band radio is used for ground to air communications. Survival skills and equipment are essential for all Arctic participants.