“The way of no return,” says the first Brazilian woman to lead a Navy ship in Antarctica

Historically, only a place for male explorers […]

Since the explorer Jackie Ronne became the first woman in the world to undertake a long expedition to Antarctica in 1947, little seems to have changed in the exploration of the white continent.

Historically, traveling in those inhospitable lands, characterized by extreme conditions and complex operations, was almost the exclusive prerogative of (heroic?) male explorers. Era.

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In mid-March, the Brazilian Navy qualified Sabrina Fernandes, 34, as the institution’s first woman to lead an armed forces vessel in Antarctica.

“We live in a society that is moving towards gender equality. We still have a long way to go. [Esse] the recognition is not small, it is an expressive number for the current moment. And it is a road of no return”, analyzes the lieutenant captain in charge of the Intendency Division of the Oceanographic Support Ship Ary Rongel, in an interview with Travel by fare.

And only those who have faced the fury of crossing the Drake Passage, one of the most invoked seas in the world, know what this means for them.

Navy in Antarctica

Sabrina, who joined MB in 2016, is one of the people embarked in the 42nd Antarctic Operation (OPERANTAR) who left Rio de Janeiro, on October 8 last year, and is expected to return on April 9.

In addition to working in the areas of finance, supplies and food for the entire crew, he participates in operational activities such as maneuvering the ship, in the role of Watch Officer.

In practice, this means that, in recent months, Sabrina has sailed for days in adverse conditions, in distant and unpredictable waters, between icebergs and “restricted southern channels”, for the benefit of scientific activities, in fields such as biology, oceanography and meteorology. .

“It is certainly an incredible achievement and a source of great pride. The challenge was not small, but, without a doubt, very rewarding.”

Sabrina Fernandes – Lieutenant Captain of the Brazilian Navy

As Marco Aurelio Barros de Almeida, commander of the Ary Rongel ship, explains, the Officer of the Watch is “the direct representative of the commander in the ship’s maneuvers”, responsible for respecting the route, routine and discipline on board.

“It is difficult to find a parallel in other professions in relation to the scale of duties and responsibility placed on the Officer of the Watch in maintaining the safety of the ship and crew,” describes the commander.

It’s really hard to be away from home.

“As if the great professional challenges were not enough, there is also the distance from family and loved ones, for a long period of time, which increases the difficulties of the Commission. But it is a source of great pride”, says Sabrina, after three intense months of study to obtain the unpublished title.

Prior to embarkation, she participated in training on the Navy’s navigation simulators, where she was exposed to various navigation situations. Once on board, training was also carried out with officers qualified for this type of naval maneuvers.

“Without them, this achievement would not be possible,” Sabrina recalls, referring to the efforts, dedication and patience the team had during the qualification process.

They are responsible

In recent centuries Antarctica has been marked by the presence of male travellers. Cook, Weddel, Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen say so, just to name a few Antarctic celebrities.

And it was from the literature left by some of them that Captain-Lieutenant Sabrina Fernandes drew inspiration when she was chosen to play the role on the Ary Rongel.

Sabrina also immersed herself in the fascinating story of Jeanne Baret, the botanist who disguised herself as a man to participate in Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s scientific expedition in 1766, becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the Earth.

Not long ago, however, women were seen as unprepared for adverse Antarctic conditions and even as a threat to the “sense of group unity”, in the (incorrect) words of Vivian Fuchs, director of the British Antarctic Survey, a British body for Antarctic Affairs, between 1958 and 1973.

“I believe that, based on these pioneering efforts, among which I include my own findings, new doors will open for a more just and egalitarian society,” says Sabrina.

SEE THE PHOTOS OF ANTARCTICA

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.