EXPERIENCE
Ashley's passion for Antarctica and South Georgia comes from living on base at Rothera (67S) and King Edward Point while working for British Antarctic Survey (BAS) as senior boating officer from 2009 to 2012. Ashley's responsibilities on both bases included maintaining and driving the rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) and pilot vessels, training base members up to skipper level and supporting terrestrial and marine science. As a member of the marine team she dove as a science support diver. Ashley also provided SAR cover for the airplanes, was trained as an advanced first aider to assist the base doctor. Ancillary jobs took advantage of her varied skills including dive chamber operator, search and rescue coordinator, maintenance of the emergency field huts and seal tagging with the marine biologists. Her blog will give you an insight into living and working on this beautiful continent.
Ashley successfully started Racing Yacht Management (RYM) in 2004, which provides boat captain and management services on race boats and superyachts all over the world.
Ashley's experience is extensive and diverse; including wilderness first responder, ice piloting, mountaineering, and refit project management with over 130,000 miles of ocean sailing experience on vessels from 30 feet to 185 feet. Ashore her exploits include having climbed to 21,000 feet on Aconcaqua the highest mountain in South America at 22,841 feet and 19,690 feet on Island Peak in the Himalayas (20,300 feet).
In 2012 she first worked in Tourism in Antarctica aboard Corinthian II as expedition staff. Since 2014 she has been expedition leading activity intensive expeditions on private yachts and ships. Many of the private expeditions have been multi vessel with helicopters and submersibles.
With an honours degree from the University of Southampton in Geography and Oceanography and a European Science Divers certificate, Ashley understands how to support both terrestrial and marine science projects. She also has the background to write the required Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) required to obtain a permit for the Antarctic Treaty Zone (south of 60). Ashley has written applications to the FCO (British Foreign and Commonwealth Office), the AAD (Australian Antarctic Division) and the US Office of Polar Affairs.
Certifications
STCW Ice Pilot Navigation
Advanced First Aid - Paramedic and NOLS Wilderness First Responder
MCA 200 Ton Masters
MCA 500 Ton Mate Unlimited
General operators certificate (GOC), Global Maritime Distressed Safety Systems (GMDSS)
European Science Diver and PADI Divemaster
Fellow of Royal Geographical Society
Senior Polar Guide PTGA