The Sedov left Kaliningrad Sea Fishing Port

Technical preparation of the vessel (on the eve of a large-scale circumnavigation in honour of the 200th anniversary of the discovery of Antarctica by Russian seafarers) will be carried out prior to Russian Maritime Register inspection.

According to the Head of the navigation and practical training department of the Baltic State Academy of Fishing Fleet Mikhail Novikov there are going to be 2 stages of preparation. At the first stage the experts will check the fresh water tanks, ventilation and air conditioning systems. There also going to be some refurbishment of accomodation and work spaces. The second stage is to begin in mid-October. Crew spaces preparation will be resumed and minor repairs of ship systems, gears and mechanisms will also be launched.

Similar pre-expedition routine is taking place on the Kruzenshtern and on the Pallada. The latter is undergoing some dock repairs in Vladivostok.

In accordance with the plan of preparation for the voyage, the repair of ships at Svetly shipyard will have been completed by the end of November, and the work in Vladivostok -- by the the beginning of October.

Photo by Denis Shtein