 Team members in Antarctica enjoy fast internet access which allows them to correspond with colleagues and stay in contact with friends and family.The base is staffed and maintained year-round by a team of scientists and support personnel.Each overwintering team arrives during the summer expedition and take-over period aboard the research and logistics vessel "S. A. Agulhas II", stays at the base through the austral winter and returns to South Africa at the end of the next summer season - an expedition of approximately 16 months.