site.btaCommander Muevski: Bulgarian Naval Research Vessel RSV 421 Plays Vital Role for Bulgaria's Antarctic expedition

In an interview for BTA taken by BTA special correspondent Milena Ostrovska, Commander Radko Muevski, the Commanding Officer of the Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421), said that the RSV 421 plays a vital role for the Bulgarian Antarctic expedition.

Muevski said that the ship's main task is directly related to the logistical support of the St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island. The ship enables the expansion of the research area of this region. She transfers researchers and logisticians between King George Island and Livingston Island, delivers fuel, fresh water, food, and all other supplies that could facilitate the base's smooth operations.

Muevski's path to the position of commanding officer went through graduating from the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, specializing in navigation for the Navy. He also graduated from the Rakovski National Defence College in Sofia. He served in Bosnia, then served as the RSV 421's Executive Officer for two years before being promoted to the ship's Commanding Officer.

Asked what qualities an officer must possess to command the RSV 421, Muevski said that first and foremost, the officer must know all the procedures involved in ensuring navigational safety and logistics, they must be familiar with all the specific tasks the ship is performing in the field and ensure maximum safety of the personnel while performing the tasks. The commander must also be a good manager, as soft skills are essential during long voyages.

Asked about his crew, Muevski shared: "My crew consists of 34 people, and there are four cadets on long-term training. This is a very good practice for the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, as it provides the opportunity to practice almost in full all their skills and knowledge that they have acquired during their training up to year four, to put them into practice and to take as much as possible from the craft, from people with a lot of experience [...]. I would say that the crew is quite well trained and is one of the most prepared crews in Bulgaria."

The Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) departed from Varna on its third Antarctic expedition on November 7, 2024, and arrived at Livingston Island on December 28. The St Kliment Ohridski Bulgarian Antarctic Base on Livingston Island opened for the new polar season on November 23, 2024.

BTA has a national press club on the vessel and at the Bulgarian Antarctic base. This is the third year in a row that BTA has sent a correspondent to Antarctica. This year's correspondent is Milena Ostrovska, who arrived at the base on January 17. Her reports can be accessed free in English at Bulgaria-Antarctica BTA's Log on BTA's website and can be used for free by all media with attribution to BTA.