site.btaUPDATED Logistical, Scientific Role of RSV 421 Has Continuously Strengthened in Last Three Years, Former Commander Danailov Says

In the last three years, the role of the Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) has continuously strengthened, not only in providing logistical support for the Bulgarian Antarctic base but also in conducting scientific research in the area around Livingston Island, the South Shetland Islands, and the Southern Ocean, said Nikolay Danailov, commanding officer of the ship during its voyages within the 31st and 32nd Bulgarian Antarctic expeditions.

Danailov explained that the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna manages the ship through an agreement in a consortium, which also includes the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia, the National Centre for Polar Studies, and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. "Thanks to this, Bulgaria has a wonderful naval vessel, which only three years ago first crossed the Equator, reached the shores of Antarctica, fulfilled the initially set tasks, and then returned safely," he said. Danailov described this as a turning point in Bulgaria’s naval history and, naturally, a turning point in Bulgarian scientific research in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.

During the summer period, when the ship is not sailing in Antarctica, it is used for various projects in the Black Sea, working closely with the Naval Forces of the Republic of Bulgaria, Danailov explained. "Sometimes they assign us specific tasks, and additionally, during each voyage, there are also cadets from the Naval Academy on board. Every time, we take at least 40 or more cadets on board—they train for their sea preparation, practicing to become future navigators and mechanics. They need to acquire naval training and be ready, upon joining the Bulgarian Armed Forces, and in particular the Naval Forces, to apply these skills in practice," Danailov said.

"The cadet practice is divided into short-term training, lasting about 10-15 days, when the ship departs on an expedition to Antarctica and, in Cartagena, Spain, these cadets disembark and return to Bulgaria. On board remain a select few—most often four cadets—who undertake long-term training, as required for future naval officers, to develop endurance during long sea voyages lasting over five months. This is preparation for future tasks facing the Bulgarian Naval Forces, such as participation in various NATO mine-countermeasure and anti-submarine groups, which will ensure the endurance of Bulgarian naval officers since they will have undergone training aboard our research vessel," he added.

Danailov explained that the ship has taken cadets on board since the first expedition. Those undergoing long-term training go through a period of acquaintance with the crew and the vessel. Psychological resilience is also key, both for the crew and the cadets on board. During the first expedition, each crew member underwent a personal interview with the commanding officer to understand their motivations. "Naturally, those in whom I sensed hesitation, for one reason or another, were not allowed to be part of the crew or are no longer part of the third crew currently sailing in the waters of the Southern Ocean. I am happy and proud that there is continuity—some members of the first crew are still in the third crew, and the current third crew also includes new personnel who will carry on the legacy of those who started it all," Danailov further said.

The ship also plays a diplomatic role, Danailov underscored. "Bulgaria sent a ship, a military ship, to the Southern Ocean for the first time. On the way there, the vessel made several stops—one in Argentina, and on the return journey from the second expedition, we also docked in Brazil. Making friendly visits to ports in Spain and Greece—all of it went more than perfectly, as for the first time, a Bulgarian military ship reached South America and carried out diplomatic-friendly visits in these ports. An interesting fact here is the use of military assets for diplomacy. According to [Bulgarian Naval Forces Commander] Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, a ship is the only military tool that can be successfully used for military diplomacy, as you cannot enter a foreign country with military equipment, but with a ship, you can—and you may even be welcomed with an orchestra and fanfare, showcasing friendly intentions," he stressed, adding that this is precisely what RSV 421 has achieved.

Danailov further mentioned that Bulgaria is only the sixth country in the EU whose research vessel conducts polar exploration. "The analogy with space [exploration] is evident—Bulgaria was the sixth country in the world to send a cosmonaut into space. Globally, Georgi Ivanov was the sixth cosmonaut to enter orbit. The parallel between space and Antarctica is logical, as the scientific research conducted on the icy continent is ground-breaking. The results consistently contribute to advancements in medicine, geology, seismology, among other sciences, providing scientists with new data to predict climate changes, earthquakes, and seek future treatments for currently incurable diseases," Danailov also told BTA.