The Antarctic convergence is a distinct bio-geographical boundary that runs around the world between 55° and 60° S. It is formed dialectically, where warmer northern waters confront and mix with upwelling cold water from the Southern Ocean. The resulting synthesis is a vital biotic zone of life and activity. The Antarctic convergence is a useful metaphor to introduce the principal focus of the following four chapters. The ships from which the first Antarctic discoveries were made were similar sites of conflict, places where cold water of the workers converged with the warmer water of the officers and scientists. Running concentrically about 200 km south of the convergence around latitude 65° S, is a parallel zone called the Antarctic divergence. It too provides a useful metaphor – frequently the further south Antarctic ships voyaged, the more the mechanisms used to cement the shipboard convergence came under pressure, and the divergent interests of masters and men came to the fore, accompanied by some of the characteristic forms of maritime protest and resistance.

The chapters within Part II examine class relationships on Antarctic voyages and their implications for existing Antarctic historiography. Chapter 3 surveys the first Antarctic working class, and the divergent motivations and experiences between themselves and the first Antarctic ruling class – the commanders, captains, officers and scientists.