In recent years the Australian Antarctic Division have upgraded the Aurora Australis with an
electro/optical tow cable to build upon core capabilities. Through the implementation of such technology on the vessel we have been provided the opportunity to gain further knowledge and understanding of existing practices as well as establishing the foundation for new ones. This talk will discuss some of the successes and pitfalls experienced in the use of the electro/optical tow cable including the development of a submersible fibre optic break out package, details of some current applications and future implementations of the technology.