In 1916, it was involved in the attempt of rescue of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the barquentine Endurance crew reaching Elephant Island in August that year, in an expedition by T/N Ruperto Elechiribehety of the Uruguayan Navy.

Starting at and continuing after IGY, Navy officers participated in Argentine and British expeditions to Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.

The Uruguayan Antarctic Institute works in different areas with specialized and experienced personnel in Directions according to the fields and needs.

It also promotes research programs in SCAR areas of interest with international cooperation and participation with national Institutes and universities.

The Plans & Operations Direction deals with Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (COMNAP) affairs in AIROPS, SHIPOPS, TRAINET.