Resources
What is THE Resources Page For?
The Resources page is a space where I provide helpful tools, recommended reading, useful links, and learning tips for current and future expedition guides. It’s especially valuable for:
Anyone curious about the world of polar expeditions
People preparing for one of our courses
Trainees looking to build knowledge before their first contract
Guides refreshing their understanding between seasons
Introduction to Zodiac Handling
Zodiacs are the backbone of expedition landings — and knowing how to drive one safely and confidently is a key skill for any polar guide. This course gives you practical, hands-on experience with a Zodiac MK5 that’s fully equipped just like the ones used on expedition ships.
Whether you’re brand new to boat handling or looking to sharpen your technique, we cover everything from basic control and approach techniques to more advanced maneuvers like gangway landings, beach approaches, and man-overboard drills.
Training is done in small groups, with plenty of time at the helm and personal feedback. The goal is simple: to help you feel ready to operate in the field — not just in theory, but in real conditions.
Introduction to Polar Bear Safety & Rifle Handling
Working in polar bear territory requires more than just awareness — it takes knowledge, preparation, and calm, confident decision-making. This course is designed to give expedition guides, researchers, and field staff the tools they need to stay safe in the Arctic.
Whether you’re completely new to rifle handling or looking to refresh your field routines, this training will walk you through the essentials. We combine theory, real-world case examples, and live-fire training with a qualified instructor to make sure you leave feeling ready — not just certified.
The course is open to all experience levels, and no hunting license is required. Our focus is on safety, responsibility, and respect — for the wildlife, the environment, and the people you’re working with.
Resources for Future Guides
Whether you’re getting ready for your first expedition or just want to dive deeper into the world of polar guiding, here are some books, videos, and links I personally recommend. These are materials I’ve used myself — and many of them come up during training too.
Take your time, explore, and feel free to reach out if you have questions.
Explore Guides, Articles & Field Tools
This is where I share useful material — not just for students in my courses, but for anyone looking to learn more about expedition guiding.
Here you’ll find study tips, gear advice, selected articles, and intros to some of the lectures I’ve given over the years. It’s all part of helping you prepare for life on expedition ships — one step at a time.
Working with Expedition Teams: What Makes a Great Teammate?
Being an expedition guide is more than driving a Zodiac or spotting wildlife — it’s about being part of a team. Onboard an expedition ship, we work and live together in tight quarters, often under pressure, and in all kinds of weather. The best teammates aren’t just skilled — they’re the ones who make the whole operation smoother for everyone around them.
So what makes a great teammate?
First and foremost: reliability. Show up on time. Do your prep. Be the one people can count on.
Next comes good communication. Clear, respectful, and honest. Say what you need. Ask when you’re unsure. Share what you know. Great teams are built on people who aren’t afraid to talk — and even better at listening.
And finally: attitude. Stay positive, even when things go sideways. Help your colleagues without being asked. Celebrate others’ wins, and keep your ego out of the Zodiac. A kind word or quiet encouragement goes a long way on day 21 of a packed Arctic voyage.
In the end, the best teammates make the experience better — for the guests, the team, and the ship. If you bring your skills and your spirit, you’ll always be welcome on a good expedition team.
Day in the Life: What It’s Like on a Real Expedition Cruise
For anyone thinking about becoming a guide
If you’re new to the world of expedition cruising, it can be hard to imagine what a typical day looks like. The truth is — there’s no such thing as a “typical” day. Every landing site, weather pattern, and group of guests brings something new. But here’s a general idea of what a day on board might involve:
06:00 – Morning starts early
You wake up before most guests. Grab a quick coffee, check in with the Expedition Leader and the Bridge team, and get ready for the morning operation — usually a landing or a Zodiac cruise.
07:30 – Zodiac time
You’re out on deck, helping guests into boats, giving safety briefings, and driving them ashore. Or maybe you’re guiding a cruise along the ice edge, spotting seals and seabirds. The weather is often a factor — wind, swell, fog — you have to adapt quickly.
11:00 – Back on board
Guests head to lunch, and you finally take off your wet gloves and grab something to eat. But the work doesn’t stop: there might be gear to rinse, radios to charge, or plans to make for the afternoon.
14:00 – Second excursion
Another round of landings or cruising. Sometimes it’s sunny and calm, other times it’s raining sideways. Either way, the experience for the guests has to be safe, informative, and memorable.
17:00 – Recap & Briefing
Back on the ship, you help with the daily recap — a short presentation where guides share highlights from the day. You might also help prepare guests for what’s coming tomorrow.
19:00 – Dinner & downtime (kind of)
Guests are eating, but you’re often still on duty. Maybe helping behind the scenes, answering questions, or catching up on paperwork. Then — if you’re lucky — a bit of time to relax before bed.
It’s long hours, physical work, and a lot of responsibility. But it’s also one of the most rewarding jobs out there. You’ll see amazing places, learn every day, and become part of a team that supports each other — through high seas, fast turnarounds, and unforgettable moments.
Climate Change and the Expedition Industry
As someone who has spent years in some of the world’s most remote polar regions, I’ve seen firsthand how rapidly the climate is changing. Glaciers retreating, sea ice thinning, and wildlife patterns shifting — these are no longer distant warnings. They’re part of the everyday reality in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The expedition cruise industry has a responsibility. We bring people into fragile environments, and with that comes a duty to tread lightly and raise awareness. I believe that well-run expeditions can actually be part of the solution. When guests see the raw beauty of these places — and the clear signs of change — they often return home as ambassadors for the planet.
That’s why I place a strong emphasis on climate awareness in my training. Whether you’re learning how to drive a Zodiac, lead a landing, or brief guests, it’s important to understand not just the how — but also the why. Why we operate with care. Why we follow AECO and IAATO guidelines. Why what we do matters. Because it does.
An Unlikely Antarctic Explorer
Mrs. Chippy wasn’t your standard Antarctic explorer. This adventurous feline joined Shackleton’s legendary Endurance expedition — climbing rigging, surviving an icy fall, and charming the crew along the way. Learn more about one of history’s most unexpected polar companions.
Becoming an Expedition Guide
From crossing Greenland on skis to flying commercial jets, my path into the world of polar guiding wasn’t exactly typical — but each step along the way has shaped how I work and guide today.
This article tells the story of how a fascination with Greenland led me to a second career in the polar regions, the founding of Polarskolen, and ultimately to becoming an expedition guide.
Why is fire one of the biggest dangers in a land of snow and ice?
In this article, I explore the surprising but very real risk of fire in Antarctica — where freezing temperatures, howling winds, and isolation make emergency response nearly impossible. You’ll learn about historic incidents like the dramatic burning of Brown Station and get insight into how polar stations are designed to survive the unthinkable. It’s a reminder that in the coldest places on Earth, heat can be just as dangerous as the cold.
Where It All Began — Lecturing at Sea
When I first started out as an expedition guide, giving lectures onboard was one of the most exciting (and nerve-wracking!) parts of the job. Standing in front of a curious audience, sharing stories about polar wildlife, history, and survival — that’s where I really learned how to communicate and connect.
Here’s a photo from the lectures i did in the early days (2018) on the ship — and a small glimpse into how I got started lecturing onboard ships in the polar regions.
FINDING YOUR VOICE ONBOARD
Giving your first lecture as a new expedition guide can feel like a big step — and that’s because it is! It’s your chance to stand in front of a curious audience and share something meaningful, memorable, or just plain fascinating.
But how do you choose a topic? Especially when the ship might already have biologists, glaciologists, or historians onboard? That’s where this guide comes in.
Below you’ll find some friendly advice and real examples to help you find your niche, connect with your audience, and start building your confidence as a speaker. Whether you’re into Arctic survival, shipwreck mysteries, or storytelling under the Northern Lights — there’s a space for your voice on board.
AECO & IAATO: Why the Rules Matter
When working in the polar regions, you’re not just a guide — you’re a ambassador of some of the most fragile environments on Earth. That’s why two international organizations play such a vital role in our work:
AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators) and IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) set the standards for responsible and safe tourism in the Arctic and Antarctic. These are not just guidelines — they’re the backbone of how we operate professionally and respectfully in the field.
Why it matters:
- Protecting the environment
These rules are designed to prevent damage to delicate ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Everything from how close we can get to wildlife to where we can land Zodiacs is carefully regulated. - Ensuring safety
Operating in remote, extreme environments comes with real risks. AECO and IAATO protocols help ensure the safety of both guests and crew through operational standards, emergency planning, and coordination. - Maintaining access
Following these rules helps ensure expedition travel can continue. If we don’t self-regulate, stricter government controls — or outright bans — could be imposed. - Professionalism
As a guide, understanding and applying AECO/IAATO guidelines shows that you take your role seriously. It’s part of being a trusted professional in the industry.
Know Before You Go: Online Tests Required
Before you begin working as an expedition guide in polar regions, you must pass an online test from both AECO (for the Arctic) and IAATO (for Antarctica). These tests are based on the official field guidelines and environmental protocols, and they are mandatory for anyone joining a voyage under a member operator.
That means it’s not enough to just show up and learn on the job — you need to understand these materials before you leave home. The tests are not difficult, but they do require you to read and engage with the content. It’s part of showing respect for the places we visit and the industry we work in.
What you can do:
- Download and study the AECO and IAATO Field Guidelines — they’re free and publicly available.
- Make time to complete the tests early — don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Review the materials regularly, especially before each season.
- Lead by example — when guests see you following the rules, they’ll be more likely to do the same.
Polar regions are wild — and they need to stay that way.
By understanding and following AECO and IAATO guidelines, we help ensure that these extraordinary places remain protected, respected, and open for future generations of explorers.
What do I pack in my DRYPACK?
Get Ready for the Polar World
Jump into hands-on training and build the skills you’ll use out there — whether it’s handling a Zodiac in rough seas or staying safe in bear country
“I just got invited to join three voyages to Antarctica this season (2025). Just wanted to thank you Gregers for chatting with me before and sharing your advice! Really appreciate it! “
New Expedition Guide