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Polar Research Diving Program

This program is designed to introduce the challenges and skills required to carry out diving operations in polar regions addressing survival in surface conditions, logistics of moving across snow and ice, snow mobile use, planning, risk mitigation of under-ice diving operations and carrying out diving under ice for research itself. 
Days during the program will consist of theoretical components related to polar operations, combined with hands on practical experience under the guidance of the expert instructor team. 
The program will be based at Kilpisjärvi Biological Station in Arctic Northern Finland with diving carried out in the ice-covered lake directly in front.

Date

28.2.–9.3.2025

Method
Contact Teaching
Location
Kilpisjärvi Biological Station Finland
Price
1 434,26  (+alv/vat 25.5%)
(yht. 1 800 )

Course prerequisites

  • 18 years old
  • Advanced Open Water / CMAS 2* or equivalent
  • 30 Logged Dives
  • Drysuit/ Cold Water Experience
  • One of the following:
    • Scientific Dive qualification 
    • Bachelor Degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field 
    • Involvement in scientific organisation
    • Twin cylinder training or experience recommended prior to attending

Core modules and content

The course covers the following areas:

  • Polar environment exposure management
  • Snow and ice logistics
  • Snow mobile use (driving, towing sleds and basic care/maintenance) 
  • Establishment of dive site, ice holes, shelter, ladders and other equipment
  • Risk management for under ice diving
  • Under ice and cold water diving protocols
  • Twin cylinder equipment, protocols and practical use
  • Scientific techniques for under ice environment research
  • Supervision and planning of under ice operations

Dates

The program is run in one block.

  • Arrive at Kilpisjärvi March 1st
  • Course March 2nd-8th Teaching runs Sunday to Saturday Full Time
  • Depart from Kilpisjärvi  March 9th

Trainers

Edd Stockdale, Finnish Scientific Diving Academy Coordinator
Specialist instructors for specific topics

Price

The cost for the program (€1800) covers all training, diving activities, twin cylinders and setups and specialist equipment used on program. Storage boxes and ice transport equip-ment will also be supplied.

Accommodation Package

As the Kilpisjärvi station is in a remote area, accommodation and food will be organised in a package on site.

Full package includes:

  • Twin shared accommodation 9th – 17th
  • March 1st Dinner
  • March 2nd to 8th Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • March 9th Breakfast

Price is approximately €570 for participants of the program. This will be paid directly to the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station at end of program

Students from University of Helsinki and other universities have special pricing options for this package.

Travel routes exist from Tromsø, Kittila and Rovaniemi, location of international airports,  direct to the research station.

Equipment Required

All course participants will require:

  • Diving
  • Drysuit 
  • Undergarments suitable for less than 4C exposure for 45min dives (recommended base layer and min 400g layer. Heating good option if available) 
  • Drygloves with good undergloves
  • Hood (8mm+ recommended)
  • Fins
  • Mask and backup mask
  • Wetnotes
  • Torch
  • Steel Backplate and Harness (these can be arranged to borrow)
  • Twin set Regulators 
  • Twin cylinder wing

Twin cylinders and specialist equipment are supplied as part of program.
Equipment for twin sets (wings, regulators, backplates can be arranged to rent from FSDA)

Surface

Conditions on surface can be heavy winds, snow and temperatures as low as -30C with windchill as such clothing must be pack accordingly.

A full list of specific gear will be sent to all registered participants which will include:

  • Suitable footwear for snow with good socks
  • Warm Beanie
  • Scarf, Balaclava 
  • Gloves 
  • Sunglasses
  • Base layer thermals
  • Layered insulation layers (fleece) 
  • Insulated jacket (suitable for -10C)
  • Wind proof shell jacket with hood
  • Windproof trousers
  • 20-30L backpack 
  • Water bottle
  • Thermos
  • Sunscreen
Registration
Date

28.2.–9.3.2025

Price
1 434,26  (+alv/vat 25.5%)
(yht. 1 800 )

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Contact us
Anja Loikkanen
+358 50 588 0754
anja.loikkanen@hyplus.fi


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