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
