This program is aimed to train scientific divers to develop skills and knowledge for working on research projects carried out in polar conditions. Training includes exposure management, moving and transport on ice and snow, location preparation, planning and carrying out under ice diving operations.
Program outline
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 in Arctic Northern Finland with diving carried out in the ice-covered lake directly in front.
Course prerequisites
- Minimum 18 years old
- Minimum Advanced Open Water / CMAS 2* or equivalent
- Twin cylinder training (proof of certification required)
- Drysuit/ Cold Water Experience (scan of logbook, drysuit certificate)
- Minimum 50 Logged Dives
- One of the following:
- Scientific Dive qualification
- Bachelor Degree (or enrolled) in a relevant field
- Involvement in scientific organisation
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 27.02. 18:00 dinner at station, 19:00 icebreaker and introduction
- Depart from Kilpisjärvi Biological Station Morning of 08.03.2027
Trainers
Pata Degermann
Finnish Explorer and Survival Trainer
Price
The cost for the program (€2100) covers all training, snow mobile rental, diving activities, twin cylinders and setups and specialist equipment used on program. Storage boxes and ice transport equipment 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 (single gender double room, private bathroom) accommodation 27.02 –
08.03.2027
- 27.02 Dinner
- 28.02 to 08.03 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 08.03 Breakfast
Price for participants of the program are based on the Kilpisjärvi Biological Station pricing for external researchers and will be finalized when the University updates the 2027 pricing. Students from University of Helsinki and other universities have special pricing options for this package.
How to get there
Travel routes exist from Tromsø, Kittila and Rovaniemi, location of international airports, direct to the research station.
Equipment required for all course participants
Diving
- Drysuit
- Undergarments suitable for less than 4oC 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 if not owned personally (80EU for wing and regulator system).
Surface
- Conditions on surface can be heavy winds, snow and temperatures as low as -30oC 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 -10oC)
- Wind proof shell jacket with hood
- Windproof trousers
- 20-30L backpack
- Water bottle
- Thermos
- Sunscreen
Registration
Registration on the link above will book a place on the program or waiting list in order of sign up. Final confirmation of a space on the course will be through a follow up deposit for conformation later in 2026.
Media coverage of the program over the past years