GENERAL INFORMATION
POLAR DIVING ANTARCTICA & THE ARCTIC

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In Svalbard/Spitsbergen you may dive with seals. Near the Island Moffen (Spitsbergen) you may observe many Walruses approaching the zodiacs. The presence of Polar bears and Walruses in Spitsbergen keep our guides alert with rifles at all times and we maintain the highest level of safety in combination with quality diving. We will dive in the kelp beds of north and east Spitsbergen, that offers protection to sea-bottom life such as sea anemones, sea stars, sea cucumbers, shrimps and fish.

Number of dives

We plan at least two dives per day (except for days at sea), but an exact number of dives cannot be given. It all depends on ice and weather conditions.

Storage on board

You don’t need to store your dive gear in your cabin. Upon arrival our dive staff will show you where you can leave your dive equipment. Only take your regulator with you in your cabin. Every diver is expected to prepare his own equipment well in advance prior to each dive. Bring your own spare parts for your regulators and dry suit in case of leakage or damage.

What to pack for your Diving

Please contact your airline about their luggage restrictions and request a special allowance for your dive equipment prior to departure. All excess baggage is at your own expense.

• All divers must have experience with dry suit diving (minimum 20 dives required).
• Dry suit with hood
• Thick and warm underwater garment (2 sets), dry gloves or adequate thick wet gloves (make sure they will keep your hands warm in sub-zero waters)
• 2 separate freeze protected regulators, because we dive with special bottles with two separate outlets. The tanks we are using are 12L steel tanks. They are fitted with a “Y” or “H” valve configuration, with DIN or Yoke (INT) adaptable connections.
• Pressure gage
• Stabilizing jacket or some kind of BC with quick release – divers without BDC trusting only their dry suit for buoyancy control will not be allowed to dive.
• Depth gage, watch or computer
• Compass
• Knife and a torch
• Mask, fins and snorkel
• Weight belt (weights available on board)
• Safety buoy

Please note that the snorkel is a vital part of the safety equipment and will often be used when snorkelling with seals and such.

Setting up your gear:

You need two sets of regulators;
1st set includes: Freeze protected First stage
Second stage (incl. hose)
Hose for BC
Pressure gage / computer

2nd set includes: Freeze protected First stage
Second stage (incl. hose)
Hose for Dry suit

IMPORTANT: Do not bring any new equipment on this expedition that you have not already tested in the water and you are not very familiar with. The Polar regions are not the place to test out new equipment. It is required that you complete a few dives with all the equipment you will be using before coming on the trip. This will also allow you to fine-tune your buoyancy and trim characteristics, and make a note of how much weight you will need when diving with all your equipment.

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