Oceanwide: Expert Guides for Unique Polar Adventures


Oceanwide Expeditions is a long-established expedition cruise company specializing in polar adventures, renowned for the high caliber of its guides.

These guides are not mere escorts; they are highly qualified experts in scientific fields such as biology, geology, glaciology, ornithology, and history. They provide passengers not only with detailed insights into the environments they explore but also with a profound understanding of the fragile ecosystems unique to the polar regions.

Oceanwide’s guides are also skilled practitioners with hands-on experience, including mountaineers, polar boat operators, and Antarctic research station experts. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical field experience equips them to tackle the challenges posed by the extreme and demanding Arctic and Antarctic environments. Their deep understanding of polar conditions and commitment to environmental conservation make them ideal for ensuring both passenger safety and an immersive educational experience.

Each Oceanwide guide is selected through a rigorous process that evaluates not only their scientific knowledge but also their extensive field experience. Oceanwide continually invests in the training of its guides, a key factor in its success. The company is recognized as an official training center by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Qualsafe Awards, further boosting the credibility of its selection and training processes. Oceanwide is also a member of the Polar Tourism Guides Association (PTGA), a professional network that promotes best practices in training and operations in polar destinations. This affiliation ensures that Oceanwide guides are not only highly qualified but also committed to an eco-responsible approach that minimizes the environmental impact of expeditions.

Oceanwide not only invests in refresher courses but has also developed a structured training program, beginning with the Oceanwide Development Program launched in 2018. This program provides staff with a solid foundation to meet the challenges of polar expeditions. The intensive ten-day course offers practical skills in areas like Zodiac boat handling, kayak rescue techniques, field safety, and using VHF radios for remote communication. This training is essential to ensure that each guide is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively in case of emergencies.

The company also promotes annual intensive training courses in Wales, where staff have the opportunity to further hone their skills in a safe, controlled setting. This preparation includes training in rough sea conditions, such as those in the Menai Strait, known for its turbulent waters. Such practical exercises are crucial in readying guides for polar expedition contexts, where conditions can shift quickly, demanding superior readiness and expertise.

Additionally, Oceanwide ensures its expedition leaders are consistently updated and prepared for the unique challenges of polar nature. Before each Arctic season, for instance, leaders convene for in-depth reviews of past operations and to study best practices, using advanced tools like indoor ranges and video simulations to practice emergency scenarios. This ongoing training process aligns all guides, from newcomers to seasoned expedition leaders, with the same high standards of safety and responsibility.

Oceanwide’s training team comprises highly qualified experts, many of whom have spent years working in some of the world’s most extreme environments. Notable members include Adam Turner, a former British Antarctic Survey police officer with extensive field experience who teaches Zodiac handling and first aid, and Pippa Low, a former commercial skipper who trains guides in navigation and boat management techniques. Other experts, such as Adam Burke, a head expedition leader and outdoor education instructor, and George Kennedy, a paramedic, contribute their hands-on experience to the guide preparation process. This high level of expertise forms the foundation of Oceanwide’s operational quality and reliability.

In summary, Oceanwide’s approach to the selection, training, and continuous development of its guides is one of the primary factors behind its success. With a steadfast commitment to guide preparation and a training system that emphasizes safety, competence, and environmental responsibility, Oceanwide offers passengers unique educational experiences in the world’s most remote and remarkable locations, ensuring both safety and an eco-conscious approach.

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Giorgia Lombardo

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