Frequently Asked Questions

  • The course is designed so that whether you’re completely new to professional guiding or you have experience, you’ll be challenged to learn new skills and hone what you already know.

  • Most of what you'll learn in your course is applicable to working in other regions of the world on expedition ships. Driving Zodiacs, guest management, presenting and interpretation, etc are all essential skills. Your course will set you up with a solid foundation wherever you plan to work as an expedition guide.

  • In Canada, the S.V.O.P. commercial operators course is strictly a classroom only course; no practical skills training. The RYA2 course in Europe is a boating course, however, it is only 2 days long and is not geared towards polar operations. Our guide training course encompasses a wider array of topics that help train you to be a guide, not just a boat operator. The training is much more in depth, and built on industry standards for working in remote environments.

  • Each company has a slightly different set of requirements for working for them. Many companies accept the “PTGA Drive a Zodiac qualification” (acquired by being assessed for that qualification, not just trained), others accept SVOP, or RYA2, or a US commercial operators ticket. Check the job ads and email companies to learn about company-specific requirements.

  • Learn more about the difference between “training” and “assessing” under the Polar Tourism Guides Association framework here.

  • A detailed packing list will be sent to you upon booking,. The temperature can be quite chilly on the water, so we would recommend warm clothes, gloves, and a toque or beanie. Waterproof boots, pants, and jacket are essential. We wear much of the same gear we wear in the Polar regions!

  • It will vary from company to company, but we would certainly suggest starting to email at least one year prior. Our course is built to give you specific skills that sets up a solid foundation to have the confidence to move into the industry. Timing of courses coincides with the time of year companies are hiring new staff.

  • Yes, we can tailor courses to the needs of operators and participants. We can also travel to deliver training courses on board ships, or within coastal British Columbia to accommodate larger teams etc.

  • While we only offer polar specific training courses right now, we are working on building partnerships in British Columbia to offer guide training courses for guides on this coast. We’ve worked in various capacities as guides here in BC – as grizzly bear viewing guides, whale watching guides, on small ships, multi-day trips, and now as owners of a whale watching company, we are well versed with guiding in BC and can tailor courses as needed for specific industries.

  • There is plenty to see on Northern Vancouver Island and we would encourage you to explore. This may make airport transfers not possible due to timings, so we would recommend either renting a car, or timing it so that we can pick you up or drop you off at a car rental agency. Email us for suggestions.