Following a workshop on cooperation on training in safe rifle handling in a polar bear protection context, the following institutions have agreed on common standards for rifle training:
- Alfred Wegener Institute
- Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Kings Bay AS
- Korea Polar Research Institute
- Norwegian Polar Institute
- The University Centre in Svalbard
This means that if you complete rifle training through any one of the above listed institutions, you will be able to borrow a rifle from any of the other institutions, subject to (1) showing certification of passing the course, (2) having a brief introduction to the institution's weapons and the institution's definition of 'high preparedness' in terms of when to half-load, and (3) any specific legal or formal requirements of the institution.
We hope that this cooperation reduces the need for repetition of training by researchers who work at multiple locations and institutions. We are testing this method of working from April 2024 until April 2025, and would value feedback from institutions, trainers and researchers alike.
You can download the standard documents here:
