• • • • •

Ice Diving in Arctic Norway

DIVING CONDITIONS AND EQUIPMENT

Diving experience

The maximum diving depth on this trip will be 30 metres. You will need to hold a PADI Advanced Open Water certificate or equivalent (e.g. BSAC Sports Diver), with a minimum of 50 logged dives.

It is essential that you have some experience with dry suit diving together with a good level of buoyancy control to avoid getting tangled when diving with lines.

If the opportunity arises to participate in dives involving wreck penetration, decompression, or dives deeper than 30 metres, documentation of specialised education and experience will be required.

Diving conditions and visibility

The visibility is at its best during winter time reaching 30+ metres. In April, you get the first algae blooming which create a top layer of 'green soup', but underneath the 5-15 metres thick layer the water generally stays clear.

Currents are normally not a problem in the inner part of the fjord, even though you might have some drift caused by the tides.

Winter temperatures

In February and March the temperatures can vary a lot between day and night time. The temperature will typically be between 0°C and -15°C, but can occasionally drop to -25°C at night. In windy conditions the chill factor will increase the effect of the cold, making it important to dress properly.

The water temperatures at this time of the year will normally be between +5°C and -1°C.

Required equipment

About 8 weeks prior to departure, we will provide you with an information document regarding clothing and diving equipment. The most important pieces are:

dry suit
good thermal clothing (e.g. thinsulate)
good quality gloves (3 fingers, 5-7mm) or dry gloves
environmental sealed regulator (first and second stage)

Equipment rental

To use diving equipment that you are familiar with is important for a safe and relaxed holiday. Unfortunately, most dive centres tend to have fairly basic rental equipment and you have no guarantee that suits and stab jackets fit you.

The best solution is to bring your own equipment, but in case you need to rent we would strongly recommend you do so at your local dive shop. This way you can test it and make sure everything fits and works before you start your trip.

However, if you prefer to rent equipment at the destination, please contact us for availability and rates.