New Regulation on Field Safety in Svalbard Introduces Guide Approval Scheme

On June 6, the Norwegian government has introduced a new regulation aimed at enhancing field safety for all activities in Svalbard. The regulation includes the establishment of a formal approval scheme for guides, the first of its kind in Norway, and introduces several other new requirements to improve safety, preparedness, and accountability.

The regulation will replace the current framework, which dates to 1991, and comes into effect on January 1, 2026. However, the requirement for the use of approved Svalbard guides will become mandatory July 1, 2027.

The new regulation is part of what has been referred to as the “Svalbard Issue” and has been under discussion since it was first proposed in September 2021. AECO has been actively engaged throughout the process, representing the expedition cruise industry’s perspective in dialogue with Norwegian authorities.

“We are pleased to see that the authorities have listened to our input and made significant adjustments to the original proposal. Importantly, a two-year transitional period has been granted before the regulation enters into full force. Furthermore, experienced guides will be eligible to apply for exemptions from certain training requirements, which acknowledges the value of existing competence within the field”, says AECO’s Executive Director, Frigg Jørgensen.

AECO remains committed to working closely with authorities and stakeholders to ensure that implementation of the regulation is both effective and practical.

Guide Certification: Requirements

• When tourism or field activities take place, involve activity, or include stays outside inhabited areas (in the field), a sufficient number of approved Svalbard guides must accompany the group.
• The responsibility for assessing what constitutes a sufficient number of guides lies with the operator. However, the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren) may set a minimum number of guides required for a given activity.
• To become an approved Svalbard guide, individuals must apply for approval from the Governor of Svalbard.
• A Svalbard guide must have completed basic safety training.
• The Governor will establish the course content and learning requirements necessary for guide approval.
• Guide approval is valid for five years. Guides may apply for a new approval period after completing continuing education.
• The Governor must pre-approve any training courses that fully or partially qualify individuals for guide approval.
• The Governor is responsible for maintaining a registry of issued approvals and for ensuring compliance with the regulations.
• As a transitional measure, experienced guides may apply for an exemption from the formal application requirements. Exemptions may only be granted to those who can provide sufficient documentation of having guided for at least 1,500 hours over the past three years and, in the Governor’s judgment, possess the competence necessary to ensure that their guiding does not pose a risk to people or the environment.