Svalbard Experienced guides can seek Svalbard guide exemption
Experienced guides can apply from Friday 13 November to 1 January 2027 for an exemption from the standard requirements for approval as a Svalbard guide, the Governor of Svalbard (Sysselmesteren) said. The application costs NOK 2,000.
The exemption applies during a transitional period and covers the course and training requirements in the Field Operation Safety Regulations. The Governor has set up the courses and learning requirements needed for approval.
An exemption may be granted to guides who:
- have completed at least 1,500 hours of guiding over the past three years, and - in the Governor's judgement, have experience that covers the competency objectives in Section 11 of the regulations.
Applicants can seek approval as a summer guide, a winter guide or both. The Governor's office has built an application portal, which is being tested with stakeholders in the tourism industry.
The fee is meant to cover the costs of producing and delivering the service, based on cost-efficient operations, the Governor said.
Applicants can document hours and experience by uploading items such as certificates of employment, employment contracts or tax returns. They must also answer questions about their work experience, knowledge and skills in relation to the competency requirements.
The portal will not open for standard applications for Svalbard guide certification under Section 12 of the regulations until 2027. The Governor has a page with questions and answers on the regulations and the approval scheme.