Conditions in Svalbard being what they are, you might find yourself in
dangerous situations that demand the utmost from yourself and your gear. We
strongly recommend you read the brochure
"Field safety in Svalbard"
(pdf, 1.2 MB)
|
Safety measures |
Links |
| Emergency Services (SAR) |
The Governor of Svalbard heads all rescue
operations in the archipelago.
Phone number to the emergency line: 112
Please note that satellite (Iridium and Inmarsat) phones do not support the emergency line
(112), instead you must phone the officer on call at
the Governor`s office. SAR services (Search and Rescue). Triggering of
emergency beacons results in an involvement of the SAR service.
The SAR personnel prefer your position given in geographical coordinates (e.g. XXº xx.xxx’ N, XXº xx.xxx’
E), and they also need the geodetic datum you use (e.g. ED50 or WGS84). Emergency beacons
can be hired in Svalbard (look right).
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Satellite phones
Emergency beacons
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Polar bear precautions |
Polar bears can be encountered all over the archipelago at all times of
the year. Polar bears are dangerous and precautions must by be taken. Please look closely
into the "Polar Bears in Svalbard" brochure (see right).
To protect yourself in the event of a polar bear attack, you need
to be familiar with the use of firearms. You also need devices
to scare off polar bears, such as a flare gun or an emergency signal flare pen (with crack cartridges). If you are not familiar with firearms and pyro-techniques it is strongly recommended that you attend a course. Firearm and pyro-technique courses are arranged by the Norwegian
Polar Institute, UNIS and Kings Bay AS (for Ny-Ålesund) - see above.
Safe handling of firearms is YOUR personal responsibility at all times!
|
"Polar
Bears in Svalbard" (pdf, 491 kb) |
| Field Log |
The Governor of Svalbard’s
Field Observation Log (in
Norwegian) contains only observations attached to certain areas and time periods. The information does not tell anything about the conditions in other respects/incidentally.
An observation of a hole in the ice does not ensure the security of the ice elsewhere in the area. Also remember
that conditions can change very rapidly.
|
Field
Log |
|
Rabies |
There is rabies in Svalbard and dead animals must not be touched. Animals that act peculiarly – that seem strangely aggressive or sociable – or appear to be ill, must be avoided.
Notify the Governor of Svalbard of such animals. See the "Field
safety in Svalbard" brochure (look right).
|
"Field safety in Svalbard"
(pdf, 1.2 MB) |
| Echinococcus multilocularis |
The sibling vole parasite
is a tapeworm for which the
sibling vole is the intermediate host. The parasite’s primary
hosts are dogs and foxes. Eggs of the parasite are found in faeces of the primary
hosts. Humans can suffer severe liver damage if these eggs enter the
body. The parasite was found in Grumant in summer 1999. It is
recommended to boil the water from streams in and around
settlements. |
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Avalanches |
Avalanche beacons are useful aids which could reduce the time of search. However, keep in mind that there are huge forces involved in an avalanche. Avalanche beacons
can be bought in Longyearbyen.
|
Cryoslope: Avalanche info, advices & reporting |
| Glacier surges |
A significant number of
Svalbard glaciers are of surge-type. A surge is a cyclic sudden
increase in glacier velocity often causing extensive crevassing of
the glacier surface. A surge-phase in Svalbard lasts approx. 2 - 10
years followed by a quiescent phase of about 30 - 500 years. This
means glaciers with little crevassing could unexpectedly surge
forward causing a break up of the glacier surface. Keep this in mind
when planning and travelling on glaciers. |
