EXPEDITION GUIDE ACADEMY
Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling
Refresher
About the Course​​
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The Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling Refresher (PBR) is a 2-day course designed for guides and field staff who have previously completed the Expedition Guide Academy's Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling (PBS) course. It provides an opportunity to rebuild fluency, update your thinking, and maintain the training currency often required for Svalbard rifle permits and operator compliance.
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Because participants already understand the principles, approach, and non-lethal framework used throughout our PBS training, we focus on applied skills and live-fire drills from the outset of this refresher course. The PBR refreshes critical firearm handling techniques and reinforces the systems that support safe field operations. Alongside this, we revisit scouting concepts, operational planning, and the judgment required to make sound decisions in dynamic environments.
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The refresher is a practical and supportive learning environment. It is designed to help you arrive in the Arctic confident, current, and ready to work as part of a safe and effective expedition team.
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The Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling Refresher is delivered over two days, supported by a short pre-course preparation module.
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*Please note that you can only book this refresher course if you have previously completed our full Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling (PBS) course.
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What You’ll Gain
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Renewed confidence in safe, efficient firearm handling within a last-resort defensive context.
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Refreshed familiarity with firearm protocols, all-weather handling, and expedition-relevant drills.
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A stronger grasp of how non-lethal systems, planning, and group management reduce the likelihood of conflict.
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Deeper insight into risk tolerance, decision-making, and shared responsibility within field teams.
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Practice working through realistic scenarios that connect scouting, communications, and response options.
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An updated EGA training certificate record that demonstrates recent polar bear safety practice and firearm handling to employers and operators.
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PBR Course Outline​
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Course Elements
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Firearm Handling and Safety
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Range Drills and Applied Practice
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Firearm Maintenance and Basic Troubleshooting
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Polar Bear Scouting and Operational Planning
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Decision-Making, Risk Awareness and Group Management
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Pre-Course Learning Component
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Location: Denmark
Language: English Proficient
Age: 18+
Previous experience: Completion of the EGA's Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling (PBS) course (any intake)​
Who is the course for?
Expedition guides, field staff, and leaders returning to work in polar bear terrain who want to refresh their skills, update their thinking, and rebuild practical confidence before a new season.
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Ratio Practical Firearm Training: Max. 1:6
Ratio Operational Theory: Max. 1:12
​​​Course minimum: 12​
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Price: TBC
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​​​​​Day 1 – Firearm Handling and Core Safety Skills
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Day 1 focuses on rebuilding fluency in the fundamental firearm handling skills required for work in polar bear terrain. Participants revisit the core drills, range protocols, and safety systems used throughout our training, with the aim of re-establishing smooth, consistent performance. The emphasis is on calm handling, clear communication, and reinforcing the disciplined approach expected of professional guides. Exercises provide the opportunity to rebuild confidence and re-establish a solid foundation before adding further complexity.
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Day 2 – Applied Scenarios and Advanced Range Work
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Day 2 continues with range-based training and gradually introduces additional layers of complexity. Participants revisit key drills, then progress into more involved exercises that link handling, movement, and decision-making under realistic conditions. Scenarios encourage clear communication, awareness of personal limits, and an understanding of how individual actions influence team safety. The day reinforces the importance of maintaining currency in skills, knowledge, and mindset while working in polar bear habitat.​
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Pre-Course Learning Component
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Before the refresher training begins, you will complete a short online preparation package to help you step back into the polar bear safety mindset. It's an opportunity to reflect, review and refresh concepts, ideas and methodology covered in the initial PBS course.
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Elevate Your Readiness for Another Arctic Season
Practical Course Information
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Once You Have Booked
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After booking a place on the Polar Bear Safety Refresher, you will receive a confirmation email followed by a Practical Information email. This will include meeting times, location details, transport information, what to bring, and what to expect during the two training days.
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Arrival and Departure
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To maximise instructor contact time, participants normally arrive in the afternoon or early evening the day before training begins. Departure is after the final training day, or the following morning, depending on venue logistics. The exact arrival and departure times will be included in your Practical Information email. These times will be the same for all participants.
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Facilities
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Training takes place in both indoor and outdoor environments. 2026 sees us move to a location an hour outside Copenhagen. You can expect a professional range setting for the firearms component, as well as classroom space for briefings and scenario work. Coffee, tea, multiple milk options and sugar are available throughout the course.
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Accommodation
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Accommodation is not included in the Polar Bear Safety Refresher. Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging for the duration of the course. We will provide guidance on nearby towns, transport options, and recommended areas to stay in your Practical Information email. Staying close to the training venue is recommended for convenience, but you are welcome to choose any accommodation that suits your needs.
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Certification
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On completion of the course, you will receive a Training Certificate from the Expedition Guide Academy outlining the content covered. This certificate supports your ongoing professional development and can be used to demonstrate recent polar bear safety training to employers and operators.
