EXPEDITION GUIDE ACADEMY
Zodiac Rescue
The Zodiac Rescue course (ZRC) is a 2-day programme for expedition staff of all experience levels who want to strengthen their operational readiness on the water. It is built for seasons in Svalbard, Antarctica and the Arctic, and applies equally to global operations in the Pacific and other warmer climates. The focus is simple: develop genuine, repeatable rescue capability and the confidence to use it when it matters.
Across two days, you will learn to recognise, respond to and work through critical land and water-based emergencies, including Person Overboard (POB), cold water immersion and capsize, in a calm and systematic way. The context is often cold water, but these rescue protocols are the industry standard for Zodiac operations worldwide.
You will build a solid foundation in decision-making, communication and coordinated team response. The practical elements centre on using a Zodiac (Milpro Mark V) as a rescue platform, giving you realistic experience in packaging, moving and managing casualties in controlled but challenging scenarios.
What You’ll Gain
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Greater confidence working through land- and water-based emergencies.
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A systematic approach to communication and decision-making under pressure.
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Practical experience managing real-world rescue scenarios using a Zodiac as a rescue platform.
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Improved awareness of personal strengths and limitations in challenging environments.
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Stronger teamwork skills through structured group-based scenarios and coordinated rescues.
Location: Denmark
Language: English Proficient
Age: 18+
Previous experience: None required
Who is the course for? Expedition guides and staff of all experience levels who want practical, structured training in Zodiac-based rescue techniques. A supportive environment suited to those who enjoy being challenged, developing new skills, and strengthening their confidence in emergency response.
*Please note this course is not Zodiac driver training. We refer to our CGC option for this.
Date: 2027 Dates TBC
Duration: 2-days
Maximum: 12
Minimum: 6
Price: USD 1200
Course Elements
Over 2 days, we work through training and scenarios both on and off the water. The course moves between practical water-based rescue work (prepare to get wet) using Zodiacs and land-based skills that support safe operations. Participants spend time in each environment, building a well-rounded set of rescue competencies in a controlled and supportive setting.
Water-based training includes:
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Self-rescue skills and techniques for assisting single/multiple person-overboard situations.
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Working with Zodiac capsize scenarios, self-rescue and passenger rescue methods.
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Team-based rescues and communication strategies that support safe operations on the water.
Land-based training includes:
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Understanding expedition equipment, correct use, limitations and considerations for different environments.
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Personal rescue equipment and its uses, including throw bags, slings and other essentials.
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Best practice for safe driving preparation, both solo and paired, with a focus on decision-making and situational awareness.
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Packaging and moving a patient across uneven or difficult terrain, including transferring them safely into and out of a Zodiac.
Across both environments, the emphasis is on simple, reliable skills that hold up under pressure, helping you work safely, support your team and build genuine capability in a rescue environment.
*Please note: You will not be driving a Zodiac during this course.
Practical Course Information
Once you have booked
Once you have booked a place on the Zodiac Rescue Course, you will receive a confirmation email, followed by a Practical Information email with all essential pre-course details. This will include information such as meeting times, exact locations, transport information, what to bring, and what to expect during the training. Please note that this information is provided after booking.
Arrival and Departure
The ZRF course is delivered over four full days of training. To maximise instructor contact time, participants will need to arrive in the afternoon or early evening the day before the course begins. Departure is on the evening of the final training day. The specific arrival and departure times will be included in your Practical Information email and will apply to all participants.
Transportation from the nearest train station to the venue on the evening before the course starts it included. So is transportation from the venue back to the train station in the evening after finishing training on the last day of the course.
Facilities
Training takes place both outdoors and indoors. We spend time on the water, on the beach, in green areas, and in classroom spaces at the EGA venue.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included for 4 nights, with arrival the evening before the course begins and departure on the afternoon of the final day. Staying together on-site keeps everyone close to the training area and makes the daily logistics straightforward.
You’re welcome to arrange your own accommodation off-site, although we encourage participants to stay with the group because we believe that sharing the same space helps build a stronger team dynamic. You will be staying in 4-person huts. Kitchen, showers and toilets are communal. Bedding and towels are included.
Full details about the accommodation and what to bring will be included in your Practical Information email.
Personal Equipment
Participants will need to bring either a wetsuit or a drysuit, together with a PFD for the water-based training days. These sessions involve time in the water and practical rescue scenarios, so having your own well-fitting suit ensures comfort, mobility, and effective learning. A detailed gear list will be provided after booking.
Certification
Successful completion of the course leads to two different certificates.
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EGA's Training Certificate, outlining the content covered. This certificate supports your personal development and can be useful when applying for roles or demonstrating ongoing professional training.
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Prepare Yourself for the Unpredictable
