FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Master's and the PhD course offered on the expedition.

NOTE: APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR UiT STUDENTS HAS PASSED

The course is open to UiT Master's students and PhD candidates, as well as to students from certain partner institutions (exchange students). The course is not available as a singular course. 

The course is open for any disciplinary background (biology, technology, engineering, computer sciences, law, social sciences, business and economics, arts and humanities, health sciences, etc.).

UiT applicants:

The course is open to students enrolled in Master's programs and PhD candidates. Students in integrated master's programs are eligible to apply, provided they have completed two years of study by the time of application and will be entering their 4th or 5th year by autumn 2025.

You must be enrolled in a study program at the time of application and maintain active student status through December 2025.

External applicants:

Students from selected partner universities will be eligible to apply. Admission of exchange students will be in the spring semester 2025. More information will be available soon.

There are no training facilities on the ship. However, the work performed during your watch entails quite a bit of physical activity during the day. There are also large areas available on the ship where it is possible to do exercises. 

Course participants will study, work, and live onboard the tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl: https://lehmkuhl.no/en/

Life on board the Statsraad Lehmkuhl is a unique and immersive experience. Course participants take part in all aspects of sailing, from setting and trimming sails to navigating and standing watch, often working in shifts around the clock. The ship operates with a strict routine, emphasizing teamwork, discipline, and learning traditional sailing skills. Living conditions are communal, with shared sleeping quarters and meals, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among the crew. Despite the hard work and challenging conditions, course participants gain valuable maritime skills and unforgettable experiences, all while exploring the open sea aboard a historic tall ship.

Everyone must contribute to the assigned watch group. Course participants are divided into three watch groups who get their training according to their watch.

  • Blue watch 8-12/20-24
  • Red watch 12-4/24-04
  • White watch 04-08/16-20

Read more here:

There is limited space on board for personal belongings. During the voyage, you will be assigned a locker with a key and a sea chest where you can store your possessions. Therefore, bring only what is necessary. There is little space for suitcases, so you should pack your luggage in a bag, seaman's sack, or something similar that takes up little space.

Also remember (a more detailed list will be available in January):

  • Sleeping bag and possibly a pillow if you need it.
  • Warm and windproof clothing for cold watches on deck; remember that it often gets windy and wet at sea and temperatures in the area can be around 0 degrees celcius at this time of year. Therefore it can get very cold standing watch or man the helm.
  • Comfortable clothes for "working" that can withstand a bit of wear.
  • Solid rain gear, both jacket and pants.
  • Good shoes: sneakers and waterproof shoes or rubber boots.
  • Gloves, hat, warm socks, and a scarf/neck warmer
  • Warm inner layers, wool is recommended.
  • Towels and toiletries.
  • Casual clothes for when you are on land.
  • Camera and binoculars
  • Personal medications, contact lenses with lens solution, etc., for the entire voyage.

The following is mandatory to bring for international travel:

A valid passport (valid at least six months beyond the end of the voyage).

Each participant is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the visa regulations of the countries involved and for obtaining the necessary documents.

Before applying, prospective participants must consult their study advisor / supervisor at their home institution to confirm that participation in the program aligns with their academic program and requirements.

Modern sanitary facilities are available, both toilets and showers. Several separate showers available. 

The course is divided into two segments, with admitted applicants having the option to participate in one of the two:

  • Leg 1: Nuuk, Greenland to Cambridge Bay, Canada (approx. 21 days at sea)
  • Leg 2: Cambridge Bay, Canada to Anchorage, US (approx. 30 days at sea)

We do not offer private cabins, and you will be assigned your own hammock for the duration of the voyage. Although the accommodation is very basic, you will experience that hammocks are very practical and quite comfortable, especially when the ship is at sea.