Pavlos FilippakisLet’s Talk
Explorer yacht following a clear lead through polar sea ice

Service 01 · At your service

Explorer Yacht Planning & Command

Explorer Yacht Captain
for polar expeditions.

I plan explorer-yacht voyages to Antarctica, Svalbard, South Georgia and northern Norway, covering vessel limits, ice, weather, permits and logistics. Command can be agreed separately.

81°30′N
Svalbard
65°00′S
Antarctica
24,000+ NM
Pole to pole
Navigator reviewing a polar route on the bridge

Scope

Planning, logistics and command as required

  • Route, ice and weather planning for polar and remote itineraries
  • Permits, agents, fuel and logistics coordinated with the yacht’s existing team
  • Safe and practical owner and guest operations ashore
  • A professional expedition videographer can be sourced when requested
  • Operational experience across polar and remote routes
  • Specialists brought in when the work falls outside my remit
Bridge watchkeepers observing a lead through sea ice

Relevant experience

Polar and remote command experience

  • Svalbard circumnavigation reaching 81°30′N and operations at Neko Harbour, Antarctica
  • Master during the voyage recognised by BOAT International’s 2025 Voyager’s Award
  • Ice Navigator Level 1, Advanced Polar and Remote EMT
  • The full expedition record lives on The Voyage page

Standards & scope

How a polar yacht expedition becomes an operational plan

The plan combines regulatory requirements with the vessel’s capability, crew, weather window and local support.

01

Polar readiness

The Polar Code addresses vessel capability, equipment, operating limits, training, search and rescue, and environmental protection for covered operations.

IMO Polar Code ↗
02

Route design

Safe and no-go areas, surveyed corridors, ice conditions, communications and limited SAR support belong in the voyage plan before departure.

IMO Resolution A.999(25) ↗
03

Expedition delivery

Permits, agents, fuel, guest movements, local guides and contingency time are built into one executable programme for the yacht and her crew.

Common Questions

Do you plan expeditions for yachts you don't command?

Yes. I offer expedition planning as a standalone service — routing, ice strategy, permits, agents and logistics — delivered to your own captain and management company, with remote support underway.

What does an Ice Navigator add to a polar yacht expedition?

An Ice Navigator interprets ice charts and observed conditions, helps set safe routing and operating limits, and advises or conducts the con in ice. Requirements vary with the vessel, flag, waters and operation; I hold Ice Navigator Level 1 and Advanced Polar certification.

Which regions do you cover?

Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, Svalbard and the European Arctic, Norway, South Georgia and the South Atlantic islands, plus remote temperate and tropical cruising — New England, Guadeloupe, Brazil and St. Helena among them.

Discuss expedition planning or command.

WhatsApp — 24/7captain-pavlos@outlook.comDownload CV