Our staff

George is an Australian social scientist specialising in polar geopolitics. He completed a Masters of International Development Practice at Monash University in 2016 and a Graduate Diploma in Antarctic Governance at the Australian Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science in 2021. Since completing his studies, George has worked within the policy office of the Australian Antarctic Division, collaborating with other Antarctic Treaty Parties to develop sustainable tourism policy, as well as representing Oceanwide at the IAATO general meetings.

Alongside polar geopolitics, George has worked as an ALS paramedic for over a decade, and is now in the final stages of completing his Doctorate of Medicine at Deakin University where he hopes to specialise in Remote Medicine.

George has a passion for travel, boats, and motorcycles. Over a three-year period, he rode a motorcycle from Patagonia to Mexico, exploring Latin America on two wheels. It was during his time in Patagonia that his passion for the polar regions developed, working closely with conservation organisations in Tierra del Fuego and visiting Antarctica for the first time in 2017. George has been guiding in Antarctica and the Arctic since 2019, sharing stories of its incredible wildlife, landscapes and, of course, its unique politics!

Michael began diving in 1980, training with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth Harbour.

After leaving the Navy, he continued to dive mainly around the UK, diving wrecks and always looking for a new story.

He is qualified as a dive instructor with BSAC and PADI and is certified to operate Drager Dolphin and Buddy Inspiration rebreathers.

Michael has worked for Oceanwide Expeditions for five years and enjoys giving divers a safe and exploratory experience in the polar regions.

Michael’s biggest tip for polar divers is to slow down, look around, and enjoy the environment.

He looks forward to enjoying it with you.

Ernesto Barria was born in Santiago, Chile, into a family with strong bonds to the sea: His father, grandfather, and several uncles all share a love of the ocean.

A beach guard by the age of 16, Ernesto’s favorite sport when he was young was swimming. When he finished high school, he moved to Puerto Montt, one of the most important ports in Chile. There he started his studies to become a merchant marine officer.

By his graduation in 1991, he’d already begun to sail on different vessels around Puerto Montt.

Ernesto became first officer of Antarctic Dream in 2005, beginning by navigating in Antarctica and later the Arctic. In 2011 he obtained the rank of captain, and in 2015 he was chosen as the best officer of the Chilean merchant navy.

Ernesto became a captain for Oceanwide Expeditions on Ortelius in 2013.

When he’s not working, Ernesto loves to travel around Chile with his family. He enjoys scuba diving, swimming, cycling, and photography, which has become his favorite hobby.