Our staff

Philipp Schaudy holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Geography and has studied in Austria, Iceland, and Svalbard. A restless traveler, adventurer, and alpinist, he’s always loved the outdoors.

Doing the bulk of his travel by bicycle, Philipp has visited more than 80 countries and set foot on all seven continents. He earns a living in his homeland of Austria by giving talks about his long trips and expeditions.

Philipp first visited Svalbard in 1998, and from 2004 to 2006 he and his wife lived in Longyearbyen. There they experienced not only the midnight sun, but also the magic of the polar night.

It was during these years that Philipp started working as a tour guide. In the cold months he led snowmobile trips into the Svalbard wilderness, and during the summers he led guests on glacier hiking trips.

Since 2005 Philipp has worked for Oceanwide Expeditions as a guide, lecturer, and expedition leader, taking voyages to some of the wildest places on Earth. 

He considers himself a victim of the polar virus and can attest that it’s highly contagious. 

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.

Mika Erik Appel was born and raised in the town of Vaasa, Finland, where cold weather and ice was just part of daily life.

A master mariner, he holds a Bachelor of Marine Transportation degree from Aboa Mare Maritime Academy. He began his captaining career by tug towing and pushing barges in the North Sea and Baltic, later moving on to passenger vessels.

During his years in the Baltic, he gained young-ice navigation expertise. Arctic and Antarctic waters are both familiar to him, and he is an expert in multi-year ice navigation.

Prior to captaining expedition vessels, Mika spent five years as a nautical instructor and training manager in Subic Bay, Philippines. There he became an accredited IMO trainer and assessor.

Mika draws on more than 25 years of experience in passenger vessels and cruise ships, now focusing mainly on polar expedition work. His area of specialization is remote, ice-laden waters.