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.

Per Andersson first embarked on his maritime odyssey in 1985 as a deckhand aboard the St Karso, navigating the Baltic Sea. This experience laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to the maritime world.

Transitioning to oil tankers navigating the formidable waters of the UK, Per attained an Officers license by 1988, underscoring a burgeoning dedication to maritime proficiency. Ascending to the role of Chief Officer, he commanded diverse commercial vessels across the Baltic and North Sea, each voyage contributing to the refinement of his navigational expertise.

In 1995, the realization of a captaincy position aboard a cargo vessel marked a zenith in Per’s career, but an enduring affinity for unexplored regions of the world led him to an expedition ship bound for the high Arctic.

The historic passage through the White Sea Canal in 2009, as the lone western passenger ship to achieve such a feat, epitomized the intersection of Per’s navigational acumen and adventurous spirit.

Assuming the role of Captain with Oceanwide Expeditions in 2021, captain Per orchestrates expeditions through the Arctic and Antarctic aboard M/V Ortelius, perpetuating a legacy marked by exploration, leadership, and environmental stewardship.