Ella Hibbert’s Solo Arctic Circumnavigation – Update

Ella Hibbert is an inspirational young woman who has set herself the challenge of solo circumnavigating the Arctic. At just 27 years old, Ella will be embarking on her adventure later this spring.

The Maritime Skills Academy has been closely following Ella’s journey as she refitted her beloved boat Yeva, and has also supported her through her rigorous training by providing Polar Code training from our Portsmouth facility back in 2023:

“The Maritime Skills Academy has a reputation for being one of the leading training schools in
a large variety of courses, along with boasting state-of-the-art facilities and experienced
instructors.

As of yet, I have not been into Arctic waters and the bridge simulator that we use during the
Polar code training at MSA will be an incredible way of gaining knowledge about Arctic waters
and conditions whilst still being on English soil.”

To see how far Ella has come since her last write-up (which you can read here) she has kindly detailed her progression in her training and preparation.

March 2025

“Since the last piece I wrote, there has been an incredible momentum carrying my campaign to attempt the first ever single-handed Arctic circumnavigation forward.

After finishing an extensive refit to my 38ft steel sailing yacht, Yeva, in June 2024, I set sail from Portsmouth to Stavanger on a sea trial, accompanied by sponsor and engineer-electrician Rick 2the Pirate” (Blackbeard Marine). After a couple of hiccups that we ironed out in Stavanger, Rick disembarked, and I continued my summer of training alone.

During this single-handed adventure, I made it all the way to the world’s most Northern settlement, deep within the Arctic Circle. Longyearbyen, Svalbard. At 78° North, Longyearbyen is much further into the Arctic than I will need to be for this year’s circumnavigation attempt and provided a wonderful training ground.

Crossing the Barents Sea (fondly referred to by sailors as the “Devil’s Dancefloor” for its renowned rough seas, as well as both endless fog and violent squalls), Yeva suffered total steerage failure and flooding. I managed to continue pumping the boat dry under hydro-vane steering, and once safely alongside (two days later), I was able to repair the boat.

I spent two fantastic weeks exploring Svalbard both by land and by sea and witnessed the wonders of the Arctic first-hand – a dream I’ve carried for many years finally coming true. I saw Arctic terns, walruses, puffins, and my favourite of all, an entire pod of beluga whales swimming up the fjord as they chased their lunch.

On the return voyage, I was star-struck by the Northern lights on multiple occasions. It was a testing outage that highlighted some issues with Yeva, which have since been resolved. Yeva has been undergoing another short refit period at the shipyard since October 2024.

I have now conducted further sea trials and am pleased with Yeva’s performance. I intend to slip lines from Haslar Marine on May 24th (weather allowing, of course, so the exact date could still change) to return to the Arctic once more, this time attempting the circumnavigation.

Over the last year, the campaign has been gaining a lot of attention – the British Scientific Exploration Society has endorsed it, and I am working closely with the International SeaKeepers Society to record the depth surroundings of the Arctic seabed as I go – information not yet readily available on published charts. I have also been invited to make a pre-recorded video explaining what I am doing and why, which will be played at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice on June 8^th. It’s a huge honour.

Ella Hibbert smiling in a selfie on board her boat Yeva

As I gear up to go over the next two months, the jobs list on board is gradually slowing down, and I am able to set aside some time to rest and see family and friends. But I am, on the other hand, counting down the days until departure – and I feel ready!

“When I return from my circumnavigation, S/Y Yeva will be put up for auction, with all proceeds from her sale being donated to both Polar Bears International and Ocean Conservancy, enabling these two incredible charities to continue their hard work in preserving and conserving the Arctic.

If you’d like to follow along on my voyage, please visit my website, YouTube channel, and social media pages, all under the name ‘Ella in the Arctic‘. There will also be a live tracker on board, so you’ll be able to follow my progress in real time. Thank you!”

We will certainly be following the rest of Ella’s journey as she sets off on her incredible feat, and you can be involved too!

Ella is accepting letters, notes of encouragement, poems, and photographs so that she can have something to read when feeling low and tired. If you’d like to be a small part of this amazing adventure and help Ella achieve her goal, you can send your contributions before the deadline of May 18^th to:

Ella Hibbert
Haslar Marina
Haslar Road
Gosport
PO12 1NU

We wish you the best of luck, Ella, and can’t wait to see how the rest of your progress goes!

Maritime Skills Academy Secures Bahamas Approval for Onboard Polar Code Training

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA), a leading institution well known for its dedication to excellence in maritime training, proudly announces its official approval by the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) for Onboard Polar Code Training.

The BMA’s approval further solidifies the MSA’s position as a trusted provider of comprehensive maritime training programs.

“We are pleased to receive approval from the BMA for Onboard Polar Code Training. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier maritime training and ensuring the highest levels of safety and proficiency among seafarers worldwide.”
Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at MSA

The BMA assesses institutions based on curriculum quality, facilities, faculty expertise, and adherence to international regulations. The MSA’s successful approval reflects its dedication to meeting and exceeding these demanding standards, providing delegates with a world-class education that prepares them for successful careers in the maritime industry.

“This approval opens new doors for the MSA, allowing us to expand our reach within the global maritime community”
added Mark.

The Bahamas-approved and Nautical Institute-recognised Polar Code Basic course follows the STCW guidelines on safely operating a vessel in the Arctic and Antarctic Waters. It has been developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, who are recognised leaders in the industry.

Find out more by downloading the course PDF here.

What is Polar Code Training?

If you’ve found yourself researching the answer to What Is Polar Code Training, then you’re in the right place.

Operating in polar waters is different from standard seafaring. Seasonal changes in the ice, the greater risk of emergencies, and general dangers from an extreme climate mean seafarers must be fully trained and up to standard.

That’s not just advisory but also mandatory – under the IMO’s International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, also known as the Polar Code. Learn more about the Polar Code, what it involves, and why Polar Code training matters below.

What is the Polar Code?

The Polar Code, formally known as the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, is a set of regulations developed and established by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Its role is to safeguard lives, property, and the environment in the challenging and potentially hazardous conditions of the Arctic and Antarctic waters.

The Polar Code, which came into effect in 2017, applies to all ships operating in polar waters. It covers:

Ship design and construction
Onboard equipment
Seafaring operations
Crew training
Environmental protection

Considering the pristine natural habits, the Polar Code aims to mitigate risks and prevent accidents, such as oil spills, deaths, or other forms of pollution. Animals and indigenous communities in the polar regions are found nowhere else on the planet, leading to stringent and compulsory rules.

What is Polar Code Training?

Polar Code training is a specialised form of training required of all seafarers operating ships in polar waters. Crew members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely navigate the challenging, hazardous conditions found in Arctic and Antarctic environments.

According to Chapter 12 of the Polar Code, training must guarantee that all masters, chief mates, and officers in charge of a navigational watch operating in polar waters have completed the relevant training. That includes the Polar Code and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW).

Very few centres deliver an MCA-approved Polar Code training course, given the specificity and complexity of the training involved.

What Does Polar Code Training Involve?

The Maritime Skills Academy runs two separate Polar Code training courses:

During the Basic Polar Code training, learners are introduced to topics related to ice water navigation, season changes, and characteristics of the regions.

In addition, the course teaches emergency preparedness, equipping learners with strategies for effective responses to potential polar water emergencies. Throughout the sessions, a strong emphasis is placed on compliance with pollution prevention measures and a proactive approach to environmental hazard prevention. To maintain these delicate natural environments, all vessels must adhere to international and regional regulations and codes in polar waters.

The Advance Polar Code training, on the other hand, builds on the lessons of the first course. Participants will learn how to plan and conduct a voyage in polar waters, manage the safe operation of vessels in these challenging environments, and ensure the safety of the ship’s crew and passengers. This includes maintaining the operational condition of lifesaving, fire-fighting, and other essential systems onboard.

This training is structured around five key outcomes:

Ensuring vessel preparedness for voyages operating in polar waters.
Ensuring that both crew and passengers are adequately prepared for polar water operations.
Planning and conducting a successful voyage in polar waters.
Manoeuvring and operating the vessel safely amidst the unique challenges posed by polar waters.
Managing the response to emergencies that may arise during the voyage.

Conducted at the MSA Portsmouth training centre, all lessons and materials are developed by experienced Ice Captains and Ice Pilots, recognised as industry leaders. Moreover, the courses use a full bridge simulator to mirror real-life scenarios.

Individuals seeking training must meet the prerequisites, including substantial time and experience at sea.

Closing Thoughts

Polar Code training isn’t an optional extra to expand a seafarer’s skills. It’s critical to the safety of individuals operating in polar waters and the preservation of the pristine polar habitats. You won’t be allowed to join a ship’s crew unless you achieve these qualifications.

The Maritime Skills Academy offers MCA-approved Polar Code training courses developed by experienced ice captains and ice pilots, providing participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe and responsible operation of vessels in polar waters.

If you’re interested in our training courses, please apply via our website.