New arrivals in Ny-Ålesund have to follow a safety training before they can go into the field independently.
The safety training is focussing most on polar bear encounters.
It includes a lecture about polar bear behaviour, a lecture about gun safety and a practical rifle training.
The latter part is most spectacular and this video shows part of that, starring Margje and Tim.
The rifle is the final action after having tried all kind of other deterrents and tricks to get away from the polar bear. More on safety in the Netherlands Arctic Station here.