Polar Continental Shelf Project

Polar Continental Shelf Project (PCSP) operates a logistics network which supports about 800 research scientists in the Canadian Arctic each year. It works closely with government agencies and university groups in providing expertise, accommodation, communications, transportation and specialized field equipment in support of Arctic research.

PCSP's field facilities and organizational resources are made available on a limited basis to non-Canadian research organizations, private research institutions and private researchers. Each application is considered individually, and any support given is subject to PCSP's materiel and human resource capabilities. Support to researchers from outside of Canada is provided solely on a full cost-recovery basis.

The following are the general conditions under which support to non-government research parties is extended:

Suitability of Proposed Program

• the proposed program must be assessed by PCSP's Scientific Screening Committee, and must be recommended as a worthwhile investigation.
• PCSP must be satisfied that the proposed field and supervisory personnel are qualified for the work they propose to do, and that there are adequate facilities and support for completing the research program after the field work is finished.
• PCSP must be assured that the proposed program will not interfere with or in any manner cause embarassment to any existing or imminent study. In the case of a proposal from a non-Canadian individual or organization, there must be assurance from PCSP's Scientific Screening Committee that the proposed program does not conflict with any current or planned Canadian research.

Assistance Provided by Polar Continental Shelf Project

Subject to the suitability and review of the proposed program, and to PCSP's ability to meet commitments already made, Polar Shelf may provide the following logistics support:

• transport in the field by ground or air; appropriate waivers must be completed and submitted to PCSP;
• accommodation and meals;
• work space at PCSP Arctic base;
• fuel for aircraft, equipment and field camps;
• telephone, facsimile and mail services (note: long-distance calls made from PCSP Arctic base MUST BE COLLECT and long-distance facsimiles will be charged back on a cost-recovery basis);
• field equipment as available, provided a list is submitted in your application and the request is pre-arranged and approved by PCSP;
• arrangements for COD shipment of specimens, etc., from PCSP base at the end of the season.

Support Not Provided by Polar Continental Shelf Project

• salaries and travel expenses;
• personal equipment, including sleeping bags;
• scientific equipment and instruments, and special supplies;
• fuel for aircraft, equipment and field camps;
• field equipment, other than items held in stock and assigned by PCSP;
• permits and licences;
• customs and immigration clearance for personnel material;
• accommodation and meals at non-PCSP facilities;
• transportation costs of equipment and materiel between camps and PCSP base;
• firearms.

Control and Responsibility

Polar Shelf reserves the right to curtail or modify any of its services or access to facilities because of local circumstances, emergencies or conflicting demands of the various agencies receiving its support. Each group attached to PCSP is under PCSP's jurisdiction in all matters pertaining to field operations, safety, use of base facilities, logistics support and allocation, and use of field equipment. PCSP reserves the right to withdraw support or insist on the withdrawal of any party or personnel from the field if any regulations or safety are in any way compromised or PCSP's services are abused.

Obligations of Party Receiving Support

Polar Shelf requires that any party receiving logistics support submits no later than November 1st of the year in which support has been given, a report outlining the work conducted and a preliminary account of results obtained. PCSP also requires a copy of any publications and interpretations of results based on field research. Publications based upon PCSP-supported research should include a PCSP publications number (please contact PCSP Ottawa at (613) 947-1650 to obtain a number).