People of the Arctic

Real stories of people who chose to work and live beyond the Arctic Circle

Episode 1. Firefighter of the Ministry of Emergency Situations

In the first episode, we meet Alexander Ovchinnikov, a firefighter serving with the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Born and raised in Murmansk, Alexander joined the fire department by chance. What challenges might a firefighter face in the "cold desert," why does he stay in the North, and what does he see as his calling?

Episode 2. Captain of the ship

In the second episode, Roman Stepanov, a small vessel captain, shared his story with us through Arctic footage. Born in the Kirov region, Roman moved north, and was hooked. He transitioned from a land-based career to the sea when he acquired and restored his own boat from scrap metal. How did a chance idea grow into a business? Is it easy to become a captain in the Arctic? And what opportunities does this profession offer, essential to every critical sector of the Arctic economy—from ecology to fisheries and tourism?