Tarjei Mittet
Captain
Expertise
Tarjei is a captain on board. Being third-generation at sea, you might say it was destined.
Starting out at only 17 years old when he left land for a life at sea, he has never looked back (or worked on land!). He started as a captain when he was 26.
His first time sailing in the Arctic was back in 2008. He has a bachelor's degree in nautical science and is working towards his master's degree in the leading of advanced maritime operations, with the thesis based on polar navigation and leadership.
Impact
Tarjei was captain during the filming of the Arctic episode of the Our Oceans series on Netflix, taking the film team to remote locations and navigating in uncharted waters. President Barack Obama narrated the series.
Style
The bridge is always open, and Tarjei loves interacting with guests. Together with the expedition team, he helps plan each exploration, and responds as the wildlife and weather dictate where to explore next.
Safety is always first priority and is the essence of running a ship. He enjoys a good joke and loves to play music on the bridge.
Languages
"What excites me about Secret Atlas is being able to deliver a tailor-made expedition, together with experienced crew. And with a small group of passengers, that is the way to experience the true Arctic.
Svalbard is a unique area in the world, where you can visit a spot… and the next time you are there, it is completely different. The wildlife sightings, on top of the beautiful landscape, is nothing short of mind-blowing."
— Tarjei Mittet
Questions & Answers
My most transformative travel experience
My most memorable travel experience is visiting Karl XII island, Svalbard, for the first time. Nothing but spectacular.
The island appears in dense fog, out of nowhere, with amazing wildlife encounters on it. Truly a breathtaking experience, and a place that gives you instant peace.
My exploration inspiration
Being Norwegian I would of course have to shine a light on both Nansen and Amundsen, and also back to the Viking era. But what fascinates me the most is actually the ‘modern’ history of ships, dating from the early 1900s to the 1970s, particularly the polar vessels used for catching seals/fish during that era. It is a part of history, and a time where using sealskin was a big business in Norway.
Today is a different time, and we do not have the same demand for the skin. But the history of the vessels, shipwrecks, stubbornness, and a will to provide for family and the local community is nothing but outstanding. MS Forland’s shipwreck in 1958 is an example of tough men doing extraordinary things – and a good story from that time.
My dream adventure
Adventures lined up: sailing in the Arctic for the entire season, with east Greenland at the end of the season. I have no specific dream destination, but my greatest adventures come when exploring a new area of the world.
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