The research vessel Laurence M. Gould attempts to sail through ice-choked waters near Palmer Station off the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Arctic and USAP Polar Physical Qualification (PQ) Process

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The Arctic and USAP Polar Physical Qualification (PQ) Process

Organization(s)

Office of Polar Programs (GEO/OPP)
Directorate for Geosciences (GEO)

The medical clearance process has been developed to mitigate, as much as reasonably possible, the inherent risks of deployment to the polar regions (45 CFR Part 675). The purpose of the USAP medical screening is "to determine whether candidates for participation in the U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) are physically qualified and psychologically adapted for assignment or travel to Antarctica."

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Who do the PQ processes and guidelines apply to?

The PQ processes and guidelines apply to all Antarctic personnel — governmental, military, grantee, contractor and distinguished visitors — proposed for deployment to USAP stations and vessels south of 60 degrees south latitude. The process and guidelines also apply to personnel deploying to specific Arctic locations in Greenland. Other locations or circumstances may be identified by the NSF Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Arctic Sciences section head and the OPP senior advisor for Polar Medical Programs. 

USAP PQ process
Arctic PQ process

Who makes final PQ determinations?

The director of OPP is the authority for the PQ determinations and the overall medical clearance process. This authority has been delegated to the OPP safety and occupational health officer. The current activities of OPP in relation to PQs are in the context of this authority. 

PQ policies, guidelines and resources

Important documents and information 

External resources 

Participants' rights and expectations

Rights 

  • Be treated with respect, empathy, equity and fairness. 
  • Be updated in a timely manner. 
  • Ask questions regarding the process. 
  • Be provided a written notification detailing the reason(s) for a Not Physically Qualified determination. 
  • To apply for a PQ waiver. 
  • To provide feedback for consideration to improve the process. 

Expectations 

  • Be proactive and thoroughly read instructions. 
  • When speaking with the PQ staff, do not use profane or abusive language. 
  • Provide complete and accurate information and disclose all requested information. 
  • If injured or become seriously ill after receiving a PQ determination, inform the appropriate point of contact of change in medical condition. 
  • Submit the PQ packet by the deadline indicated in the instructions.
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