Born in France, Etienn is one of our most experienced Antarctic Ice Pilots. His passion on the maritime world was triggered early on, as he has been sailing since being a kid. His career being a bit unusual, he started in 1983 as a simple sailor on cargo ships but this growing passion led him later into becoming a Bridge & Engineer Officer.

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During the 1990th he decided to join the cruise ship industry and he had the opportunity to board the largest 5 masts sailing boat in the world. A couple of years later he was in charge of the newbuilding of very large cruise ships.

2005 was a turning point in his career: as he was asked to command the robust expedition vessel  “Le Diamant” to join Ponant cruise line. As Captain and Ice pilot, he then built up his experience in polar regions from Svalbard to Antarctica on various expedition vessels and super yachts.

It is his 16th season in Antarctica and to his eyes every voyage is like the first one, he is still amazed and fascinated by this great white continent.

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Etienne received his Unlimited Master Mariner Certificate in 1997 and has a Chief Engineer diploma from the Merchant Marine Academy in France.