Meet the Team

With over 30 years in the polar expedition cruise industry, Bill Davis is one of the most seasoned and respected expedition leaders operating in the Arctic and Antarctic regions today. Bill has logged nearly 3,000 days in the field, leading clients through some of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth, including areas with frequent polar bear activity and other dangerous wildlife.

He has had positive and safe interactions with:

• Black bears in Canada
• Brown bears in Alaska and the Russian Far East
• Polar bears in Chukotka, Franz Josef Land, Canada, Svalbard, and Greenland

Half of Bill's career has also been spent in senior management roles, developing training standards and curriculum for expedition guides. He is a firm believer in training and professional development as a cornerstone of both field and office staff retention strategies. His philosophy is clear: "Safety is not proprietary."

Industry Contributions and Leadership

Bill has held prominent leadership roles within the most respected polar tourism organizations, including:

• Executive Committee and various committees with the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO)
• Key committee roles with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO)

He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Polar Tourism Guide Association (PTGA), which provides internationally recognized certification and professional development for polar guidesΓÇöincluding the development of firearms training standards in bear environments.

More about PTGA: https://polartourismguides.com/who-we-are

Firearms Qualifications and Permits

Bill's deep understanding of risk management in the field is reinforced by his formal training and extensive permitting history:

• Holder of Canadian PAL (restricted and non-restricted)
• Completed the Canadian Wilderness Handgun Course
• Permitted Loaner of Firearms in Svalbard
• Signatory and permit holder for firearms transport and usage in:
  • Canada
  • Greenland
  • Norway
  • Svalbard
  • Iceland
• Permit holder for Bahamas-flagged and RINA-classification expedition vessels for carriage of firearms for wildlife protection

Academic Background

Bill holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from the Scott Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University. His academic foundation complements his practical experience, helping bridge the gap between science, exploration, and safety.

Since 2002, he has also been a long-standing member of the Lower Trent Valley Fish and Game Club, reinforcing his commitment to responsible outdoor practices and firearms handling.

Shawn Bradshaw is a master technician, firearms expert, and entrepreneur with a multifaceted background that blends advanced manufacturing, competitive shooting, and specialized firearms training. As a co-founder and Lead Firearms Instructor at the Expedition Readiness and Safety Academy (ERSA), Shawn delivers in-depth instruction and mechanical insight that is unmatched in the expedition preparedness sector.

Shawn plays a critical role in both classroom and range instruction at ERSA, where he serves as:

• Lead Firearms Instructor
• Firearms Function & Maintenance Specialist
• Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO)

His training ensures that bear monitors, field personnel, and expedition leaders are not only safe and proficient with firearms, but also capable of maintaining and troubleshooting them in remote, high-stakes environments.

Engineering and Technical Foundation

Shawn began his career with over a decade in production manufacturing, focusing on the design, fabrication, and maintenance of custom food processing machinery and automation systems. He also worked extensively on hydronic systems, honing a skillset centered on rapid problem-solving, emergency service, and custom engineering. These early experiences ignited a passion for precision, mechanical systems, and business innovation.

Competitive Shooting and Firearms Expertise

A lifelong and passionate shooter, Shawn has competed in a wide range of disciplines including:

• Shotgun sports
• Long-range and rimfire precision
• Close Quarters Battle (CQB)
• Pistol shooting — where he has developed particular expertise

Shawn holds an IPSC Black Badge License (International Practical Shooting Confederation) and has earned numerous club-level and provincial awards for his competitive performance across Canada.

Red Tower Armoury ΓÇô Gunsmithing & Manufacturing Leadership

In 2015, Shawn launched Red Tower Armoury, transforming what began as a part-time repair and customization service into a full-scale operation. Today, the company is:

• Licensed under the Controlled Goods Program (CGP)
• Holds Canadian Federal Firearms Business Licenses for:
  • Manufacturing
  • Sales
  • Import/Export
  • Modification
  • Wholesale

Shawn holds the Designated Official Certificate under CGP and has led projects involving major manufacturers such as Glock, Sig Sauer, Colt, and Savage Arms. Red Tower Armoury also serves as a warranty and repair provider and has supported large-scale fleet firearm programs for organizations including Parks Canada and Arctic expedition cruise lines.

Expedition Firearms Training & Industry Innovation

Recognizing a gap in specialized firearms training for Arctic operations, Shawn co-founded ERSA with a mission to raise safety and performance standards for firearm handlers operating in polar bear environments. His courses combine real-world mechanical expertise with structured training in field maintenance, function testing, and emergency repair–equipping students to stay operational even in the harshest conditions.

At ERSA, Shawn's deep technical experience and calm, methodical instruction style make him a cornerstone of the academy's mission: to make readiness, reliability, and responsibility the foundation of every expedition team's safety protocol.

Jason Figliano is a respected firearms safety instructor, martial arts master, and expedition training consultant with a broad foundation in tactical education, field preparedness, and high-performance instruction. Drawing from decades of experience, Jason specializes in delivering firearms safety and polar bear defense training for remote operations and expedition teams working in the world's most extreme environments.

As one of the three founders of the Expedition Readiness and Safety Academy (ERSA), Jason serves as:

• Firearms Instructor
• Safety Instructor
• Lead Range Safety Officer (RSO)

At ERSA, Jason develops and teaches intensive field-readiness programs designed for guides, scientists, sailors, and maritime professionals. His approach blends high-level theoretical frameworks with dynamic, real-world training. Jason leads the creation of online pre-course certifications, custom SOP-aligned modules, and in-person instruction on firearms safety and wildlife defense, with a specific focus on polar bear environments.

Professional Certifications and Instructional Background

Jason's training is backed by certifications that reflect both depth and versatility:

• Certified Range Safety Officer (RSO) – Canadian Shooting Sports Association (CSSA)
• Certified Club Level Safety Instructor (CLSI) – CSSA
• Firearms Safety Course Developer & Lead Instructor – ERSA
• Law Enforcement Self-Defense Instructor – Southeast Missouri State University
• Supporting Instructor – G.R.A.C.I.E. Law Enforcement Program (under Master Royler Gracie)
• Graduate – IDPA Canada New Shooter Orientation Course
• Graduate – Firearms Safety Training (SEMO Tactical LLC) for Missouri CCW
• Member – Polar Tourism Guide Association (PTGA)

He holds both restricted and non-restricted Canadian PAL licenses, and has been instrumental in firearm permit coordination and operations across North America and the Arctic regions, including Svalbard, Greenland, and Canada.

Martial Arts Credentials and Leadership

Jason is also an elite-level martial artist, serving as:

• 6th-Degree Black Belt in Karate
• 3rd-Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (under Master Royler Gracie)
• Head Instructor and Owner of:
  • Canadian Black Belt Academy (Bolton, Tottenham, Mississauga)
  • Gracie Humaitá Jiu-Jitsu Bolton, Tottenham, and Mississauga

He has taught thousands of students and trained a generation of instructors across these academies, promoting a culture of discipline, resilience, and personal growth. Jason's martial arts background directly enhances his field instruction styleΓÇöstructured, calm, and composed under pressure.

Training Philosophy and Operational Vision

Jason believes that operational readiness begins with mindset and mastery of fundamentals. His teaching emphasizes clarity of purpose, situational awareness, and high standards of personal conductΓÇöcritical traits for both wilderness survival and expedition leadership.

At ERSA, Jason continues to lead the design and delivery of elite firearms and wildlife safety programs. His work supports expedition teams, polar tourism operators, and research organizations by building confidence, competence, and compliance in the field.

In parallel, Jason remains active as a consultant for martial arts business operations, a mentor to students and staff, and a speaker on leadership, safety culture, and personal discipline.

With over 40 years of experience in martial arts, combative sports, and tactical instruction, Archie Luz is a senior instructor at Expedition Readiness and Safety Academy (E.R.S.A.), known for delivering expert-level training in hand-to-hand combat, Use of Force, and firearms handling.

Combat Sports & Martial Arts Excellence

A 2-time national amateur boxing champion, Archie was head coach at Undisputed Martial Arts & Fitness in Toronto. He holds instructor ranks in multiple systems:

• Guro in Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal (KIRO), trained under Grandmaster Tony Diego and Master Arnold Narzo
• Kru in Muay Thai (CAMTAO & MTO)
• K1 Coach (CASK)
• Boxing Coach (Ontario Boxing Association, Boxing Ontario)
• MMA Coach (Combat Sports Canada)

He has coached athletes to over 30 provincial, national, and world titles in Muay Thai, K1, Boxing, MMA, and Filipino Martial Arts.

Use of Force & Tactical Instruction

Archie is also a certified Use of Force Instructor, teaching law enforcement, military, and private security professionals. His students include members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Ontario Provincial Police, and Toronto Police Service.

Firearms Credentials & Certifications

His firearms credentials include:

• CFSC/CRFSC Instructor/Examiner under the FSESO (Firearms Safety Education Service Of Ontario)
• PAL/RPAL Licensing Instructor
• Club Level Safety Instructor & Provincial Range Safety Officer (CSSA)
• Range Officer (IPSC Ontario)

Professional Development & Training

Archie also assists clients preparing for police, fire, military, and special forces entry testing, and helps instructors achieve certification in their chosen disciplines. Known for his disciplined, no-nonsense approach, Archie delivers clear, effective, and battle-tested instruction for professionals who demand results.

Fernando Gonzalez is an experienced instructor and tactical advisor at the Expedition Readiness and Safety Academy (E.R.S.A.), specializing in firearm safety, tactical integration, and operational readiness. He brings a well-rounded background in sport and tactical shooting, with hands-on experience in IPSC, IDPA, and advanced firearms training.

Tactical Training & Specialization

Fernando's tactical skillset is shaped by specialized training with Millbrook Tactical, focusing on Close Quarters Battle (CQB) and high-pressure environments. He further refined his approach through courses with Magpul Dynamics, gaining deep insight into real-world applications, weapon manipulation, and performance under stress–all grounded in strict safety protocols.

A Certified Civilian6 Instructor, Fernando also contributes to civilian preparedness and self-reliance programs, reinforcing a commitment to clear instruction, structured training, and personal responsibility.

International Communication & Team Dynamics

Fluent in English and Spanish, and conversational in Italian, Portuguese, and French, Fernando offers an international advantage in instruction and team dynamics. His language skills enable him to seamlessly support diverse groups and cross-border operations.

ERSA Training Delivery & Philosophy

Fernando plays a vital role in ERSA's delivery of the Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Handling Course, helping clients build confidence, precision, and adaptability in both field and classroom settings. His teaching style emphasizes safety, situational awareness, and tactical discipline, equipping students with skills they can rely on when conditions demand focus and competence.

With a mindset rooted in readiness and a dedication to high-standard instruction, Fernando is a trusted resource for clients preparing for expeditions, field operations, or high-stakes environments.