Results from anthropometric measurements and examinations of physical fitness of the candidates for the Polish Polar Expeditions from 1976 till 1980 are presented. The authors suggest the necessity of introducing fixed norms of physical fitness in medical qualification of the candidates for polar expeditions.

In the present report worked out in the form of a communication the general description of course and realization of the scientifical and technical programmes of the VIth Expedition to the Polish Polar Station in the Hornsund fiord on Spitsbergen is given. The details of the programme and results of investigations on particulat items constitute already or will constitute within the next time a subject of special publications.

The succesive fifth whole-year research expedition stayed at the polar station of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, in the Hornsund fiord from July 1982 to August 1973. Continuous observations as well as sejsmologic, magnetic and meteorological records, constituting continuation of the investigations started in summer 1978. were carried out by the wintering group of 8 men. Also separate research programmes: physics of atmosphere and ionosphere, sedimcntologo-oceanological, geomorphological and medical investigations, including observations of white bears, were realized. Many technical works, repairs and adaptations were carried out as well.