During days at sea, you’ll enjoy lectures and workshops presented by our Expedition Team and spend time on deck looking for seabirds and cetaceans. Other days are packed full with multiple landings, Zodiac cruises and activities. Exhausting or relaxing, smiles abound as do great meals from your onboard chefs!
We have a number of policies and procedures that help make sure things run smoothly on the Ultramarine, so take a look below to help get the most out of your time aboard.
SCHEDULE CHANGES
While a daily program will be posted, sometimes new opportunities present themselves on short notice – so expect the unexpected and enjoy knowing that staff members are always here to make sure your expedition is as memorable and enjoyable as possible!
SAFETY ON BOARD AND ASHORE
Your safety and security are a top priority for our Expedition Team and crew members. Knowing how to safely move about your ship, act ashore and handle both wet and dry landings will help ensure you have a hassle-free expedition. Please take time to read the instructions in this important safety section.
SAFETY WHILE ON DECK
Be careful while walking around the outer decks, as footing can be slippery. Always use the handrails and wear proper closed-toe, nonslip footwear. Slip-on sandals, slippers or flip flops are neither safe nor suitable for wearing on board.
STAIRS & DOORS
There are high steps in many doorways that lead to the outer decks, please watch your step and proceed with caution. When passing through doorways or walking in your room, do not place your hands around the edges of doors. Be aware that if doors are not closed or latched open properly, they present a danger and can open or close violently and unexpectedly as the ship moves across the sea.
SAFETY BRIEFING & LIFEBOAT DRILL
By international maritime law, you must participate in an emergency drill within 24 hours of sailing. Upon embarkation, you will have a safety briefing to outline appropriate behavior on board, and emergency procedures. Afterward, a drill will be conducted to familiarize you with your lifeboat, life vest and emergency evacuation route. This mandatory drill will be scheduled as soon as possible by the Expedition Leader. You will be provided with full details after you embark.
CONDUCT ASHORE
- For safety reasons, never walk alone while ashore. Always travel with someone else, or as part of a group.
- If weather conditions deteriorate the Captain will sound the return to ship signal (continuous short blasts). If you hear this, immediately return to the landing area or follow instructions from staff members.
- Do not litter. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
- Be punctual, as on time boarding and efficient landings mean we’ll have more time to explore at future landings.
HELICOPTER SAFETY
The Ultramarine provides an expedition adventure above that of many other ships – by taking you on helicopter excursions. Helicopters allow us to take you on aerial sightseeing adventures, to bays that are inaccessible to shore landings, as well as glaciers high atop mountains!
Please see your expedition brochure for details on whether helicopter activities are offered on your itinerary, as helicopter operations are not permitted in certain regions (for example, Svalbard and South Georgia). Weather conditions permitting, you will find that we make good use of the helicopter operations. As your safety is our first concern, a mandatory briefing will be held before the first helicopter excursion. You will be required to sign the Helicopter Waiver form before your first flight. Please note that the decision to fly is ultimately up to the Pilot in Command who will be working closely with the Captain and Expedition Leader.
You will be assigned to a small group for your flightseeing excursion. Please note that as weather factors and time constraints can shorten the time available for helicopter flights on any given day, no particular day or time can be guaranteed for flightseeing, and all helicopter operations are weather- and logistics-dependent.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR SAFETY
There is some possibility that you could be stranded ashore or on the ice for a period of hours until conditions improve for your helicopter to return. In the unlikely event that you are grounded for a long duration, the Expedition Team will prepare a base camp with a large tent for shelter and emergency supplies. Be sure to always dress warmly in layers, including your Quark Expeditions® parka as your outer layer which is weatherproof in case this eventuality occurs. Bring along extra clothes and water in a small waterproof backpack on each of your helicopter rides.
ADVENTURE TAKES TIME
Be aware that even in the best conditions, it may take six hours for 100 people to make a 20-minute helicopter flight inland. For efficient operations, weather, or refueling and maintenance, the helicopter may not be available for you to return immediately.
PROCEDURES FOR BOARDING A HELICOPTER:
- Dress warmly for all excursions.
- Follow instructions from the Helicopter Team on life jacket procedures during helicopter excursions.
- Watch your footing on deck, walk slowly and deliberately.
- Stay clear of the helicopter deck.
- Remain at the muster area well away from the helicopter deck until instructed by the Helicopter Team.
- When in a hurry, slow down – the noise of the helicopter can be unsettling.
- An Helicopter Team member will always direct you to the helicopter doors.
- Always approach and leave the helicopter from the front.
- Never approach and leave the helicopter unsupervised.
- Beware of the down-draft.
- Ensure that your belongings are properly secured.
- Carry long items, such as tripods or walking sticks, below your waistline.
