Passengers must be aware of certain regulations involving the Zodiacs in order to ensure safety in our operations: 

• The Zodiac driver is in charge of the boat and its operations. Please follow his or her instructions at all times. 
• There may be wet landings (these may require getting your feet wet by wading ashore). We would advise passengers to wear appropriate waterproof clothing as protection from sea spray or rain when in the Zodiacs. Passengers should also use a weatherproof bag (or bring along a plastic bag or black garbage bag) to protect non-waterproof items such as cameras and binoculars. 
• Always wear the life jackets provided when traveling in the Zodiacs. This is for your safety, and is required at all times while in the Zodiacs, regardless of weather and sea conditions. 
• Always accept the helping hands of crew members and Zodiac drivers when stepping into or out of the Zodiacs at the ship’s gangway. Keep both hands free for this operation and use the preferred “sailor’s grip”.
• Minimize the number of separate articles you take along with you when using the Zodiacs. Backpacks are ideal for consolidating such diverse objects as cameras, binoculars, rain wear, extra shoes, etc. It also enables you to have both hands free. 
• Personal hand luggage should be given to the boat handlers before embarking or disembarking the zodiac. 

The main focus on this expedition is photographing wildlife and landscape, and we want to get good images without stressing or disturbing the wildlife too much. 

• Watch your step. Keep to established paths when possible. Exercise extreme care among breeding colonies of seabirds. Be aware of ground nesting birds. Follow the instructions given by your guides. 
• Approach wildlife very carefully when taking photographs. It is important to remember that your photography is not over when the shutter clicks. Make your retreat from the subject in the same way you approached. The key point to remember is not to cause the animals any distress. Never harass wildlife for the sake of a photograph. 
• Take care not to startle or chase any bird from its nest. Your attention to a nesting or molting bird should never be prolonged when a predator is in the vicinity. Foxes, gulls and skuas are especially adapted to exploiting disruptions by raiding exposed nests and the young. 
• Monitor your surroundings and be sensitive to any disruption you may be causing. If an animal shows signs of distress or avoidance, move away carefully. 
• Look but never touch. These are wild animals going about the daily business of their lives. We want to observe and photograph natural behavior in its natural state. 
• Avoid repeated trampling of plants. Disruption of the plant cover in wet environments can cause underlying permafrost to melt, leading to a perennial and spreading wound. In cold and dry habitats the recovery of plants is very slow. 
• When ashore, stay with the group and/or one of the ship’s guides. For your safety, never wander on your own. Listen to the expedition leader and guides. Do not hesitate to ask your leaders and guides if you are not sure about something. 
• Emphasize reading animal signs. The meaning of an animal’s track can be as interesting as seeing the animal itself and avoids stressing the animal. 

• In order not to introduce new species into Svalbard please wash your boots at home and make sure that no seeds are included in the packaging or clothing (pockets, photo bag, etc.). 
• Do not litter! Respect the wilderness, its wildlife and the enjoyment of future visitors. Return all litter to the ship for proper disposal. This includes litter of all types, such as wrappers, plastic bags, food waste and tissues. Leave no evidence of your visit. 
• Do not collect natural souvenirs such as shells, rocks, feathers, bones or fossils. 
• Keep noise level to a minimum.