ANTARCTIC VISITORS´ GUIDELINES

Antarctica is the largest wilderness area in the world, but also one of the most fragile. Many governments and nongovernmental organizations, and all the principal companies arranging tourist expeditions to the region, are working together to ensure the comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment. In this context, Antarctica21 and other members of IAATO (the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) have adopted a code of conduct for Antarctic Visitors and have committed themselves to its compliance.

GUIDELINES FOR ZODIAC CRUISING

Thanks to their maneuverability, Zodiac boats are fundamental in facilitating expedition cruising. These inflatable craft can accommodate up to 12 guests and are used in Antarctica to land passengers ashore at places that are not accessible by other forms of transport. Antarctica21 Staff will give you a visual presentation on how to board and disembark Zodiac boats safely. Please also refer to Guidelines for Zodiac cruising further on or My Expedition portal.

A21’S COVID-19 PREVENTION MEASURES

To participate in a trip with Antarctica21, guests must:

• Meet the entry requirement of the countries visited during the itinerary

• Be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, at least one booster dose is also recommended

• Complete Antarctica21’s participation form no later than 120 days prior to departure

• Purchase medical travel insurance, including emergency evacuation and Covid-related events

BEFORE LEAVING TO ANTARCTICA

BOOTS, CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES

Visitors are advised that Antarctica is an isolated continent and is believed to be largely free of introduced diseases and non-native species. We must ensure that it remains so. Visitors are advised that all boots, clothing, and equipment must be clean before traveling to Antarctica. Those who go trekking, hiking, backpacking, or visiting a farm prior to the voyage must clean their boots, clothing and equipment thoroughly to remove all foreign material. Tripod feet and backpacks should also be checked thoroughly. In particular, checks of pockets, seams, trousers cuffs, hoods of jackets and Velcro fastenings should be made to ensure that no soil, seeds or any other organic material remain. Any other clothing or equipment that might be carried to Antarctica should be thoroughly decontaminated.

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING FOR ESSENTIAL GEAR

For passengers starting their voyage in Punta Arenas, a small selection of expedition gear such as jackets, waterproof pants, gloves, and hats is available for sale at the hotel. A record of these purchases will be kept and added to your shipboard account.

RUBBER BOOTS

On the first day of the program Antarctica21 staff will deliver a pair of boots for landing in Antarctica to each passenger. Boots are provided on loan and will be collected before the end of the trip.

Boots are provided upon arrival at the hotel to passengers booked on voyages starting in Punta Arenas. For those passengers who depart from Ushuaia, boots will be distributed on board the ship.

ORIENTATION BRIEFINGS

Before leaving for Antarctica, passengers are requested to meet for an orientation briefing session during which they will receive detailed information on several aspects associated with their forthcoming Antarctic experience. This briefing includes the guidelines for Antarctic Visitors and Zodiac Cruising.

Briefings will take place in the afternoon of Day 1 of the program for those passengers starting their journey in Punta Arenas. For passengers boarding in Ushuaia, they will be provided on board during navigation towards Antarctica. These briefings are very important so please listen carefully!

LANGUAGE

Although our expedition group is formed by a relatively small number of travellers, you will find that many languages are spoken among participants. English, however, is the official language used during the voyage by the Expedition Team. The ship’s crew is international, and most officers speak English, and so do most of the crewmembers.

FLYING TO AND FROM ANTARCTICA

For the flight between Punta Arenas and Antarctica we operate three similar aircraft: British Aerospace BAe-146-200, AVRO RJ85 and AVRO RJ100. The flight takes a little less than 2 hours. Unless you have purchased the Preferred Seating option, open seating is available on board the aircraft, with plenty of extra room to accommodate everyone comfortably. A snack will be served during the flight.

The departure time of the flight to Antarctica is usually announced during the welcome dinner in Punta Arenas and reconfirmed shortly before departure. The departure time of the return flight to Punta Arenas will be confirmed on board the vessel a few hours before take-off.

Antarctica21 must advise you that all operations carried out in the Antarctic territory are subject to constantly changing weather conditions. Safety is the paramount concern on any Antarctic voyage. This means that any flight to or from Antarctica will be carried out exclusively and absolutely according to the judgment of the Captain of the aircraft, whose decision will be final and will not be questioned by anyone. It is understood that such decisions will be made in the best interests of the passengers and with regard to the safety of the aircraft. We ask you never to lose sight of this point!

CONTINGENCY PLAN

Antarctica21 has been organizing Antarctic Air-Cruises since 2003. This experience has made us experts in the delicate coordination between the air and the sea operations in an extreme environment such as Antarctica.

In the unlikely event that the flight to Antarctica cannot take place according to the itinerary schedule due to unfavorable weather conditions, Antarctica21 has established a Contingency Plan describing the activities and services planned to adapt to the circumstances. Antarctica21 invites you to read the Contingency Plan that applies to your air-cruise and to familiarize yourself with the various possible scenarios.

A tight flight-schedule connection combined with an Antarctic expedition is unwise. For this reason, if you plan to depart Punta Arenas right away following the end of your itinerary with Antarctica21, we recommend that you book your onward flight later in the day, as opposed to early in the morning. You may also want to consider building an additional buffer between the last day of your itinerary with Antarctica21 and your onward flight. Additionally, Antarctica21 suggests holding a flexible air ticket for your home journey in case you need to change travel dates.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 Lb.) per passenger, including hand luggage. Any excess baggage may be left in custody In Punta Arenas. For air-cruises starting in Ushuaia, excess luggage will be disembarked at Port Williams and sent to Punta Arenas by air cargo at the traveler’s expense. Custody luggage will be available for pick up in Punta Arenas upon your return from Antarctica. Due to technical requirements imposed by the flight operation, excess luggage allowance cannot be purchased.

DRESS ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT

The aircraft cabin is heated to provide you with a comfortable flight, however please bear in mind that you will be landing in Antarctica, where the temperature on average is 0°C (32°F). We suggest you wear layers of warm clothing and take with you a parka/anorak, waterproof trousers, a pair of gloves, and a cap or hat. Please ensure that you are wearing your Antarctica21 rubber boots when you disembark the aircraft. For suggested clothing, please refer to Packing your gear further on or My Expedition portal.

TRANSIT AT FREI STATION

At Frei Base, facilities are quite basic – do not expect an air and a sea terminal as you may find in most cities around the world!

The vessel is anchored in the middle of Fildes Bay facing Frei Base. The airfield, called Aeródromo Teniente Marsh, is located in the heights of the base. The distance between the airfield and the shoreline where we will be boarding the Zodiac boats is about 2 km (1 mile) downhill, a 20-30 minute walk. If you think that you will not be able to walk this distance, please inform Antarctica21staff before the flight.

Antarctica21 staff will take care of transporting passengers’ luggage while in transit. Passengers are required to take responsibility for their personal carry-on luggage. You will not be able to have access to your hold luggage until you are on board the ship – it will be delivered to your cabin as soon as possible.

Before boarding the Zodiac boats, passengers will be provided with a lightweight life vest that must be worn at all times while cruising. Basic instructions on how to properly board and disembark these watercrafts are provided in Guidelines for Zodiac cruising further on or My Expedition portal.

COMMUNICATION AT FREI STATION

In contrast with other places in Antarctica, mobile phones do work at Frei Station. So, if international roaming is enabled on your device, you will be able to be in touch with the outside world.

ON BOARD “OCEAN NOVA”

SAFETY AT SEA

The personal safety of all passengers and crew is our highest priority during your voyage. Our vessel meets all international requirements. Officers and crew are trained on regular practice emergency procedures to ensure your comfort and safety. Within 24 hours of embarkation there will be a mandatory emergency drill in which all guests are required to participate. Through this exercise, you will become familiar with the procedures that must be followed in the unlikely event of an emergency.

SAFETY ON BOARD

Please bear in mind the following:

• Always obey all safety announcements given by the Captain, the officers, or your Expedition Team.

• Always have one hand for the ship. Never walk with your hands in your pockets.

• Always wear proper footwear. Slip-on shoes without heel straps are dangerous.

• For your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers, please do not take any china or glass on the outside decks.

• The exterior decks may be wet and slippery – therefore we ask you to walk carefully and to hold on to the ship’s railings.

• In rough seas, please hold on to handrails and fixed objects. Use the handrails whenever possible, especially when going up stairways, ladders etc.

• Occasionally exterior doorways may be closed by the crew, and for safety reasons passengers are requested to remain indoors when this occurs.

• Please mind the high thresholds in some exterior doorways.

• When passing through all doorways, and while in your cabin, PLEASE DO NOT PUT YOUR HANDS ON THE DOOR FRAMES. A sudden movement may slam the door shut upon your fingers or hands.

EXPEDITION TEAM

During the cruise, your voyage will be directed by an Expedition Leader who will work in conjunction with the ship’s Captain to lead you through the most exciting and safe exploration of the last untouched wilderness on Earth.

The Expedition Leader will be assisted by the Cruise Manager, in charge of clients’ satisfaction, and the Educational Coordinator, responsible for coordinating the educational program, as well as a team of naturalists and lecturers, Zodiac drivers, mountain guides and kayak guides who will accompany you throughout your cruise. In addition to giving lectures and leading shore excursions, they will also be on hand to answer your questions and provide ready knowledge throughout the day.

HOTEL TEAM

Your stay on board will be made as pleasant and comfortable as possible by the Hotel Team which is led by the Hotel Manager. The Hotel Team is composed of several crew members including a bartender, a team of chefs, cabin staff, and dining room staff who will take care of satisfying your appetite and any of your hospitality needs. Should you need assistance for any hotel related matter, you can enquire at the Hotel Manager’s office located next to the ship’s lobby.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

A qualified Physician accompanies every voyage to provide emergency health care. The Clinic is equipped with a limited supply of prescription medicines and basic first aid equipment. In case of emergency, please contact the Bridge, the Expedition Staff or the Hotel Team.

SEASICKNESS

Seasickness is an unpleasant but very treatable condition. There are a variety of effective over- the-counter and prescription remedies for it. Remember that these treatments are generally more effective when taken BEFORE the onset of nausea; so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking action before sailing or entering open seas.

Although the ship’s doctor is available for advice, check with your personal doctor before departure about taking medication.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INFECTIONS

On our voyages we all travel together in a closed environment. Just like on buses, planes, and trains, germs can spread easily on board ships. It is important that we all take precautions to minimize the risk of infection. We highly recommend that you consult with your physician prior to departing from home.

If you experience symptoms like fever or chill, sore throat, cough, vomiting or diarrhea during the 48-hour period prior to boarding the ship, we ask that you present yourself to the ship’s physician or inform the expedition staff as soon as possible. While on board the ship, you can play an active role in protecting your health and preventing the spread of possible infections by following some simple steps:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Make frequent use of the hand sanitizing liquid available throughout the ship.

• Keep your hands away from your face.

• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.

Antarctica21 and all your fellow passengers appreciate your assistance with this!

DRESS CODE ON BOARD

Casual attire (expedition style) is the most appropriate apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and informal, including shoes. There is no requirement to dress formally for any meals. Should you wish to be on the outside decks, the Antarctica21 rubber boots are ideally warm and comfortable to wear. The average temperature on board is about 20°/22°C (68°/72°F).

Always wear proper footwear. Do not walk with bare feet. Slip-on shoes without heel straps are dangerous.

DAILY PROGRAM

During the cruise the Expedition Team will prepare a daily program, describing the day’s activities, events, landing times, meal times and lectures. Please remember that the expeditionary nature of this voyage may result in changes to the daily program due to sea, weather, ice and local conditions. The daily program will be posted in the ship’s lobby and other public areas of the vessel easily accessible to passengers.

EXPEDITION INTRANET

You can surf the Expedition Intranet with your personal device via the on board WiFi. There you will find a variety of resources related to your voyage, information about Antarctica and useful tips concerning life on board the vessel, such as the daily program, the ship’s position, the daily menu and much more. Enjoy surfing the Expedition Intranet while resting in your cabin or relaxing in the library.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

All announcements on board are made via the public announcement system (PA) that can be heard both in public areas and in cabins. They may concern confirmations of landings and other common activities, calls for meetings, changes of plans, interesting events and wildlife sightings, etc.

WAKE-UP CALL

Every morning, the Expedition Leader makes a wake-up call through the PA system before breakfast is served. Until that call you can rest serenely without running the risk of missing any activity.

ITINERARY

The itinerary of the cruise is designed by the Expedition Leader together with the ship’s Captain to offer you the best opportunities to enjoy the attractions of the Antarctic Peninsula area, including its wildlife, beautiful scenery, historical attractions, and the various scientific stations. Regular shore excursions are planned throughout your time on board.

FLEXIBILITY

Weather and sea conditions play important roles in expeditionary cruising and the highest priority of the Captain and the Expedition Leader is always the safety of passengers and of the ship. For this important reason, the planned itinerary and activities are subject to modifications or cancellations due to changing weather and/or sea conditions, or other unforeseeable reasons. Please rest assured that the Captain and the Expedition Leader will always do their utmost to offer you the best possible alternatives in the spirit of a true expeditionary experience. We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.

LECTURES, RECAPS AND DOCUMENTARIES

During the Antarctic expedition you will be invited to meet for regular briefings where you will be provided with extensive information about the landing sites and the itinerary. On a daily basis, the Expedition Team will summarize experiences ashore and update you on the plans for the next day. Our qualified team of Antarctic experts will be pleased to invite you to join their lectures on biology, history, climate, etc. and watch documentaries that will lead you to discover more about the fascinating continent of Antarctica.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Shore excursions will be published in the daily program and outlined during pre-landing briefings and daily recaps. Weather and sea conditions permitting, two excursions per day are usually planned. Before disembarking, information about the visit and the type of landing will be provided. The final confirmation of a shore excursion will be announced through the PA system about 15-30 minutes prior to disembarkation to give you time to get properly dressed. Please be on time, and don’t forget your life vest! Our expedition staff will be at the embarkation platform to assist you to board the Zodiac boats and will accompany and guide you on land. Please follow carefully their instructions and advice.

Excursions may include Zodiac cruises and shore landings in sites rich with wildlife, of particular scenic beauty or historical interest, or at international scientific stations. Duration of excursions usually varies between 1 and 3 hours, depending on weather and interest at each landing site. If you wish to return on board before the official end of an excursion, feel free to ask your guides for an early return to the ship. During shore landings, short walks with a medium level of difficulty are offered according to the conditions of the local terrain. In case of doubt, do not hesitate to ask your guides about the difficulty of any specific shore excursion.

As a general rule, we strongly recommend that you take part in shore excursions without exposing yourself to efforts that may exceed your physical capabilities. In case of any doubt, please consult the Expedition Team or consult the onboard Physician.

OPTIONAL ADVENTURE PROGRAMS

On certain departures, Antarctica21 offers optional adventure programs such as sea kayaking or hiking and snowshoeing. These programs are developed as group experiences for a limited number of participants. Only passengers who have pre-booked or are part of the sea kayaking group from the start of the program can take part in the activity. Conversely, for hiking and snowshoeing, you are welcome to enroll on board for daily outings. A fee per person is applicable. Adventure programs are led by an experienced guide, and are conducted according to specific procedures and conditions. Please refer to Antarctica21’s Adventure Programs Terms and Conditions if you intend to take part in an optional program. These activities are conducted at the same time as regular shore excursions without affecting the itinerary, the program, or the main objectives of the expedition.

ZODIAC BOATS

“Ocean Nova”carries her own fleet of Zodiac boats, type Mark V-HD. These are made of several airtight compartments of high performance fabrics. Zodiac boats are stable, safe, and maneuverable. They accommodate up to 12 guests and are easy to board. Please refer to Guidelines for Zodiac Cruising further on or My Expedition portal.

Before boarding Zodiac boats, you will be provided with a lightweight life vest, which inflates automatically when it makes contact with water. This life vests must be worn at all times in the Zodiac while cruising. You can keep the vest that has been assigned to you during the entire cruise.

CONSERVATION

Please keep in mind that the places you will be visiting during your voyage are unique. We, at Antarctica21, are very proud of our outstanding reputation for conservation and respect for all the ecosystems that we visit. Please assist us in maintaining this reputation. Our lecturers and staff will accompany you on shore excursions and provide you with guidelines and specific information for the area being visited. Please read carefully Antarctic Visitors’ Guidelines further on or refer to My Expedition portal.

BOOT-WASHING STATION

There is the potential for visitors to be conveyors of disease and non-native species, both into and within the Antarctic ecosystem. To minimize such a risk, some simple decontamination procedures are practiced. Boots, clothing, and even camera tripods must be cleaned before joining the ship. After a shore excursion you will be asked to rinse your boots in seawater in order to wash away as much material as possible. Once on board, please rinse and scrub your boots carefully to remove any trace of organic material. As a last step of the decontamination procedure, you will be asked to rinse your boots in a disinfectant footbath.

WILDLIFE WATCH

During the time we are in areas where there is a possibility of sighting wildlife, the ship’s officers and staff are constantly on the lookout. However, please do not hesitate to report a sighting to the Bridge or the expedition staff. If we are fortunate enough to sight wildlife, we will announce it from the Bridge, regardless of the hour. In this event, if you wish to go back to sleep, please do so.

PASSPORT

You do not need to show your passport when landing in Antarctica. However, you may wish to carry it with you on shore excursions to stations where souvenir stamps are often available.

Passports of passengers starting their voyage in Chile and ending it in Argentina, or vice versa, will be collected on board in order to fulfill international police formalities. They will be returned prior to disembarkation.

SMOKING

“Ocean Nova” is a non-smoking ship. Inside the ship all passenger areas, including cabins, are designated as non-smoking. Smoking is permitted in designated areas on the exterior decks, where cigarette butt containers are located. Please be aware that smoking is not permitted during shore excursions in Antarctica.

For safety and environmental reasons, never throw cigarette butts or any other material on the ground or into the sea.

COMMUNICATION

The vessel is equipped with a satellite system allowing communication by telephone, webmail and internet with the rest of the world.

• Telephone: A telephone is available in each cabin. Please ask the Hotel Manager about current telephone rates and calling cards.

• Webmail and Internet: You can connect to the on board WiFi with your personal device. Alternatively, ship’s computers are available in common areas. Please ask the Hotel Manager about current rates for Internet browsing or setting up a webmail account.

The Internet system provided on board runs via a satellite-connected service with a limited bandwidth. Please be prepared for a much lower speed than you may be used to when browsing at home. We strongly suggest to limit Internet use to basic functions and avoid browsing heavy pages or applications. It can get expensive!

BRIDGE

The Bridge is an important working area on the ship. During your voyage you are welcome to visit the Bridge to watch the Captain and the officers sailing the ship. The Bridge may be closed at arrival and departure from ports and during times of complicated navigation. For safety reasons, please always keep your voice down and beware of not standing in the way of the officers. Bridge etiquette also includes “no eating and no drinking”.

LOUNGE AND BAR

The Panorama Lounge is a beautiful glass enclosed public area located on deck 5 that can easily accommodate the entire complement of passengers. It is open at all times for guests’ enjoyment. Lectures, presentations and movies will be offered in this lounge throughout the voyage. The Panorama Lounge houses Ocean Nova’s bar.

LIBRARY

In the Library located on deck 4 aft you will find a comprehensive collection of Antarctic and other polar literature. The Library is reserved as a “Quiet Area” and it is open 24 hours a day.

GYM

A small gym is available on board. No appointment is needed. It is available on a first-come, first- served basis. Please do not bring any glass bottles or drinking glasses into the gym and always remember to sanitize your hands.

RESTAURANT AND MEALS

Tables in the Dining Room are unassigned and there is open seating at all meals. The following dining options will be served during the cruise:

• Early bird (tea, coffee and pastries)

• American buffet breakfast

• Buffet lunch

• Afternoon tea

• Cocktail

• Set menu dinner

Unless otherwise advised, breakfast is usually served one hour before the morning excursion. Lunch and dinner are served at fixed times which may vary depending upon the shore excursions. Meal times are announced in the daily program and confirmed through the PA system. Please be on time. No room service is available on board.

DAILY MENU AND DIETARY REQUESTS

The daily menu is posted in front of the Dining Room. A vegetarian option is always available. If you have a special requirement, please contact the Hotel Manager. With advanced notice, our chefs will happily accommodate special dietary requests and restrictions. Please state your dietary requirements in the Participation Form in My Expedition portal. Kosher and Vegan food is not available.

DRINKS AND BEVERAGES

You will find a large selection of drinks at Ocean Nova’s bar, including wines, spirits, beers, and soft drinks. For simplicity, your bar costs are recorded and will be settled at the same time as other shipboard accounts. Antarctica21 has the pleasure of offering at no charge an excellent choice of Chilean wines during meals together with other non-alcoholic beverages. Hot drinks like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, are offered in the lounge throughout the day. Although bottled water is always available, we do our best to minimize waste produced on board. For this reason we strongly encourage our guests to take advantage of drinking water stations located in public areas to refill their bottles.

The bar is a pleasant place for sharing and socializing. However, never forget that the vessel is a moving platform requiring full control of your physical faculties at all times. When you take part in a land excursion, you will also need excellent coordination to get on and off the Zodiac boats, and to walk on the slippery and uneven terrain that we usually encounter in the places we visit.

CABINS

Passenger cabins are located on different deck levels. Cabins are made up and cleaned by stewardesses during the morning.

• Cabin key: a cabin card will be required to access your cabin and will be issued upon embarkation.

• Change of towels: please leave your towels on the floor if you want them changed. If you hang up your towel we will understand that you will use it again. Thank you for your cooperation in respecting the environment and limiting the use of washing powder.

• Toilets: on board toilets are very efficient but also very sensitive. Please do not put anything into them except toilet paper. Dispose of tissue, sanitary napkins, and other such objects in the waste bin.

• Water supply: tap water is drinkable. Although there is no reason for water rationing, water conservation on board is encouraged.

• Telephone: each cabin is equipped with a telephone. You can call other cabins at no charge, or make international calls with the calling card that you can purchase at the Hotel Manager’s office.

• Hairdryer: a hairdryer is available in each cabin. There is no hairdresser on board.

• Cabin amenities: shower gel and shampoo, soap, shower cap, slippers and a bathrobe will be available for your comfort.

• Laundry service: in your cabin you will find a laundry bag and the laundry price list. Laundry is returned within 48 hours. Please note that your selected clothes will be washed at 40 degrees and dried. We do not take any responsibility for any damages to your clothes and for items left in the pockets

• Climate control: each cabin is equipped with temperature controls. Feel free to set these controls to your own comfort level or ask the Hotel Team for help.

• Sprinkler system: the sprinkler heads located on the cabin ceiling are very sensitive. Please do not hang any items from the sprinkler heads. Passengers activating the sprinkler system may be responsible for the damages that occur.

• Disposal of special garbage: if you wish to dispose of special items such as used batteries, please ask the Hotel Team for proper disposal.

• Safe box: a safe box is available at the Hotel Manager’s office. There are no individual safe boxes available in cabins.

Please note that Antarctica21 is not responsible for the loss of personal effects and valuables.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND OUTLETS

Electric outlets on board are 220V/50Hz, and are equipped with a standard 2-prong plug or Euro- plug. Please bring with you the necessary converters and adapters.