Did you know there's something called Landing Rights in Antarctica? It has everything to do with the number of passengers aboard a ship. If there are over 500 passengers on a ship, that itinerary receives zero (0) Landing Rights, which means no one disembarks the ship nowhere in Antarctica. This is why we focus on expedition ships because they vary between yacht-like vessels of 50 passengers to expedition-style vessels between 100 and 400 passengers.

An expedition by definition is a journey or voyage involving exploration and research, and you cannot explore or research from inside a ship, which is why zodiacs are widely used to get you from ship to land. On that, here are some procedures:

Procedures for Zodiac Excursions

• To participate in shore excursions by Zodiac you must attend all Zodiac briefings aboard and ashore.


• You may not board a Zodiac unless you are properly attired.


• Dress in several layers of clothing, topped off with a parka


• Waterproof pants and warm headgear are necessary.


• Wear the rubber boots that we will loan you over two pairs of socks, when the Expedition Leader informs you that the landing will be wet.


• Carry your small belongings in a backpack so that both your hands are free to hold railings and accept assistance when embarking or disembarking the Zodiac.


• All electronic and valuable personal equipment like cameras, videos, binoculars etc. should be packed in waterproof bags and carried in your backpack.


• You must wear a lifejacket at all times while riding in a Zodiac.


• You may not smoke in a Zodiac or when on shore.


• Accept assistance when embarking or disembarking, using the sailor's grip, which will be demonstrated at the first briefing.


• While the Zodiac is in motion, you must remain seated with your feet on the deck.


• Keep your body, arms and hands inside the Zodiac to avoid injuries.


• You can make a stable platform for photography while in the Zodiac by kneeling on the floor with elbows on the pontoon.


• Other guests are eager to take photographs too, please make way for them, when you have taken your photos.


• When you arrive at the landing, remain seated until the driver and over the pontoon, stepping or sliding off do not jump.
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• Re-embarkation is the reverse of the disembarkation process.
  

  Information from Quark Expeditions