Important information

Please Note:
All visitors are required to read and sign a waiver prior to using BIOS facilities. The waiver will be provided upon check-in at BIOS.

Chemicals and Lab Supply
BIOS has available very limited quantities of chemicals and lab supplies. Communicate your requirements at least two months in advance of arrival. Use of any chemicals must be coordinated with the Lab Operations Department.

Chemical Waste
Visitors are personally responsible for the disposal of their toxic chemicals. Visitors must assure that their waste is safely contained, packaged and labeled. Waste must be entered into the BIOS electronic waste site. Please see the Lab Operations Department for information.

Radioactive Material:
All potential users of radioisotopes must obtain permission from the BIOS Radiation Safety Officer before bringing radioactive material to Bermuda. Please contact the Radiation Safety Officer at least three weeks in advance to confirm that proper documentation is in place for the isotope you wish to use. See the Visiting Scientist Application Form (MS Word Document) for details or contact Dr. Michael Lomas, Radiation Safety Officer, at michael.lomas(at)bios.edu.

Collecting and Export of Samples:
The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) has a deep respect for the natural environment of Bermuda and is dedicated to its preservation. BIOS does not sanction collecting for any purpose other than research or education. Visitors who plan to collect and/or export samples must follow the guidelines of the BIOS Collection and Experimental Ethics Policy.

Insurance
BIOS insurance does not cover non-BIOS personnel or equipment; therefore you must provide your own insurance for health, accident, theft, equipment damage, loss and liability. We require that all group leaders carry liability insurance, with BIOS as a named insured on the policy. All ship and other boat users are required to sign waivers prior to boarding.

SCUBA
BIOS is a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS). Complete details of BIOS's diving guidelines and FAQs are available at Diving and Snorkeling at BIOS. Contact the Dive Safety Officer if you require further information. Diving Fees

Passport / VISA Requirements
Passports are required for all persons flying to/from Bermuda. Machine-readable passports are preferred. For visa info, check with Bermuda Department of Immigration at www.immigration.gov.bm. Bermuda Immigration must approve, in advance of arrival, stays longer than 21 days. Additionally, flights to/from Bermuda through the US must follow US regulations, see http://travel.state.gov/; and, flights to/from UK must follow UK regulations, see http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk. All immigration/travel rules are subject to change, verify information prior to traveling. Check with your travel agent or government with regard to specific entry and exit requirements.

Reservations
Please make reservations well in advance. BIOS may not be able to guarantee the availability of facilities on short notice.

A 25% surcharge is added to all prices for non-resident users (excluding meals, facilities fee and tanks).