The parties agree as follows:

1. Services

During the Period (as defined below), the Contractor shall perform the services described in one or more Statements of Work attached as Schedule A (each, an “SOW”). Each SOW is incorporated into this Agreement by reference. The Contractor may use qualified subcontractors only with the Company’s prior written approval and remains fully responsible for their acts and omissions.

2. Compensation and Reimbursement

The Company shall pay the Contractor the fees set forth in the applicable SOW. Reimbursable expenses, if any, shall also be defined in the SOW. The Contractor shall submit either monthly or per Expedition invoices detailing Services performed and approved expenses incurred. The Company shall pay undisputed amounts within thirty (30) days of invoice.

3. Duration  

This Agreement begins on the Effective Date and continues until terminated in accordance with Section 4 (the “Period”)  

4. Termination  

The Contractor may terminate this Agreement with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time upon written notice. Upon termination, the Contractor shall be entitled to payment for Services performed and approved expenses incurred prior to the effective date of termination.

5. Company Property

Upon request or termination, the Contractor shall promptly return all Company property and all Confidential Information (as defined below), and shall not retain copies in any form.

5.1 Confidentiality

The term “Confidential Information” shall mean any and all confidential or proprietary knowledge, data or information of the Company and its third-party contractors, including all non‑public operational, navigational, scientific, expedition‑related, or field‑generated information, such as vessel location, movements, schedules, activities, discoveries, imagery, communications, and any other information obtained or observed by the Contractor during an expedition or while performing the Services including but not limited to information supplied to the Contractor with the legend “Confidential,” or similar Company marketing, trade secrets, inventions (whether patentable or not), ideas, technology, methods, formulations, prototypes, models, casts, programs, know-how and show-how, improvements, discoveries, development, drawings, techniques, software, graphics, media, algorithms, other works of authorship, research plans, marketing and sales plans, business model and plans, market research, competitive analysis, financial information, licenses, external relationships, internal organization and employee information, customer names, supplier names, and all derivatives, improvements and enhancements to any of the above which are created or developed by Contractor under this Agreement and information of third parties as to which Company has an obligation of confidentiality.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that Contractor can reasonably demonstrate: (a) is made public by the Company or that otherwise is or becomes part of the public domain through no wrongful act, fault, or negligence on the part of the Contractor, (b) was known to the Contractor prior to the disclosure by the Company, (c) is or becomes available to the Contractor on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company, provided that such source is not furnishing such Confidential Information in breach of applicable law or in breach of an agreement with the Company, or (d) is or was independently developed by the Contractor without violating its confidentiality obligations hereunder.

The Contractor shall not, without the Company’s prior written consent, either during the Period or thereafter: (a) use or disclose the Confidential Information for any purpose other than the performance of the Services on behalf of the Company, (b) publish any article with respect thereto, or (c) except in the performance of the Services hereunder, copy or remove any Confidential Information from the real or personal property of the Company, including from any data storage owned, rented, controlled or utilized by the Company.

The Contractor hereby acknowledges that the Company would be irreparably damaged if the Confidential Information was disclosed to, or utilized on behalf of, individuals or companies whose business competes, directly or indirectly, with that of the Company or individuals or companies in which the Company invests or with which it collaborates, which damage cannot be adequately compensated for by an action at law.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach by the Contractor of the provisions hereof, the Company shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including an injunction and specific performance without the necessity of posting a bond, as a remedy for any such breach or threatened breach.  Nothing herein contained shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other remedies available for any breach or threatened breach of this Agreement.

The Contractor agrees that the Contractor shall not, during the Period, improperly use or disclose any proprietary information or trade secrets of any former or current employer or other person or entity with which the Contractor has an agreement or duty to keep in confidence information acquired by the Contractor, if any, and that the Contractor shall not bring onto the premises or place on the personal property of the Company, including on any data storage owned, rented, controlled or utilized by the Company, any unpublished document or proprietary information belonging to such employer, person or entity unless consented to in writing by such employer, person or entity.

6. Ownership of Work Product

The Contractor shall promptly disclose to the Company any and all trade secrets, inventions, ideas, processes, formulations, data, programs, other works of authorship, including - how, improvements, discoveries, developments, designs and techniques, whether or not patentable, which the Contractor conceives or makes, solely or jointly, within the Period and which are related to the Services, including any of the foregoing conceived or made as a result of the receipt of Confidential Information from the Company (collectively, “Inventions”). All of the Contractor’s rights in and to the Inventions shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company.

The Contractor and the Company agree that all reports, documents, data, designs, media, content, software, code, and other materials created by the Contractor specifically for the Company in the course of performing the Services (“Work Product”) shall be deemed “work made for hire” within the meaning of the United States Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §101, with the Company as the owner of all rights, title, and interest therein. To the extent any Work Product does not qualify as a work made for hire, the Contractor hereby assigns to the Company all right, title, and interest in such Work Product.

The Contractor may use its own pre‑existing or independently developed software, code, tools, libraries, processes, equipment, or other intellectual property (“Contractor Background IP”) in performing the Services. The Contractor retains ownership of all Contractor Background IP.

To the extent any Contractor Background IP is incorporated into, relied upon by, or necessary to use, maintain, or operate the Work Product, the Contractor grants the Company a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, royalty‑free, fully paid‑up license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works of such Contractor Background IP solely as part of the Company’s use of the Work Product. The Contractor will identify in writing any Contractor Background IP used in connection with the Services. Any intellectual property not identified as Contractor Background IP shall be treated as Work Product owned by the Company. Use of the Contractor’s own equipment, software, or tools does not affect the Company’s ownership of the Work Product.

To the extent Moral Rights may not be assignable under applicable law, the Contractor hereby irrevocably waives such Moral Rights and consents to any action by the Company that would otherwise violate such rights, to the fullest extent permitted by law. “Moral Rights” means all rights

The Contractor’s agreement as to the work-for-hire nature of the Inventions and its assignment of all other Rights and Inventions to the Company and the Company’s ownership of all Rights and Inventions shall be effective and irrevocable immediately upon the Contractor’s creation of any such Rights or Inventions.  No termination of this Agreement or claim by the Contractor against the Company for any reason shall affect the Company’s right, title, and interest in the Rights or Inventions.  

The Contractor shall execute all papers, including patent applications, invention assignments, and copyright assignments, and otherwise shall assist the Company (or its designee) as reasonably required to perfect in the Company the rights, title, and other interests in the Contractor’s work product, the Inventions and Rights, including in any litigation in which the Company may be involved relating thereto, granted to the Company under this Agreement.  Costs related to such assistance, if required, shall be paid by the Company.  The Contractor shall be entitled to additional compensation, at an hourly fee reasonable and customary for a Contractor of similar experience and qualifications, for any consultation or testimony pursuant to this Section 6.  If the Company is unable, after reasonable effort, to secure the Contractor’s signature on any application for copyright or patent registration or other documents regarding any legal protection relating to any Inventions or Rights, for any other reason whatsoever, the Contractor hereby irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as the Contractor’s agent and attorney-in-fact, to act for and on the Contractor’s behalf and stead to execute and file any such application or applications or other documents and to do all other lawfully permitted acts to further the prosecution and issuance of copyright or patent registrations or any other legal protection thereon with the same legal force and effect as if executed by the Contractor.  

The Contractor shall not, without the Company’s prior written consent, deliver any work product hereunder that displays or embodies any identifying mark or signifier of the Contractor or otherwise identifies the Contractor as the source of such work product.

7. No Solicitation

During the Period, and for a period of one (1) year following termination of this Agreement, the Contractor shall not, directly or indirectly, induce, solicit, persuade, entice or attempt to induce, solicit, persuade or entice, any person or entity associated with the Company as an employee, contractor, agent or customer to terminate or leave his, her or its association with the Company.

The Contractor acknowledges that the provisions of this Section 7 contain limitations and restrictions that are reasonable and do not impose a greater restraint than is necessary to protect the goodwill or other business interests of the Company, such as the Company’s need to protect its Confidential Information and Inventions.

The Contractor further acknowledges that monetary damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach by the Contractor of this Section 7 and that the Company shall be entitled to equitable relief, including an injunction and specific performance without the necessity of posting a bond, as a remedy for any such breach. Such remedy shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedy for a breach of this Section 7 but shall be in addition to all other remedies available to the Company at law or in equity.

8. Representations, Warranties, and Indemnification

The Contractor represents and warrants that: (a) Contractor has the full right and authority and all required permits, licenses, and registrations to enter into this 

Agreement and perform the Contractor’s obligations hereunder; (b) the Contractor’s execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement will not result in any breach of or constitute a default under or require any consent under any agreement to which the Contractor is a party or is otherwise bound or violate any law to Contractor is subject; (c) the Contractor has the right and unrestricted ability, free and clear of all encumbrances, to assign the Inventions and Rights to the Company under this Agreement, (d) the Inventions and Rights do not and will not infringe any intellectual property right or any other proprietary right of any other party, and (e) the Contractor shall take all appropriate action to secure and protect the Confidential Information, Inventions and work product under this Agreement, including the implementation of strong password protections and data encryption using a method reasonably agreed upon by the parties.

The Contractor agrees to take all necessary precautions to prevent injury to any persons (including employees of the Company) or damage to property (including the Company’s property) during the term of this Agreement and shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company and its officers, agents, directors, and employees against any claim, loss, judgment, expense (including reasonable attorneys’ and expert witnesses’ fees and costs) and injury to person or property (including death) resulting in any way from any act, omission or negligence on the part of the Contractor in the performance or failure to perform the scope of work under this Agreement, excepting only those losses which are due solely and directly to the Company’s gross negligence.  

The Contractor shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Company and its officers, agents, directors, employees, and customers from and against any claim, loss, liability, judgment, or expense (including reasonable attorneys’ and expert witnesses’ fees and costs) resulting from or arising in any way out of any such claims by any third parties which are based upon or are the result of any breach of the warranties contained in this Section 9. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of the foregoing warranties, the Contractor shall, at no additional cost to Company, use its best efforts to remedy the breach. 

9. Independent Contractor  

The Contractor is an independent contractor and not an employee of the Company. The Contractor is responsible for all taxes and benefits for itself and its personnel.

10. Further Assurances  

Each party shall execute documents and take actions reasonably necessary to effectuate this Agreement.

11. Notices

Notices shall be in writing and delivered by email, in person, or by certified mail to the addresses on the signature page.

12. Assignability 

The Contractor may not assign this Agreement without the Company’s written consent. The Company may assign its rights and obligations without the Contractor’s consent.

13. Governing Law; Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut. Any legal action shall be brought exclusively in state or federal courts located in Connecticut.

14. Word Meanings  

The words “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires.  The singular shall include the plural, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter, and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the special or similar items or matters immediately following it.

15. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, together with all SOWs and Appendix A (Expedition Policies & Waivers), constitutes the entire agreement between the parties.

16. Severability

If any provision is held unenforceable, it shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to remain enforceable.

17. Survival

Sections 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 12 shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

18. Counterparts; Facsimile or Electronic Execution and Delivery

This Agreement may be executed electronically and in counterparts, each deemed an original. 

E/V Nautilus Expedition Policies & Waivers

1. Code of Conduct

Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants of E/V Nautilus expeditions, no matter their role or background. This includes respectful treatment of everyone regardless of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, body size, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, level of experience, political affiliation, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, as well as any other characteristics protected under state or federal law. 

All participants (and guests) are required to abide by this Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct applies to all OET-related workplaces and events.

1.1 Expected Behavior

• All participants are treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions
• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative
  Communicate openly with respect for others, critiquing ideas rather than individuals, and gracefully accepting criticism
• Acknowledging the contributions of others
• Avoid personal attacks directed toward other participants
• Be mindful of your surroundings and your fellow participants
• Alert your Expedition Leader, OET HR, Team Lead, Captain, Vessel Managers, or OET staff if you notice a dangerous or problematic situation or if someone is in distress
• Respect the rules and policies of OET, E/V Nautilus, or other venues where OET-related work occurs

 1.2 Unacceptable Behavior includes (but is not limited to to):

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form
• Unwelcome sexual attention or advances
• Physical or verbal abuse by anyone to anyone, including repeated use of pronouns other than those requested 
• Personal attacks directed at other guests, members, participants, etc.
• Publishing others’ private information, such as a physical or electronic address, without explicit permission
• Alarming, intimidating, threatening, or hostile comments or conduct
• Threatening or stalking anyone
• Inappropriate use of sexual language, nudity, or sexual imagery in any ​​venue, including online workshops, meetings, or gatherings, and online media
• Theft or inappropriate removal of property
• Violation of health or safety rules
• Falsification of records or reports
• Bribery
• Negligence or improper conduct leading to property damage or safety issues
• Other conduct that could reasonably be considered inappropriate in a setting

1.3 Consequences

Misconduct constituting violations of this Code of Conduct will be dealt with appropriately. Responsive action may include, for example, training, referral to counseling, or disciplinary action such as a warning, reprimand, withholding of a promotion or pay increase, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, or termination, as OET believes appropriate under the circumstances.

Retaliation against an individual for reporting misconduct or for participating in an investigation of a claim of misconduct is a serious violation of this policy and, like misconduct itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated and addressed.

1.4 Reporting Unacceptable Behavior

If you or someone you know is subject to unacceptable and/or unwelcome behavior or have other concerns, please contact the appointed points of contact for your expedition (names and contacts will be distributed with pre-expedition materials), your hiring manager, expedition leader (if at sea), OET leadership, or OET HR (hr@oet.org). 

Anyone may also make a complaint through a Reporting Form, which will be received by OET HR and reviewed promptly. The form may be found at www.NautilusLive.org/participants utilizing the password provided by OET at the time of hiring.

2. Medical

E/V Nautilus is equipped with an infirmary cabin and carries medical supplies per the Medical Guide from the World Health Organization for its type of vessel with 53 persons on board. Each expedition sails with a minimum, 4 crew that have Medical Care certificates: Captain, Chief Mate (medical officer), Chief Engineer, and 2nd Engineer or other officer.

All participants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (based on the most current CDC.gov recommendations) before boarding the vessel. In addition, participants must comply with COVID-19 protocols, including taking a COVID test upon boarding. Participants must also follow any guidance from the Captain and/or OET in the event they or someone onboard tests positive for COVID. This may include isolation of infected individuals, mask-wearing requirements, and any other measures deemed necessary to maintain the health and safety of all personnel aboard. 

In the event of a medical emergency, medical staff will assess the situation to determine the course of action. Minor cuts, burns, and illnesses can be treated aboard the ship. To assess more serious injuries or illnesses, the medical staff will consult Praxes (a 24/7 telehealth consultant on standby for E/V Nautilus) to communicate directly with doctors onshore to determine the best course of action. If it is determined the situation is serious and cannot be treated by the expedition staff, E/V Nautilus will work with OET and other entities (e.g., US Coast Guard or international equivalent) to get the patient to care onshore as quickly as possible. This may include a diversion of the ship to the nearest port or, in life-threatening situations, requiring a medical evacuation. 

Expedition participants need to be aware of the limited medical facilities and capabilities aboard E/V Nautilus so that they may adequately assess their ability to participate in consultation with their own healthcare provider. Please also note that certain expeditions will perform fieldwork in remote areas with limited to no access to immediate evacuation in the event of a medical emergency (e.g., 4 days from the closest port). 

By agreeing to join an E/V Nautilus expedition, all participants affirm that: 

• I am qualified to perform the essential functions of shipboard duties at sea for extended periods of time, with or without reasonable accommodation, and I have no physical defects, ailments, or disability that prevent or limit the performance of essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. If I require medication, I will ensure that I have an adequate supply before boarding the vessel, recognizing always that the cruise schedule is subject to change without notice.
• I am fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (based on the most current CDC.gov recommendations) and will comply with all COVID testing and onboard health protocols as required by OET. 
• I have been medically cleared to sail by my healthcare professional with the understanding that I will have limited access to healthcare and services.
• I have discussed any medical concerns with my physician, have been cleared to sail, and will take all necessary precautions.
• I have discussed any allergies with my physician and will take any precautions that my physician feels necessary.

3. General Ship Safety

E/V Nautilus is a DNV (Det Norske Veritas) classed research vessel and is also certified under the SPS (Special Purpose Ship) code, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and all applicable international conventions for a ship of its size and designation. The management of the vessel is carried out by an approved company under the International Safety Management (ISM) code and they undergo a procedural and operational audit on an annual, periodic, and 5-year renewal basis. 

Class and statutory surveys are carried out by DNV with an annual, intermediate (every 2-3 years), and special surveys (every 5 years) regime to ensure the vessel remains in compliance with DNV rules and standards. Since it operates out of US ports and US waters, the vessel is also regularly inspected by the United States Coast Guard under port state control, at minimum annually. 

The vessel is crewed in accordance with, and exceeding, the Minimum Safe Manning document specified by the vessel's flag state, and all crew members are certified in accordance with the International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW-95 and 2010). Additionally, the required personnel — Captain and Chief Officer — and additional crew members are STCW certified per the requirements for Medical Care Aboard Ships. 

E/V Nautilus is a working vessel with heavy equipment and machinery operations. Safety rules and guidelines should always be heeded and taken seriously. You will be briefed shortly after arriving on board about the safety guidelines and emergency procedures of the vessel on which you are. You are expected to follow all directions from the Captain, Crew, Deck Chief, and Expedition Leader regarding safety and emergencies. It is mandatory that all participants attend any safety meetings or emergency drills scheduled by the Expedition Leader or Captain. You are also expected to act in a courteous, safe, and professional manner while in port. Blatant disregard for safety while participating on an E/V Nautilus expedition will result in the immediate termination of your participation.

Keeping E/V Nautilus a safe workplace for all expedition participants means everyone has a right to raise safety concerns. OET expects that all expedition participants, regardless of their position, will evaluate and appropriately respond to any concerns that are raised about safety. If, at any time, anyone involved in an operation sees something they deem to be a safety hazard, they will be empowered to raise the concern on the spot, and the ranking lead (e.g., Deck Chief, ROV Lead, Expedition Lead, Captain, Officer) will respond appropriately. 

Additional concerns may be raised through a Reporting Form which will be received by OET HR and reviewed with the appropriate operational team members promptly (the form may be found on the Participant area of the NautilusLive website.)

4. Anti-Harassment & Discrimination Policy

OET is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that promotes equal employment opportunities and prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices, including harassment. Therefore, OET expects that all relationships among personnel — at sea and on shore —  will be professional and free of explicit bias, prejudice, and harassment.

OET has developed this policy to ensure all its employees can work in an environment free from unlawful harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. OET will make every reasonable effort to ensure that all concerned are familiar with these policies and know that any complaint violating such policies will be investigated swiftly and resolved appropriately.

OET requires all E/V Nautilus expedition participants and crew to complete mandatory online training before boarding the ship about harassment prevention and intervention.

4.1. Equal Opportunity Employment 

It is the policy of OET to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. OET prohibits any such discrimination or harassment.

4.2 Retaliation

OET encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination or harassment. It is OET's policy to investigate such reports promptly and thoroughly. OET prohibits retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation of such reports.

4.3 Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment constitutes discrimination and is illegal under federal, state, and local laws. For the purposes of this policy, “sexual harassment” is defined, as in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Guidelines, as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when, for example, (a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment, (b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or (c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 recognizes two types of sexual harassment: (a) quid pro quo and (b) hostile work environment. Sexual harassment may include a range of subtle and not-so-subtle behaviors and may involve individuals of the same or different gender. Depending on the circumstances, these behaviors may consist of unwanted sexual advances or requests for sexual favors; sexual jokes and innuendo; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; commentary about an individual’s body, sexual prowess, or sexual deficiencies; leering, whistling, or touching; insulting or obscene comments or gestures; display in the workplace of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and other physical, verbal or visual conduct of a sexual nature.

4.4 Harassment
Harassment based on any other protected characteristic is also strictly prohibited. Under this policy, harassment is verbal, written, or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law, or that of their relatives, friends or associates, and that: (a) has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, (b) has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or (c) adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities.

Harassing conduct includes epithets, slurs, or negative stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts; denigrating jokes; and written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group that is placed on walls or elsewhere on the premises or circulated in the workplace, on company time or using company equipment by email, phone (including voice messages), text messages, social networking sites or other means.

4.5 Individuals and Conduct Covered

These policies apply to all expedition participants and staff, whether related to conduct engaged in by fellow employees or by someone not directly connected to OET (e.g., contractor, an outside vendor, consultant).

Conduct prohibited by these policies is unacceptable in the workplace — at sea and onshore — and in any work-related setting outside the workplace, such as during business trips, conferences/meetings, and business-related social events.

4.6 Reporting an Incident of Harassment, Discrimination, or Retaliation

OET encourages reporting of all perceived incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, regardless of the offender’s identity or position. Individuals who believe they have been the victim of such conduct should discuss their concerns with OET HR (hr@oet.org), their hiring manager, expedition leader (if at sea), or OET leadership. See the complaint procedure described below.

In addition, OET encourages individuals who believe they are being subjected to such conduct to promptly advise the offender that their behavior is unwelcome and to request that it be discontinued. OET recognizes, however, that an individual may prefer to pursue the matter solely through complaint procedures out of concern for personal safety, professional retaliation, or other reasons.

4.7 Reporting Procedure

Individuals who believe they have been the victims of conduct prohibited by this policy or believe they have witnessed such conduct should discuss their concerns with OET HR (hr@oet.org), their hiring manager, expedition leader (if at sea), or OET leadership. This will result in an official report being filed with OET.  

Individuals may also send concerns through a Reporting Form which will be received by OET HR and reviewed with the appropriate operational team members promptly (the form may be found on the Participant area of the NautilusLive website.)

OET encourages the prompt reporting of complaints or concerns so that rapid and constructive action can be taken before relationships become irreparably strained. Therefore, while no fixed reporting period has been established, early reporting and intervention have proven to be the most effective method of resolving actual or perceived incidents of harassment.

Any reported allegations of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation will be investigated promptly, including consultations with OET’s legal counsel when appropriate. The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have observed the alleged conduct or may have other relevant knowledge.

OET will maintain confidentiality throughout the investigatory process to the extent consistent with adequate investigation and appropriate corrective action.

Retaliation against an individual for reporting harassment or discrimination or for participating in an investigation of a claim of harassment or discrimination is a serious violation of this policy and, like harassment or discrimination itself, will be subject to disciplinary action. Acts of retaliation should be reported immediately and will be promptly investigated and addressed.

Misconduct constituting harassment, discrimination, or retaliation will be dealt with appropriately. Responsive action may include, for example, training, referral to counseling, or disciplinary action such as a warning, reprimand, withholding of a promotion or pay increase, reassignment, temporary suspension without pay, or termination, as OET believes appropriate under the circumstances.

If a party to a complaint does not agree with its resolution, that party may appeal to OET’s president, chief financial and administrative officer, or the chief operating officer.

False and malicious complaints of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation (as opposed to complaints that, even if erroneous, are made in good faith) may be the subject of appropriate disciplinary action.

If you or someone you know is subject to unacceptable and/or unwelcome behavior, or if you have other concerns, please contact the appointed points of contact for your expedition (names and contacts will be distributed with pre-expedition materials), your hiring manager, expedition leader, OET leadership, or OET HR (hr@oet.org). 

Anyone may also make a complaint through a Reporting Form, which will be received by OET HR and reviewed promptly (the form may be found on the Participant area of the NautilusLive website.)

5. Workplace Bullying

This policy communicates to all OET staff and E/V Nautilus expedition participants—including supervisors, managers, and executives—that Ocean Exploration Trust will not tolerate bullying behavior. Individuals found in violation of this policy will be disciplined, up to and including termination.

5.1 Definitions

Ocean Exploration Trust defines bullying as the health-harming mistreatment of one or more people by one or more perpetrators. It is abusive conduct that includes:

• Threatening, humiliating, or intimidating behaviors.
• Work interference/sabotage that prevents work from getting done.
• Verbal abuse.

Such behavior violates Ocean Exploration Trust's Code of Conduct, which clearly states that all employees will be treated with dignity and respect.

5.2 Examples

Ocean Exploration Trust considers the following types of behavior examples of bullying:

• Verbal bullying. Slandering, ridiculing, or maligning a person or their family; persistent name-calling that is hurtful, insulting, or humiliating; using a person as the target of jokes; abusive and offensive remarks.
• Physical bullying. Pushing, shoving, kicking, poking, tripping, assault or threat of physical assault, damage to a person's work area or property.
• Gesture bullying. Nonverbal gestures that can convey threatening messages.
• Exclusion. Socially or physically excluding or disregarding a person in work-related activities.

In addition, the following examples may constitute or contribute to evidence of bullying in the workplace:

• Persistent singling out of one person.
• Shouting or raising one's voice at an individual in public or in private.
• Using obscene or intimidating gestures.
• Not allowing the person to speak or express themselves (i.e., ignoring or interrupting).
• Personal insults and use of offensive nicknames.
• Public humiliation in any form.
• Constant criticism on matters unrelated or minimally related to the person's job performance or description.
• Public reprimands.
• Repeatedly accusing someone of errors that cannot be documented.
• Deliberately interfering with any method of communication.
• Spreading rumors and gossip regarding individuals.
• Encouraging others to disregard a supervisor's instructions.
• Manipulating the ability of someone to do their work (e.g., overloading, underloading, withholding information, setting deadlines that cannot be met, giving deliberately ambiguous instructions).
• Taking credit for another person's ideas/work.
• Refusing reasonable requests for leave in the absence of work-related reasons not to grant leave.
• Deliberately excluding an individual or isolating them from work-related activities that their role dictates they should be included in.
• Unwanted physical contact, physical abuse, or threats of abuse to an individual or an individual's property (defacing or marking up property).

Individuals who feel they have experienced bullying should report this to their supervisor or OET Human Resources before the conduct becomes severe or pervasive. All employees and E/V Nautilus expedition participants are strongly encouraged to report any bullying conduct they experience or witness as soon as possible to allow OET to take appropriate action.

6. Drug & Alcohol Policy

Alcohol and drugs are not to be brought aboard by individuals on any vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. All alcohol aboard any vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust is in the Captain's possession and any distribution/use of such alcohol is at the discretion of the Captain and Expedition Leader. Prior to the start of expeditions (mobilization) and at the completion of Expeditions (demobilization), no alcohol will be allowed onboard the vessels except amounts kept in stores. All alcoholic beverages onboard the vessel may have to be declared to customs at certain ports of call. In the event of undeclared alcohol being found onboard by customs, heavy fines can be imposed on the vessel.

While traveling with OET, all individuals under 21 are not allowed to consume alcohol while aboard any vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust. The Captain, Crew and Expedition Team members acknowledge that occasionally invited guests (age 21 or older), in their unique position, may, at the discretion of the Captain, be exempt from this policy. Crew and Expedition Team members are held to the policy as defined, even when exemptions to guests are given. 

Use or possession of any narcotics or drugs that are federally illegal in the United States will not be tolerated, either onboard the vessel or during port calls. If any illicit drugs are found in your possession, your participation will be terminated immediately.

7. Gifts

Crew and Expedition Team members are not permitted to give gifts to clients without OET’s approval and must otherwise avoid any actions that might create a perception that OET sought or received favorable treatment from persons or companies with whom OET does or may do business in exchange for gifts, gratuities, meals, refreshments, entertainment, or other benefits.

8. Likeness & Copyright

Under this contract/agreement, you agree to the following: 

In exchange for my participation in Ocean Exploration Trust, Inc. (“OET”) expeditions (the “Expedition”) I hereby acknowledge and grant to OET, its related entities, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, and to such other persons as OET may designate or give permission to from time to time (collectively, "Licensees"), the absolute, irrevocable right and permission to use, in any manner, throughout the world, in perpetuity, my name, voice, portrait, likeness, biographical information, testimonials and statements (including but not limited to photographs, video, film and/or other recordings of me), either alone or accompanied by other material, in any media and formats whether now known or later developed, for any purpose relating to developing and promoting the exploration of the ocean, and advertising and publicizing OET, its partners, sponsors, and programs.

I agree that any recordings, images, photographs, film, and/or videotape taken of me during the Expedition and during events related to the Expedition are owned by OET and/or contracting Expedition Partners. I have not and understand I will, at no time, receive compensation or any other consideration for the use of my likeness. I hereby waive all my rights to inspect and approve the finished product and materials, their use or such visual, written or audio copy as may be used in connection therewith. I agree that I will not hold or seek to hold Licensees responsible for any liability resulting from the use of my name, voice, portrait, likeness, photograph and/or motion pictures in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, including, but not limited to what might be deemed to be a misrepresentation of me, my character or my person due to distortion, optical illusion or faulty reproduction that may occur in the finished product. I further agree that the Licensees will have the right to attribute to me statements and testimonials made by me that they have filmed, photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. Such statements reflect my honest and personal opinion. The statements and testimonials may be used in whole or in part and may be paraphrased, amplified, shortened, and/or put into conversational form to meet requirements of copy, layout, and/or script provided the general sense is not changed. I acknowledge the fact that the Licensees are not obligated to make any use of my name, voice, portrait, likeness, biographical information, testimonial, and statements.

I understand that by signing this Release, I fully understand the contents, meaning and impact of this release and waiver. In addition, I hereby grant permission to the Ocean Exploration Trust, Inc., its related entities, subsidiaries, affiliates, successors, assigns, partners, and sponsors (collectively, "OET and Partners") to use my written works, photographs and videos (collectively, “My Works”) generated during the expedition (the “Expedition”) for publication on any Expedition or OET and Partners website or social media platform, as well as in other educational or promotional materials in any format, in perpetuity. Unless otherwise contracted by Ocean Exploration Trust, Inc, I understand I have not, and will not, receive any compensation in return for use of My Works. Ocean Exploration Trust, Inc will make its best effort to provide proper credit in name only for My Works. My Works refers to outreach activities conducted by OET and Partners and does not include any research, written research work, data products, or proprietary data collected during the expedition.

9. Participation Agreement - Acknowledgements of Risks and Release

In 2026, E/V Nautilus will be operating in remote areas in the US West Coast, Hawaii, Central and Western Pacific Ocean. This Agreement affects your legal rights with respect to potential claims for injury, loss, or damage related to your participation in the Expedition. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must also sign this Agreement.

9.1 Risks Involved in Expeditions and Travel in Remote Locations and Abroad

Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) does its best to meet all required safety standards. However, there are inherent risks in traveling and working on a vessel at sea.  Under this contract/agreement, you agree to the following: 

I understand that there are inherent risks in traveling and working on a vessel at sea. These risks include illness, bodily injury, and death from storms and other hazards at sea,  limited access to medical care on the vessel; hazards from operating equipment and equipment failure on the vessel, and other known and unknown risks.

The Expedition may include time ashore in remote locations and various foreign countries.  I understand there are health, safety, and other risks involved in traveling to remote locations and other countries, including limited access to medical care and the ship possibly being a significant distance from emergency evacuation capabilities which may result in property damage, bodily injury or death.  These risks include but are not limited to risks associated with: different climate and weather conditions; potentially dangerous animals, plants, and allergens; infections; contagious diseases; animal, food, water, and insect-borne diseases; different and accessibility to health care; different design, safety and maintenance standards for buildings and public spaces; different accessibility, quality, and safety standards for transportation systems; different traffic rules and driving practices, acts of war, violence and terrorist activity; riots, strikes, protests, or civic commotion;  different customs, standards of behavior, laws, law enforcement systems, and legal systems; difficulty in communications; quarantine restrictions; arrest or restraint by police or other government officials, or seizure under legal process; acts of God; and other known and unknown risks. While OET has no plans to enter war zones or operate in areas that are politically unstable, an emergency situation could cause an unexpected deviation from these plans. 

I acknowledge and am willing to accept these risks.

10. Construction and Scope of Agreement

The language of all parts of this Agreement shall in all cases be construed as a whole, according to its fair meaning, and not strictly for or against any party. This Agreement is the entire and complete agreement of the parties relating in any way to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement supersedes any earlier written or oral understandings or agreements between the parties.

• You will support OET’s mission of training the next generation of STEM professionals by helping to support junior personnel participating in the expedition by engaging with them and helping to provide a positive learning experience at sea. 
• To the level that is relevant to your position/role, you will contribute to OET’s mission to inspire and engage youth and the public by participating in outreach activities during the expedition (e.g., live-streamed dives, ship-to-shore broadcasts, profile as a STEM role model aboard E/V Nautilus, etc). You will maintain a positive and professional presence while interacting with the public online and in-person throughout the expedition and while representing OET and/or your home organization/institution. 

Note that expedition dates are subject to change, and are provided in the local date of the geographies where expeditions will take place. Also note that 2026 E/V Nautilus expeditions will all occur in geographies that are across the dateline. Thus, dates provided in the table below may be a day later than the equivalent US date.

Ocean Exploration Trust
613 Williams St.
New London, CT 06320

Please upload your completed W-9 or W-8BEN. If you have not filled one out yet, use one of the below links to easily fill out the form online and download a copy. 

W-9 - Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification

W-8BEN - Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding and Reporting (individual.)

A completed W-9 or W-BEN is required to submit your signed Agreement.