Respect, Inclusion, & Conduct

Being Present, Respectful, and Connected to Each Other

At the heart of every SOI expedition is a shared commitment to respect, inclusion, and collective presence. Living and learning together in remote environments requires us to be attentive to one another, to our surroundings, and to the moments unfolding in real time. Treating each person with dignity means showing up fully, listening actively, and engaging with care, curiosity, and empathy.

We value spaces that are safe, courageous, and accountable, where collaboration and shared understanding are priorities. Open and honest communication, thoughtful dialogue, and an openness to diverse and differing perspectives strengthen our community and deepen learning. Being present—both socially and emotionally—is essential to building trust and fostering meaningful connections on board.

Respect also means being mindful of how our behaviours, including our use of technology, affect others and the group as a whole. Choosing when to unplug helps create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and included, and where learning is grounded in shared experience rather than distraction.

We encourage the use of gender-neutral language, checking and respecting pronouns, and honouring lived experience and personal storytelling when interacting with others.

We invite everyone to engage with the concept of Brave Spaces.

What Does "Brave Space" Mean?

A “brave space” is a safe, inclusive and empowering environment in which every and any person can feel confident to step out of their comfort zone. Creating and holding a brave space depends on the following principles:

Controversy with Civility

Varying opinions are respected.

Owning Intentions & Impacts

Participants acknowledge and discuss instances where a dialogue has affected the emotional well-being of another person.

Challenge by Choice

Participants have an option to step in and out of a challenging conversation.

Respect

Participants show respect for one another’s basic personhood.

No Attacks

Participants agree not to intentionally inflict harm on one another.

Code of Conduct

To ensure that your experience is as safe and successful as possible, the following Code of Conduct has been established. Together we form a team, and we must all strive towards contributing to a positive, safe, healthy, and respectful living environment. These expectations are in place from the time you begin travelling to the program until you arrive home afterwards. Please read through these expectations carefully.

Students out on deck of the MS Ocean Endeavour looking for a spotted polar bear! Photo (c) Mike Sudoma/SOI Foundation

Life on the Ship

An expedition is not a vacation. As such, everyone works together to make daily activities and learning happen! We work as a team and learn new skills together. Participation in the educational program is mandatory. Each day, you will be able to participate in activities related to science, data gathering, life on the ship, on-the-land learning, wildlife observing, art, and more. As a member of the expedition, we expect you to participate in activities and workshops.

Students Selina, Lucy, Anushka and Alexia excited to be zip-lining! Photo (c) Mike Sudoma/SOI Foundation

Responsible Freedom

Responsible freedom is exercised when your actions are directed by ethical standards. In other words, always use your best judgment and let common sense be your guide.

Punctuality

You must respect the program schedule and be on time. This allows us to keep on schedule and achieve our goals. We encourage you to set an alarm so you are up and ready every morning for breakfast and the morning briefing.

Safety

Everyone on the expedition is expected to follow the program’s safety guidelines, including those for life onboard the ship. Safety instructions will be shared when the program starts and again when you board the vessel—listen carefully and take them seriously. If you ever notice unsafe situations, equipment, or anything that doesn’t feel right, let an SOI team member know immediately. Actions that put yourself or others at risk will not be tolerated. Following these rules helps keep everyone safe so we can all focus on learning and connecting.

An impromptu collaboration happened during music night at the ship. Rosemary and Kellie combine throat singing and folk music to create magic!

Connectivity While in the Program

Wi-Fi and cell service are extremely limited during the expedition. You might get a chance to check in with family at certain points, but overall, expect to be mostly offline—and that’s part of the experience! Being constantly connected can pull you out of the moment and our collective experiences. This is your chance to unplug, be present, and fully immerse yourself in the journey.

Youth participants Sasha Emery and Meg Langlais take a moment to sketch after a historical talk on Beechey Island.

Electronic Devices

One of the most powerful parts of a ship-based expedition is community. We live in a media and technology-saturated world, and invite you to disconnect to connect with our amazing surroundings, programming, and each other. This will foster an environment where we are all fully present to make the most of our time during the expedition. Note that the use of headphones on board is prohibited due to safety. The use of headphones impairs the ability to hear announcements, instructions, and possible alarms at any time of day and may compromise your safety while onboard the ship.

Drugs, Cannabis, Alcohol & Cigarettes

To keep everyone safe and focused, SOI has a strict no-drug and no-alcohol policy for the entire program—from the moment you leave home until you return. This includes all forms of cannabis: smoking, vaping, edibles, and possession. This rule is always in effect and will be strictly enforced. Cigarette smoking and vaping are strongly discouraged. If you do need to smoke or vape, it’s only allowed in designated areas during breaks or free time. Please make sure to use the proper disposal bins on the ship, and never leave cigarette butts on the land. These guidelines help keep our expedition healthy, safe, and respectful for everyone onboard.

Relationships & Boundaries

To make sure our expedition community feels safe, focused, and welcoming for everyone, intimate, romantic, and/or sexual relationships are not permitted during the program. These boundaries help us maintain a positive learning environment where no one feels excluded or uncomfortable. Participants must stay in their assigned cabins, and entering anyone else’s bedroom isn’t allowed. There are plenty of shared public spaces where you can hang out, study, or relax with others—just be mindful of occupancy limits and keep the space respectful for everyone. By honouring these guidelines, we can all help create a supportive community where everyone can learn, connect, and thrive.

Disciplinary Measures

If any participant is found to be in violation of any part of this code, the Expedition Leader reserves the right to impose disciplinary measures which may involve: a verbal and/or written warning, refusal of the right to participate in certain activities during the program, and/or sending a participant home early at their own expense.

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