The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute is set to undergo some major changes in the coming new year.

Even the name of the East Broadway facility will change. The institute will be called "The Oceans Discovery Centre'', BUEI trustee Ralph Richardson revealed yesterday.

He was speaking in place of BUEI director Wendy Tucker to the Hamilton Lions Club at M.R. Onions Restaurant.

"After two years of operation,'' he said, "we can report on the progress of the institute.'' Thousands of locals and visitors have toured the exhibit and many are members.

But he said an exit survey done by the Institute found that while many visitors were satisfied with the institute, locals did not share their enthusiasm.

"The locals want more,'' said Mr. Richardson. "Some interesting changes are going to be made for next year.'' Mr. Richardson noted that last year BUEI hired Crystal Schultz to coordinate an educational programme.

"I am pleased to say that our summer and spring day camps have all been fully subscribed,'' he said.

Ms Schultz is currently working with local schools to incorporate marine science programmes into their curriculum.

Plans are underway to formulate an educational facility.

Mr. Richardson said lectures were regularly given once a month and highlighted the work of advisors, explorers and scientists both local and international.

"A loyal following has developed and we are certainly proud of the success of the programme,'' he said.

The Institute also boasts an 148-seat auditorium, excellent conference facilities, featuring the very latest in video conferencing technology and catering capabilities offered by the La Coquille restaurant.

"In an effort to attract more visitors, we have hired a Boston design company to look at our exhibits and make recommendations on how improvements can be made,'' he said. "Plans are underway for a new BUEI.'' First, there will be a name change.

Mr. Richardson admitted the BUEI name can be somewhat cumbersome and unclear as to the purpose of the institute.

"We feel that this new name will more clearly describe the goals and objectives of the institute,'' Mr. Richardson said. "There will be lots and lots of virtual reality, much of what you see in the institute now will be taken away and new exhibits will be put in.'' The new exhibits are expected to be fun for the whole family.

The simulated dive will be completely redone to be more exciting than the original one.

"There will be drawers that kids can pull out and things they can play with,'' said Mr. Richardson.

Phil Nuytten, one of the members of the international advisory board, will be contributing a replica of his newly invented Exosuit.

The suit allows divers to reach depths of 2,000 feet in atmospheric pressures for longer periods of time without developing the bends.

New image: Ralph Richardson