Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) stands testament to some of the world's finest oceanographic and maritime experts. A non-profit, charitable organisation, the idea to establish an educational, yet entertaining facility, was first discussed more than five years ago, according to its chairman, David Lines. "It was over five years ago, that some people with a great vision saw a need in Bermuda for additional attractions for our tourist industry,'' he said. "And as Bermuda was, and always has been a leader in maritime ocean research, they thought a facility devoted to the ocean, and particularly the deep ocean, was a good idea. So Teddy Tucker, Smokey Wingood, David Saul and Harry Cox got together and gave serious thought on the subject.'' Known for having both an interest in the ocean and the future of Bermuda, Mr. Lines was invited to join the group. It was after Fidelity Foundations offered a challenge grant -- a $5 million donation if it were matched -- that planning started in earnest. "It gave us a considerable amount of reason to start planning something we considered to be important.

The purpose of the Institute is of course, an attraction and entertainment, not only for tourists, but for locals as well. Its purpose also, which we mustn't forget, is to educate. "Bermudians have always, back to the days of Challenger, and Beebe, in the early part of this Century, been leaders in this area of research. An enormous amount has been done in Bermuda by the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) and others. And we have, in our population, some world-renowned people in certain areas of marine biology and the ocean. So we're generally building on a theory that already exists in Bermuda but has never been really developed.'' Located on East Broadway, the 40,000 square-foot facility boasts interactive exhibits featuring the very latest in sound and video technology and an auditorium showing a series of educational films in the day and independent films at night. Also on premises are special rooms (fitted with state-of-the-art multimedia equipment) perfect for business meetings and cocktail receptions, and a first-class restaurant with panoramic views of Hamilton Harbour. "Hopefully scientists and people who know a bit about the ocean will give lectures, or deliver papers, or regularly just show a film. We have a close relationship with the BBSR and, of course, the Aquarium and when they have scientists visit, they will come down to us and the community will benefit by using the auditorium with the wealth of knowledge that we will have there. "We also have experts from all over the world who generally give us advice on how to proceed. And with the expertise shared by these advisors, they will add vitality to the Institute over the years to come. Scientists like to meet together to discuss issues, and this facility will provide that opportunity. It is our ambition to have the Institute used, not just as a facility where visitors come to see exhibits.

There are a considerable amount of public rooms and we believe, a very fine restaurant, which can be used by the public and businesses to hold receptions or meetings in one form or another in attractive surroundings. "In the long range, because we have such an outstanding group of advisors, it will add to the research facility of maritime research. Those advisors worked with our local team to develop the theory of the Institute and as they're an outstanding group of academics, the tone of the Institute is, of course, one of preciseness and scientific reliable information -- it's not Disneyland.

What it is, is an educational institute with an ability to entertain. That was the objective which, by and large, has been met with the completion of the building. It's a very exciting project.'' Outside of its important educational value, Mr. Lines stressed that the facility could prove a great aid to our flagging tourist industry. "The key issue is that we do need a facility like this to help with the tourist industry and that there should be more (facilities) like this. We have a number of attractions in Bermuda that are not used to our best advantage. After the stores are shut, there must be something that tourists can do in the evenings. Now they can come here. "When we first open, people will come in conventional ways but hopefully later, they will come as part of water tour groups which is why we had the dock developed as such depth. It's an idea which will hopefully develop momentum over time, but it's up to the tour operators to sell it. They can bring groups to our facility in the morning and go to the reefs, or to the Aquarium in the afternoon. What I'm talking about is eco-tourism and we (the Institute) would be just a little part of it. "It's an enormous project and we Bermudians are, in my view, very lucky to have a facility of this quality located in Bermuda for the people of Bermuda. As it belongs to all of us, in the longterm, it will serve us well and keep us at the forefront of marine research. The key thing is its' entertainment and educational capabilities -- not just for the visitor, but for us as Bermudians as well. It's a facility that Bermuda can benefit from.'' PHOTO The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute chairman, David Lines BERMUDA UNDERWATER EXPLORATION MUSEUM MINI SUPPLEMENT SUP