MEDIA AT THE AQUARIUM
Inspiring change through connection
An Inspiring Location
The National Marine Aquarium o ers a unique venue for bringing to life any Ocean narratives, research, or creative projects. We can o er various filming and photography options, whether immersed into one of our exhibits or using the marine life or our fantastic site as a backdrop to your media outputs.
We support projects both large and small, working collaboratively on a tailored approach where needed. This brochure provides the main considerations and options, however, anything that isn’t included please do get in touch to discuss.
The aquarium itself has 3 large exhibits for hire, Eddystone Reef, Atlantic Ocean and the Great Barrier Reef, which all provide beautiful backdrops, as well as the chance to dive beneath and capture a fish-eyes view of the world
Stunning backdrops
Discover our 3 largest exhibits with opportunities to dive
Great Barrier Reef
Australian inspired tropical species
Home of rays, groupers, and wrasses
Eddystone Reef Exhibit
Atlantic Ocean Exhibit
Additional features
A selection of bookable and secure rooms
Experienced NMA team both behind and in front of the camera
On site catering, additional fees apply
Opportunities to dive in our exhibits
Back of house and after hours filming
Supporting a global Ocean charity
BBC live lessons, live open broadcast set-up in soft play area
Back of House - Ocean Lab
Testimonials
The Connected Set: Live Lessons - Deadly Mission Shark
Everyone at The Connected Set and the BBC team want to say a HUGE thank you to you all for helping us to produce a fantastic show. The National Marine Aquarium provided such a spectacular location only beaten by how friendly and accommodating you have all been leading up to filming and on site.
It was a real joy to work with you all. Our presenters Steve and Naomi had a wonderful time and the whole crew have said how much they loved being at the aquarium. We’d love to come back!
Scan here to view our media reel
Hall of Mirrors for BBC2: Secrets of the Aquarium
Filming at the National Marine Aquarium was a dream-come-true for us. For over a year, we had the privilege of getting to know the wonderful people who work there, the fantastic creatures who inhabit the displays and the ins-and-outs of the building itself. From the get-go, the NMA team were cooperative, accommodating, communicative, enthusiastic and patient, which made it very easy to follow and film the many stories that were developing during our time there. In short, the team know what's needed to make great telly!
Tim Green - Director, Cameron Howells - Producer
Jake Cassels - Director
Health, Safety and Environment
In order to proceed with any project, our Facilities team will work with you to approve the documentation before your visit. Without the documentation approval your request can not proceed
Insurance certificates
A minimum of £5,000,000 employers’ liability insurance is required for one or more employees
Contractors to hold a minimum of £10,000,000 of Public Liability Insurance
Risk assessment and method statement template available on request RAMS
Project consideration for public involvement during opening hours
PAT
Proof of PAT testing for any portable electrical equipment
Proof of inspection of any work equipment
Monitoring
Details of any RIDDOR reports in the last 3 years
Details of any HSE enforcement in the last 5 years
Proof of competence for any contractors
– o cial training where required Competence
Health and Safety Policy
Required for any company with more than 5 employees
Dive Requirements
Diving beneath the surface to capture that fish-eyes view is a guaranteed way to elevate your Ocean stories and media output. To ensure diver and animal safety, we have strict policies and procedures that you must adhere to.
Qualifications needed
HSE Pro Scuba/CMAS 3 or equivalent
In date HSE Dive Medical
Copies of all documents must be provided a minimum of 48 hours before any dive
A valid dive plan and method statement must be provided in advance and agreed with the NMA’s Dive O cer
The contractor’s own Risk Assessment must be forwarded to the NMA’s Dive O cer a minimum of 48 hours prior
If personal dive kit is used, in date service records must be seen by the NMA’s Dive O cer. All non NMA kit must be sterilised
All divers to have read and signed the relevant Risk Assessment
If dive kit is required, this must be agreed in advance - may incur additional costs
How to enquire and book
We look forward to helping you tell your exciting Ocean stories and bring them to life at the UK’s National Aquarium
Scan here to fill out our Media Request Form
Any questions or queries contact us at:
T: 01752 275224
E: marketing@oceanconservationtrust.org
How to get here
By car
Harbour Car Park is the closest carpark at the rear of the building which is less than a 5 minute walk. There are also two car parks available on the Barbican which are less than a 10 minute walk. We also have limited on-site parking with only 3 disabled bays available on a first come first served basis.
By train
Walking from Plymouth Train Station takes around 30 minutes, with a taxi taking 10 minutes. The NMA postcode is PL4 0LF.
By bus
There are several bus routes that stop at Royal Parade, Exeter Street or on the Barbican. Royal Parade and Exeter Street require a 10 minute walk, however the Barbican and Sutton Street are 5 minutes away. Full
For more detailed information
Royal Parade
Train Station