The RV Apalachee

The 65-ft RV APALACHEE is the flagship of the FSUCML fleet. It is designed to work in coastal and offshore waters, allowing scientists and students to conduct research on the ocean's biological, chemical, geological and physical characteristics that affect global and coastal oceans. The ship can provide bunk space for six scientists and both wet and dry laboratories. The RV APALACHEE also serves as an excellent diving platform. To learn more about ship specifications and the protocol for making reservations, please go to the main RV APALACHEE website here.

FSUCML's Small Boat Fleet

Our vessels, available for research and education purposes, are well-suited for working in the shallow bays and coastal areas of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico. All of them are equipped with USCG approved and required safety devices, VHF radio, GPS, and depth-sounding devices

28-ft catamarans, 90-hp outboard Maxium capacity: Twelve (12) people Max. weight (people & gear) = 2400 lbs	18' Polar, 70-hp outboard Maximum capacity Five (5) people Max. weight (people & gear) = 1200 lbs
16' Carolina Skiff, 25 hp outboard Maximum capacity Three (3) people Max. weight (people & gear) = 600 lbs	17' 9" Cape Horn, 115 hp outboard Maximum capacity Five (5) people Max. weight (people & gear) = 1200 lbs

Small Vessel Operation Certification and Procedures:

• Individuals can either hire an FSUCML staff member to operate vessels for them by indicating this need on the reservation form (fees apply), or they can operate our small vessels themselves after meeting specific certification requirements, including the following:
• Vessel operators must be at least eighteen 18 years of age.
• Individuals must provide proof of completing a safe boating course offered by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, the United States Power Squadron, or the North Florida Safety Council. For an on-line course: http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/default.asp.
• Individuals must complete a small vessel "check-out" procedure with Marine Technical Operations staff.

Note that the FSUCML recently joined the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating safe boating practices for research and training. FSUCML soon will provide fundamental training in boating knowledge and skills in a three day workshop, which will give FSUCML reciprocity with other SBSA institutions. Dates for these workshops will be posted on our website soon.

Vessel-Operator Responsibilities:

• The vessel operator is responsible for safe vessel operation and compliance with all FSUCML, state, and federal policies related to SAFETY, RULES OF THE ROAD and EQUIPMENT ON BOARD. In emergencies, the vessel operator may deviate from these practices at his/her discretion, especially where safety for passengers and crew is a concern.
• FSUCML vessel operators are required to have a crew onboard.
• The vessel operator shall:
  • Brief passengers before departure on the location and proper use of all safety and communication equipment.
  • Determine special medical needs of any passengers before departure.
  • Ensure that all non-swimming passengers wear personal flotation devices (PFD) at all times. During foul weather or emergencies, EVERY individual on board must wear a PFD. All occupants must be seated while underway, where seats are provided.
  • Report to the Marine Technical Operations all accidents, damage, and malfunction of vessels IMMEDIATELY upon return to FSUCML.
  • Collect waivers from each passenger before departure.
• Vessel operators, crew, and passengers should remain in the vessel at all times while the motor is running. All diving from small vessels must adhere to diving safety rules. See the Academic Diving Program website.

Area of operation on and off site:

• On-site use: Small vessels may be used in all protected areas of bays and inland of barrier islands and shoals or in river or lakes. These areas extend easward from the Carrabelle River channel landward of Dog Island and Dog Island Reef to the mouth of and including Alligator Harbor.
• Off-site use (no pontoon boats): All off-site use is subject to the approval of Marine Technical Operations. Off-site use requires that the operator demonstrate proficiency in towing a trailer, backing a vessel down a ramp, and retrieving a vessel from the water.

For information on other facilities available at FSUCML (http://marinelab.fsu.edu/facilities/)