Marine Lab Policies, Procedures and Protocols
Facilities Use -- Boat and Canoe Use -- Small Boat Use Policy
SUBJECT: Small Boat Use (Carolina Skiff)
GENERAL
BOATS ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND FACULTY AS LISTED BELOW. BOATS ARE TO BE USED FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ONLY. BOATS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR RECREATIONAL OR PERSONAL USE. VIOLATORS OF THIS RULE WILL HAVE THEIR BOAT OPERATION PRIVILEGES SUSPENDED PERMANENTLY. CANOES MAY BE USED FOR RECREATION, AS DESCRIBED IN THE "CANOE USE" SECTION.
The Carolina Skiff is provided with an operator at no additional charge. If the trip for which the boat is to be used is a research trip, then Duke Faculty have the option of operating this vessel themselves, provided the designated operator meets the necessary requirements established by Marine Operations. This will include a brief orientation, vessel familiarization, Rules of the Road explanation, and short operational test given by a Marine Operations Staff member. Once the designated operator has demonstrated proficiency in operating a boat, he or she will be free to do so whenever necessary. Operators will be required to take training in EACH boat or type of boat they need to use. Training shall be required and scheduled at least one workday prior to the day a boat is scheduled for class use. Additional training sessions will be available to any operator who makes a request.
All small boats will be signed out and in from Marine Operations. Each boat has its own operating kit, including boat registration, flares and/or smoke signals, hand-held radio, and boat key (if applicable). Kits will be issued at the time of boat sign-out and returned at the time of sign-in. Kits and the Boat Sign out/Sign in Log are located in Room 3 of Lab 6 (Oceanography). See Lanier Mitchum for details or kit issue.
The Boat Operator will have complete responsibility for the safe operation of his/her small boat and as such, will have final word regarding boat use and personnel safety.
The Operator is the first person the U. S. Coast Guard investigates, in the event of any accident. As such, it is imperative that the Operator exercise good judgment at ALL times when dealing with safety issues, such as when weather conditions warrant an early end to a trip.
CANCELLATION OF BOAT RESERVATIONS
It is understood that at times, it may become necessary to cancel a boat reservation. If for any reason other than inclement weather, a cancellation must be made as early as possible, to allow others a chance to utilize the resources available. If a cancellation is not made at least one hour prior to the scheduled use, then the person or group with the reservation may be charged up to the full period scheduled, depending on circumstances. Weekend reservations must be canceled by 4:00 PM Friday. Inclement weather (Thunderstorms, Small Craft Advisories, etc.), by its unpredictable nature, may make it difficult to meet this criteria; however, every effort should be made to notify Marine Operations as soon as possible of any change in schedule.
SAFETY
Every occupant of any small boat must wear a life vest at all times while the boat is being used. Life vests may only be removed when occupants disembark, i.e.., boat is docked or beached. The United States Coast Guard can fine the operator for any person not wearing a life vest and this fine will be paid by the operator and not the Lab.
Total occupancy for each type of boat is listed on the Boat Rental Rate sheet in Marine Operations, and under no circumstance, should this total be exceeded.
All boat users will list their destination(s) on the Boat Sign-out sheet in Marine Operations, before departure. This will give Marine Operations a starting point, if a boat is overdue.
All boats must be back at the Marine Lab one hour before sundown. After this, Marine Operations Staff will begin looking for the missing boats. Boat users will be charged for this time as well as their own time, if this occurs for reasons other than an emergency (boat mechanical breakdown, occupants lost, stranding due to tides, assisting another boat, etc.).
Night use of certain boats is possible, with advance notice to Marine Operations. A Marine Operations boat operator is mandatory.
VHF radios will be issued to all small boats or at least to one boat in a group working in the same area. Instructions are located in the boat kit with the radio. Use the radio only in an emergency, and call Duke Marine Lab first, as the radio is monitored at all times while any Lab boats are out.
No small boats will be operated during small craft advisories, gale warnings, or when severe weather is expected. Contact Marine Operations if in doubt.
No drugs or alcohol are allowed in ANY of the boats at ANY time. No person under the influence of drugs or alcohol is to operate a boat under ANY circumstances.
BOAT RETURN AND CLEANUP
All small boats are to be secured properly after each use. This includes removing all trash, stowing anchor lines, carrying gas tanks ashore, and returning boat kits. Life vests should be rinsed off with fresh water provided at the back of the Maintenance complex, if the vests have been wet with salt water. Boats shall be rinsed out with salt water with the bailer provided. All collecting gear shall be rinsed with fresh water and returned to the locker outside the Gas Tank Room. BOATS LEFT UNCLEANED WILL BE CLEANED BY MARINE OPERATIONS AND THE TIME CHARGED TO THE USER (up to 1/2 HOUR).
Life vests must be worn at all times while using the canoes. One throw cushion must also be aboard each canoe while in use. Vests, cushions, and paddles are located in a locker marked "Canoe Locker" outside the north entrance to Marine Operations. Please return all items when finished.
Original Policy: 2/5/96 Fifth Revision 9/14/01
(Contact Lanier Mitchum at 252-504-7506 for questions concerning this
policy)