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Diving & Boating Safety

Vessels

The mission of the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office is to assure that all individuals wishing to participate in diving- or boating-related activities done under the auspices of the Center for Marine Science at UNCW, meet all qualification requirements of training, experience and knowledge commensurate with the safety guidelines as prescribed by the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Forms

Boating Activities

UNCW's Guide for Safe Boating Operations [pdf] prescribes the rules, regulations and requirements of all persons operating boats under the auspices of the Center for Marine Science at UNCW. Copies of the manual may be obtained by qualified applicants from the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office. Contact the office at 910.962.2578.

The UNCW Guide for Safe Boating Operations [pdf] is a working document of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and has been approved by the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office and the Chancellor's Office.

Requirements for UNCW Boating Certification

  • Be 18 years of age or have permission of Parents
  • Complete the UNCW Release of Liability form for Boating Activities [pdf]
  • Submit to the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office proof of completion of an approved course on boating safety (UNCW, CG Aux., Power Sq., approved on-line boating course, etc.)
  • Submit resume of boating experience
  • Submit to the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office proof of certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and first aid
  • Successfully complete with a grade of 75% or better, a written exam on Coast Guard, State and University rules for safety and safe boat handling practices
  • To the satisfaction of the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office, successfully demonstrate safe boat handling skills and systems familiarization in the vessel to be utilized by the operator
  • At the discretion of the CMS Diving and Boating Safety Office, complete an orientation check-out of the area to be used by the operator

Diving Activities

The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has adopted the American Academy of Underwater Sciences’ Standards for Scientific Diving Certification and Operation of Scientific Diving Programs as the basis of its diving program; however, UNCW has applied more stringent regulations beyond those mandated by AAUS in an effort to increase the safe and efficient operation of diving activities.

The UNCW Diving Manual prescribes the minimum acceptable safety procedures to be employed in all UNCW diving operations. No set of standard procedures can anticipate all operating situations which may be encountered, and consequently, no single individual may assume safe operation by merely following these guideline blindly. No standards will ever exist which can substitute for common sense, sound judgment, and a continuing concern for safety.

Diving certification under the auspices of the UNCW will normally be restricted to faculty, staff, and students of UNCW. No individual may participate as a diver in a UNCW approved program without UNCW diving certification, or consent of the Diving Safety Officer.

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