The National Marine Sanctuary Program

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The National Marine Sanctuary Program

NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Program
Small Boat Operations and Safety
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Sanctuary Small Boat Program

• 43 vessels at 14 sites.
• Conduct routine
• management operations
• including research,
• education, enforcement,
• diving.
• 3,200 trips in FY 2002.
• Most acquired through government transfers.
• Small boat operations funded by site ORF.

R/V Tatoosh in Olympic Coast National Marine
Sanctuary
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Sanctuary Small Boat Program
Small Boat Program Study

• 2002 Small Boat Requirements Study looked at the
  state of the Sanctuary fleet, material condition
  of boats, operations, maintenance, and future
  management needs.

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Sanctuary Small Boat Program
10 Year Plan - Initiative

• FY05 funding request for addition to base.
• 15 replacement - 21 new boats to meet current and
  future management needs.
• Dedicated budget for Safety and Maintenance
• Identified small boat Operations Coordinator.

New R/V Shearwater at Channel Islands National
Marine Sanctuary
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Recent Small Boat Safety Initiatives

• Safety is the top priority
• Vessel inventory and inspection program database.
• Safety gear inventory and inspection in
  accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 217-103
  rev(12/02).
• Comprehensive operations manual for every boat
• Overall NMSP vessel policy (in development).
• Small boat operator training specific to
  sanctuary operations.

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Vessel Operations Improvements

• 2002 Small Boat Workshop - Participants included
  sanctuary managers, boat operators and
  maintainers. Will be an annual event.
• Standardize Maintenance Program
• Vessel design and equipment standardization.
• Ongoing evaluation of operator qualification
  requirements.

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Small Boat Safety Stand-down Week

• Annual requirement 1 Week each year
• Inspections (boat safety gear, facility
  equipment, dive gear and compressors).
• Certifications (first aid, CPR, oxygen
  administration).
• Training (operator refresher, accident response,
  dive safety).
• Small boat/diver accident drill. Held with
  local EMTs, recompression center, etc. to test
  response times, communications, procedures,
  coordination.

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Thank You