BOATS FOR BIOLOGISTS: BIOSM 210

    dates:                AUGUST 18 – 25, 2008

    credit hours:      2 semester credits

    total cost:          $1,907 (includes room, board and tuition)

    Prerequisites: Open to all undergraduates and graduate students.

    Marine and freshwater biologists rely on boats - small and large - for transportation, environmental sampling, data collection and other tasks. This course offers biologists at all stages of their careers a chance to learn basic boat handling, piloting, navigation, and common sampling techniques to enhance their opportunities for research and education. This course meets all certification requirements for basic small boat handling by state-specific agencies and National Association of Boating Law Administrators. Successful completion of this exam will also provide you with the ability to apply for a boating certificate in any of the 50 states.

    Topics:
    (1) Introduction to basic boat design and power systems
    (2) Safe boat handing and operation
    (3) Basic piloting (including navigation, chart reading, and use of basic instruments such as radar, GPS, and VHF radios)
    (4) Overview of marine weather terminology and basic forecasting
    (5) Introduction to basic sampling methods and data collection for a variety of biological purposes ranging from simple fishfinders to commercially available side-scan sonar systems
    (6) Automatic logging of locations and sea conditions
    (7) Basic systems for trawling
    (8) Proper handling of nets
    (9) Methods for fish and invertebrate trapping
    (10) Simple underwater videography
    (11) Advice on selection of vessels and captains for biological teaching and research on the water

    Faculty:

    • Willy Bemis, Shoals Marine Laboratory and Cornell University
    • George Hallenbeck
    • Tom Davis, Shosls Marine Laboratory Resident Captain
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