PURPOSE

Humboldt State University uses small watercraft, both motorized and non-motorized, in support of instruction, recreation and faculty and student scholarship. All boats operated by or on behalf of HSU will be used in a safe manner consistent with their intended use and in compliance with federal, state and local laws.  This policy shall apply to the University and its auxiliaries, and faculty, staff, students and guests engaged in university activities.

Definitions

Float Plan - Required to contain the following information:

• Description of the vessel, (including its number, size, make, capacity, horsepower, and type of engine)
• Description of the towing vehicle and trailer
• The launch site
• Detailed route of where the boater(s) are going
• The planned departure time and the expected return time 

(Center Activities rentals are exempt from filing a float plan).

Policy Details:

The President shall appoint a committee called the University Boat Safety Committee (UBSC) to provide oversight for all boating operations.  The committee shall include representation from the University Center, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Academic Affairs, Risk Management and the current Captain of the R.V. Coral Sea.  

The University Center, Intercollegiate Athletics and Academic Affairs shall establish their own boat safety committees.  These committees shall be charged with developing rules, guidelines, and standard operating procedures tailored to specific vessels and relevant to the missions of small boats within their respective administrative unit.  Such rules and procedures must be submitted to and approved by the UBSC prior to implementation.

Each time a watercraft is used a float plan is to be filed with the appropriate committee representative.

The unit-specific boat safety committees will facilitate resolution of special cases or concerns identified by students, staff, faculty, or administrators. If a resolution cannot be obtained at the unit-specific boat safety committee level, the concern will be forwarded to the University Boat Safety Committee.

The members of these committees should be familiar with the types of vessels in that unit, should have expertise in small boat operation and should include instructors and principal investigators who normally utilize such vessels. Unit-specific committees shall meet annually with the UBSC.

Committee Details

Chair:  To be elected from the members of the UBSC

Type:  University

Meetings:  Annually during academic year, more often if required.

Membership:

Executive Director of the University Center

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Director of Marine Facilities

Captain, R.V. Coral Sea

Director of Risk Management & Safety Services

The University Center Boat Safety Committee composition will be determined by the Executive Director of the University Center.

The Intercollegiate Athletics Boat Safety Committee composition will be determined by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.

The Academic Affairs Boat Safety Committee is composed of Director of Marine Facilities; Captain, R.V. Coral Sea; and representatives from the Departments of Biological Sciences, Fisheries, Oceanography, and Wildlife, as determined by department chairs.

History

Issued:       12/2006

Revised:     02/14/2020

Edited:       MM/DD/YYYY

Reviewed: MM/DD/YYYY