Small Boats

Policies for the use of small boats at STRI's marine stations

  1. Users are responsible for ensuring that the boat contains sufficient fuel to reach their destination and return safely, communication radio, basic spare parts, tools, life-preservers for all people aboard and a set of oars. Contact the facility manager if any of these items are missing.
  2. All small boats need to be operated by a person familiar with the machinery and with local waters. The facility manager (or a person specifically designated by the manager) will determine whether scientists, visitors, and students meet these conditions, or whether they need to be accompanied by an additional person who does.
  3. If the passengers will be SCUBA diving, a boat tender, who will remain on the boat, is necessary except under the following conditions:
    • Diving done within sight of the station
    • Diving done within sight of the R/V Urraca, when another small boat is available at the Urraca to come to the rescue.
    • When the facilities manager is satisfied that conditions at the diving site are such that the safety of the divers and the boat are assured, even in the absence of a boat tender.
  4. If the passengers will be snorkeling in the vicinity of the anchored boat, no tender is necessary, except in areas of high wave action or current flow. The facility manager (or a person designated by the facility manager) will determine whether the conditions require a tender or not.

 

Contact Information

Pierre J-Fuentes
Vessel Superintendent
Phone: +507 212-8902
Fax: +507 212-8790
fuentesp@naos.si.edu

Local Mailing Address

Mail address Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apartado Postal 0843-03092
Panamá, República de Panamá

U.S. Mail for Panama

Mail address Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Unit 9100 BOX 0948
DPO AA 34002-9998
USA