UMCES Research Fleet

Home-ported at the UMCES Research Fleet Operations facility at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, the R/V AQUARIUS can be rigged to support a wide variety of estuarine and near-coastal oceanographic research projects, including dredging, trawling, coring, water quality observations, plankton sampling, and current meter deployment. Their shallow draft, speed, maneuverability, general configuration and versatility make them well-suited for the varied conditions and problems encountered in estuarine and near-coastal research. The vessel is well equipped for high school and college-level instructional cruises.

R/V Aquarius

	The aluminum-hulled AQUARIUS was built by Sewart Seacraft in 1964, and initially operated as a crewboat until it was purchased by the University in 1972.
	The vessel carries a USCG Letter of Designation as an Oceanographic Research Vessel.

Related Oceanographic Vessel Links

US-wide UNOLS Small Research Vessel Inventories

Research Ship Information Clearinghouse

UNOLS Research Ship Schedules and Information

Other World Wide Web Sites with Ship Information

Boating Safety Courses - Why / Where / When

In cooperation with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, several community-based boating organizations will once again be offering boating safety courses in the Solomons area throughout the year. Maryland's Boating Safety Education Act requires that any person born on or after 1 July, 1972 who operates a registered or documented pleasure vessel on Maryland waters be in possession of a Certificate of Boating Safety Education. This certificate must be shown on demand to any Natural Resources Police Officer (or other law enforcement officer), and may be obtained by passing a DNR approved boating safety course, or by passing an equivalency exam.

General information on local classes may be obtained by visiting or calling the BOAT / US Foundation Courseline at: (800) 336-2628