Boating Safety

The ECU boat fleet has been coordinated to meet the wide ranging needs of university programs and researchers. The vessels are equipped to meet the versatile and diverse set-up requirements that are critical to the success of our users. The larger boats meet the Oceanographic Research Vessel standards of safety and are inspected before each use by Diving and Water Safety staff, as well as every two years by the US Coast Guard. Our department personnel have decades of experience serving the needs of researchers in various fields, including but not limited to: underwater archeology, biology, geology, and fisheries management. Additional equipment such as generators and booms are also available and custom research gear is often designed and fabricated at the Coastal Studies Annex.

If you have boat related questions, contact:

• Marine Dockmaster Mike Baker: West Research Campus Office (252) 744-1302, Cell phone (252) 916-9340, bakermi@ecu.edu
• Captain Eric Diaddorio: West Research Campus Office (252) 744-1303 Cell phone (252) 531-2936, diaddorioe@ecu.edu

Requirements for Operating a University Vessel can be found on page 5 of the University Boating Safety Manual (PDF) under the section “Requirements for Operator Certification of Power Driven Vessels.”

Motorboat Operator Certification Course

This course is required for all ECU boat operators, and is typically offered in both the fall and spring semesters. If you are interested in enrolling in the course please contact the Diving and Water Safety Office.