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Snorkeling and Boating Field Trips

Florida Atlantic University faculty members and teaching assistants should be aware that FAU guidelines and regulations for snorkeling and/or boating must be complied with when conducting field trips involving these activities. It is the responsibility of the person leading field trips to ensure that all snorkeling and boating requirements are satisfied. These procedures are detailed in the FAU Diving Safety Manual, which can be found at: Contact the DBSO for access to the Diving Safety Manual.

Snorkeling

Anyone who wishes to lead a snorkel trip during FAU-sponsored field trips must meet the following requirements:

  1. Maintain a current CPR/First-Aid certification.

  2. Ensure all members of the snorkel party have completed the FAU Snorkel Safety Training.

  3. Complete and submit a FAU Release of Liability Waiver to the DBSO.

  4. Submit a Snorkle Plan to the DBSO at least one week in advance of the trip. It is not necessary to complete the portion that applies to the dive profile.

  5. The group leader should also ensure that each person participating in snorkel activities completes an Application to the Scientific Diving Program and a FAU Release of Liability Waiver and submits these forms to the DBSO.

When snorkeling, it is required that the "buddy system" be utilized. The "buddy" system requires each person while in the water to be paired with someone at all times so that no solo snorkeling occurs. Solo snorkeling or swimming is prohibited at all times while operating under FAU auspices.

Each person must also wear a safety inflatable vest if the water is greater than chest deep or if the possibility of rip currents exists.

The State of Florida requires a diver's down flag to be displayed at all times while snorkeling.

Boating

If an FAU-owned or personal boat will be used, it is also necessary to complete an FAU Float Plan in Bloop, which must be given to a designated agent responsible for notifying the Coast Guard if the vessel becomes overdue. A copy of the Float Plan should also be submitted to the DBSO. It is not necessary to submit a float plan if a commercial charter boat company is used.

To Contact the Diving Safety Officers:

Brian Bennett
Diving and Boating Safety Officer
Florida Atlantic University
Building 85 - Dive Locker
777 Glades Road
Boca Raton, Fl 33431
tel: 561-334-4412
email: bennettb@fau.edu  

Jimmy Nelson
Diving and Boating Safety Officer
Harbor Branch at FAU
Link Building Room 120
5600 US HW 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
tel: 772.242.2537
cell: 772.766.1159
email: jnelso40@hboi.fau.edu  


          After hours or in the event of emergency:  cell: 772.766.1159 or 561-334-4412