SFSU Scientific Boating Program

The San Francisco State University Scientific Boating Program provides university students, faculty and staff access to a fleet of small boats maintained for use in academic research. We currently have five boats in our program, ranging from 11' to 22' feet. Information on each vessel can be found on the Scientific Boat Fleet page.

Romberg Tiburon Center has a launch ramp for onsite launching of small boats that is centrally located in San Francisco Bay and provides quick access to a wide variety of research areas of interest. In addition, RTC has two berths at Paradise Cay Marina in Tiburon where vessels can dock for extended periods.

Organization

The SFSU Scientific Boating Program is organized by the RTC Ship Operations Committee (SOC), a five member control board which oversees scientific boating policy, procedures and operations. The SOC meets annually to discuss boating operations, policy review and budget. SFSU students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in SOC meetings and share their ideas in further developing our boating program.

New SFSU Boat Operators

SFSU provides comprehensive operator safety training that is a requirement for all new boat operators. The basic training consists of a three day Motorboat Operators Training Course (MOTC) held at RTC twice each year. In addition to the MOTC, a current certification in CPR and First Aid are also required. This training is also provided at RTC four times per year. Our page on becoming a scientific boat operator has links to the necessary forms, training and other information you will need.

Scientific Boating Safety

SFSU is an organizational member of the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA), a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating safe boating practices and to minimize accidental injury among those using boats for research and training. To meet this mission, SBSA members provide boat safety training and refresher courses, share expertise, advice and recommendations, formulate guidelines and procedures, and publish a boating safety manual. More information on the SBSA can be found on their web site.