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Vessels & Vehicles

Vessels & Vehicles

CMS Vessel Operations

The Research Vessel Operations at CMS was formed to operate, maintain and repair the research vessel fleet at the center. At the present time CMS has vessels ranging in size from 13 feet (small boats) to the 35-foot R/V Seahawk all the way up to the 65-foot R/V Cape Fear.

R/V Osprey

The 78-foot Research Vessel Osprey represents UNCW’s commitment to being North Carolina’s coastal university through advancing coastal and marine research, education and stewardship. Designed to support research and education in coastal waters, the R/V Osprey provides researchers and students with a state-of-the-art, versatile and stable, platform for collecting the data that drives discovery.

VIEW R/V OSPREY CALENDAR

R/V Seahawk

The R/V Seahawk is a fast day boat located at UNC Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science. The Seahawk is used for educational cruises, dive support and survey work, and can be relocated to other coastal ports throughout the Carolinas.

View R/V Seahawk Calendar

Small Boats

The CMS small research vessel fleet ranges from small motorboats to larger vessels capable of estuarine and nearshore operations. These vessels are available for use by UNCW certified boat operators. Boat Operator’s certification will normally be restricted to faculty, staff and graduate students of UNCW. The Small Boats Coordinator oversees maintenance, daily operations and safety issues as they arise.

To View the Small Boats Schedule, Visit Small Boats Calendar.

To View the Humpback Schedule, Visit Humpback Calendar.

Forms

Vessels & Vehicles

The R/V Seahawk is a fast day boat located at UNC Wilmington’s Center for Marine Science. The Seahawk is used for educational cruises, dive support and survey work, and can be relocated to other coastal ports throughout the Carolinas.

Vessel Specifications

  • Length: 34'
  • Beam: 12'
  • Draft: 3'
  • Propulsion: Twin Yamaha 350 Outboards
  • Cruise Speed: 25 Knots
  • Electrical Power: Westerbeke 7.5 kW, 120 VAC, Single Phase
  • Fuel Capacity: 300 gallons
  • Passenger Capacity (Including Captain): 10 Offshore/15 Inshore
  • Davit Capacity: 400 lbs.

Charter Rates

Rates reviewed annually. Rates are subject to change without notice.

  • Half Day Charter (3.5 Hrs): $350.00 + Fuel Used
  • Full Day Charter (8 Hrs): $650.00 + Fuel Used
  • Lay Day (Weather or Other Non-Operational Day): $200.00
  • Extra Hours (Over 8): $100.00
  • Fuel: Based on Current Marina Price
  • Extra Crew Service Rate: $125.00
  • Crew Weekend/Holiday Fee: $100.00

Electronics

Communications

  • Furuno VHF Radio
  • ICOM IC-M602 VHF Radio
  • ICOM MA-500TR AIS

Navigation

  • Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 94sv Chartplotter
  • Furuno NavNet Chartplotter, Sounder, Radar
  • Humminbird 1198c Chartplotter, Side Scan, Sounder
  • Garmin GHC 10 Autopilot

Interested in renting a small boat to enjoy the water near UNCW? Get details for rates, operating requirements and more.

Rates reviewed annually. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Small Boat Rates Effective July 1, 2023:
  • Jon Boats: $40/day plus the boat operator pays for the fuel used
  • Fiberglass Boats: $50/day plus the boat operator pays for the fuel used
  • CMS Licensed Captain Fee: $100.00. Applies to researchers not affiliated with UNCW or UNCW researchers that have not completed the boat operator certification process.

Boat Operator Certification Process

Applicants must submit the following:
  • First Aid/CPR card from a nationally recognized organization
  • Proof of completing a recognized boating safety course (this one is free)
  • CMS small boat application and boating history form (provided at time of interview)
  • Written test on CMS Safe Boating Operations (provided at time of interview)

Once the paperwork has been completed, the applicant will demonstrate skills such as trailering a boat, launching and recovering a boat and on water safety procedures. The applicant should have sufficient experience to demonstrate these skills with limited input from the CMS staff conducting the interview.

 

Table lists UNCW's small boats, boat type, length, horespower and fuel capacity
Boat Name Boat Type Length HP Fuel Capacity
Sea Weed Jon Boat 17' 30 6 gal.
Seaside Sparrow Jon Boat 17' 30 6 gal.
Bluefin Skiff 19' 60 18 gal.
Mako Skiff 19' 90 18 gal.
Jaguar Shark Skiff 19' 115 28 gal.
Pompano Skiff 22' 115 28 gal.
Brittlestar V-hull Center Console 20' 150 80 gal.
Sea Grass Ranger V-hull Center Console 20' 150 80 gal.
Tomtate V-hull Cabin 25' 225 120 gal.

The Center for Marine Science owns trucks. Learn more about reserving a truck through the CMS.

View current truck schedule

For more information about CMS truck availability and support, please contact:

Steve Hall       

halls@uncw.edu
910.962.2558

Loaner Vehicles

2006 F-350 w/cap
White PK-8965

2018 F-250 w/cap
White PA-7331

 

Calendars

Contact Vessel Operations

Jay Styron, Assistant Director for Marine Operations

Phone: 910.962.2240

styronj@uncw.edu

UNCW Center for Marine Science
5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane
Wilmington, NC 28409