Boating at WMSC

Located on the leeward side of Catalina Island, the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) maintains a fleet of small boats that allow access to miles of scenic coastal nearshore habitats typically protected from open ocean swells and in close proximity to pristine offshore open-water environments, both of which provide excellent boating opportunities for research and educational purposes. Based in the heart of the Blue Cavern Onshore State Marine Conservation Area, boaters have access to clean and clear ocean waters protected from fishing, anchoring and collecting, which impart some of the most natural marine environments in Southern California.

Boaters at the WMSC are taught by our resident staff via active training modules how to conduct safe boating operations and become knowledgeable vessel operators. We believe safe boating operations are paramount in the success and productivity of oceangoing field research activities.

The USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (USC/WIES) Boating Program is an active member of the Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA), with a mission to facilitate the development of safe and productive scientific boating operations for public and private institutions.

For any questions about the Boating Program, contact Marine Operations Manager Trevor Oudin.

WMSC maintains a fleet of approximately 10 vessels, whose availability is dependent on vessel maintenance schedules at the time of your visit. All available WMSC vessels are in proper working order, covered under BoatUS Vessel Assist Tow Membership, and come maintained with serviceable required boating equipment such as: VHF radios, Personal Floatation Devices, distress signaling devices, fire extinguishers, SCUBA diving support equipment, and current vessel registrations.

The WMSC fleet of small vessels is comprised of two size classes: (1) Small Vessels from 11-21 feet in length, powered by no greater than 50 horsepower Honda outboards, that allow users access to the Small Boat Boundary (SBB) and (2) Large Vessels from 16-23 feet in length, powered by Honda outboards up to 150 horsepower, which grant access to the Large Boat Boundary (LBB). See USC/WIES Boating Safety Manual APPENDIX III & IV for maps and APPENDIX IV for vessel information.

USC/WIES Boat Operators are separated into two groups:

Trainees, who can operate Small Vessels within the SBB, and Boat Operators, who can operate Large Vessels within the LBB. See the Boating Safety Manual for details.

In order to become a USC/WIES boating Trainee, you must:

• Complete a NASBLA-approved California State Boating Safety Course and apply for a CA Boater Card, then provide proof of course completion and CA Boater Card to the WMSC Marine Operations Manager. You must take your CA Boater Card with you on all voyages on WMSC vessels. We recommend the BoatUS Boating Safety Course (free course, $10 for the CA Boaters Card).
• All boat operators must complete a shore-based USC/WIES Small Boat Orientation. The purpose of this orientation is to familiarize users with float plans, boating procedures, and the location and proper use of required boating equipment.
• Once steps 1 & 2 are complete, you must complete an on-water USC/WIES Small Boat Operator Training that involves proficiency in the safe operation of small boats through hands-on boat handling operations.

In order to be approved to operate USC/WIES vessels, a Visiting Boat Operator (someone who is not USC faculty, student, or staff) must provide the Marine Operations Manager with proof of practical experience and operator training through one of the following:

• A Verification of Training (VOT) letter from the home institution’s Boating Safety Officer or equivalent, or
• An SBSA Motorboat Operator Training Course (MOTC) certificate, or
• Equivalent information detailing boating experience to be evaluated and approved by the USC/WIES Marine Operations Manager.

Visiting Boat Operators must also:

• Provide the USC/WIES Marine Operations Manager with a copy of their CA Boater Card and take the card on all voyages on WMSC vessels.
• Complete applicable portions of the USC/WIES Small Boat Orientation.
• Complete applicable portions of the USC/WIES Small Boat Operator Training.

Under most circumstances, visiting researchers may bring a vessel from their home institution to support filed research activities.

Boats at the WMSC are typically available to approved boat operators throughout the year. However, during the peak summer months of May-August, as well as during December-April (when inclement weather is more common), availability of boats may be limited. Be sure to check availability in advance of your visit. Although the waters around Catalina Island are normally calm, adverse weather conditions during your stay may have an impact on your research abilities. Please plan accordingly. You can inquire about boat availability or reserve a boat through our boat reservation request form*.

* The boat form is for Wrigley Institute staff, Hyperbaric Chamber crew members, external vendors (such as maintenance service providers), or individuals participating in programs at WMSC who require transport to/from the mainland outside of their main arrival and departure dates [e.g., for weekend visits].

The USC/WIES Boating Program is happy to support your research activities. Prior to conducting research at WMSC, please submit a completed Research Activities Plan to Brittany Martinez so we can ensure that we are equipped to support you.

The USC Diving Safety Officer must approve all divers involved in SCUBA diving activities at WMSC, including those planning to dive off WMSC boats. All boaters at WMSC receive proper training on how to conduct safe boat-based SCUBA dives. For questions regarding SCUBA diving at WMSC, please contact the Diving Safety Officer.

The USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber, an emergency medical facility for diving accidents, serves the Southern California area. It is part of the Wrigley Institute and is located on our waterfront. For information about support provided by the hyperbaric chamber, contact chamber director Karl Huggins.

Please see our Rates and Fees page for information on boating fees and other related costs (housing, meals, crew time, transportation to the island, etc.) at WMSC. Contact the WMSC reservations team with any questions regards rates, fees, and availability of non-boating resources, such as housing.

If you have questions about boating, diving, or related research activities at WMSC, please contact the appropriate individual from the list below.

Trevor Oudin
Marine Operations Manager
Phone: (310) 510-4022
Fax: (310)-510-1364
Cell: (213)-447-5396
Email: toudin@usc.edu

USC Diving Safety Officer
Email: uscdso@usc.edu

Karl Huggins
USC Hyperbaric Chamber Director
Phone: (310) 510-4020
Fax: (310) 510-1364
Email: huggins@usc.edu

Victoria Sperow
Dive Coordinator
Phone: (310) 510-0811
Fax: (310) 510-1364
Email: sperow@usc.edu

Brittany Martinez
Laboratory Coordinator
Phone: (310) 510-4074
Fax: (310) 510-1364
Email: bm27081@usc.edu