BMSC’s research and education boat fleet
We have twelve motored vessels in our fleet, supporting safe ocean access for ocean research, marine science field courses, science field trips, and active conservation and restoration efforts.
Our fleet is made up of two large vessels (10+m) and ten smaller vessels that have a variety of capabilities. Our foreshore team is ready to support a wide range of projects across The Barkley Sound. Read more details about the boats below.
All researchers, students, and staff operating BMSC’s vessels are expected to be familiar with BMSC’s boat policy and carry the required certifications.
Requirements for operating BMSC power boats for researchers, faculty, students, and BMSC staff:
14 ft & 16 ft Small Skiffs:
- PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operators Card);
- Valid Marine Basic First Aid, or any 2-day (minimum 16 hr) First Aid + CPR-C course recognized in provinces or territories ‘In-person’ or ‘blended’ courses that meet the above criteria are acceptable;
- complete a boat checkout and safety briefing by BMSC Foreshore staff.
Large Skiffs, Raider, and Lifetimer:
- SVOP (Small Vessels Operator’s Proficiency certification;
- Valid MED A3 (Marine Emergency Duties) or SDV-BS;
- Valid Marine Basic First Aid, or any 2-day (minimum 16 hr) First Aid + CPR-C course recognized in provinces or territories ‘In-person’ or ‘blended’ courses that meet the above criteria are acceptable;
- Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate;
- complete a boat checkout and safety briefing by BMSC Foreshore staff.
Read more details on our vessels here:
“Small” Skiffs
Four 14′ aluminum Small Skiffs – Rex, River Timothy, Kraken, and Steller – each carry four passengers. University students and researchers are trained to operate these vessels to access field sites for course work and research activities.
There is also one 16′ Small Skiff, known as Cope Five or Five Alive.
Sometimes you’ll hear them referred to as “the copes.”
A PCOC and a valid, 2-day (16 hrs) First Aid + CPR course recognized in B.C.
“Medium” Skiffs
The Lifetimer and The Raider are 6.25 and 6.1 meter aluminum vessels.
They carry three passengers and a driver and can access sites just about anywhere within Barkley Sound.
The Raider is largely used in our Kelp Restoration work in The North Salish Sea.
These vessels require an SVOP to operate.
Skiffs
We have three 8 meter aluminum skiffs – the Velella velella, Kingfisher, and Stickleback.
These boats hold 12 passengers plus a driver.
Skiffs are used to transport students and researchers to field sites to the Deer Group and Broken Group Islands, and function as a SCUBA dive and research platforms.
These vessels require an SVOP to operate.
M/V Alta
The 13 meter M/V Alta operates bottom trawls, dredges, hydrographic and oceanographic instrumentation, has a range of around 600 nautical miles and a running speed of 7 knots. Maximum capacity is 12 passengers plus crew.
The Alta has all the latest in navigation equipment such as GPS receiving/plotting, AIS, radar imaging, depth sounding and marine VHF communication systems.
The M/V Alta was built in 1982 by Little Hoquiam Shipyards, WA. The fibreglass design is by Monk with modifications by Jack Sarin. Funding for the M/V Alta was provided through the University of Calgary by the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and the Province of Alberta.
M/V Barkley Star
The M/V Barkley Star is a sturdy 10m aluminum vessel, designed to carry 12 passengers plus crew for high speed transport or to act as a dive tender.
The Barkley Star is outfitted with the latest in navigation equipment such as GPS receiving/plotting, AIS, radar imaging, depth sounding and marine VHF communication systems.
The Rowboats
BMSC has two rowboats, the Loligo and Postelsia for student and faculty recreational use within Bamfield Inlet. The rowboats were built by Whaler Bay Boat Yard on Galiano Island in 1979 by Greg Foster. The design is patterned after a traditional Newfoundland dory called a ‘Labradory’.
You must be checked out on these rowboats before use.