Small Boats

Welcome to The Marine Ops Small Boat Program

The OSU Small Boat Program supports safe, effective, and responsible boating operations for research and education. We provide risk management guidance and project oversight through personnel training and authorization, equipment evaluation, and thorough review of project plans. Our goal is to ensure that all university-affiliated boating activities meet the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

A group of people on a life raft in a pool.

Training & Resources

Training is required for all OSU vessel operators working offshore or in open water conditions

People gather on a small metal boat with a small cabin.

New Boaters

Learn how you can gain approval to use small boats for educational and academic purposes.

A small fiberglass boat with a soft cabin cover is being tied to a pier by a person in a lifevest.

Current Boaters

Resources for current OSU Operators already on file with the Boating Safety Program.

A smaller motor boat in the water near a long pier. People with orange lifevests stand near the back of the boat.

Choosing a Boat

The OSU Small Boat Program can help you find the platform that best suits your needs.

A "wear it" logo showing an orange life jacket and a blue background.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

OSU personnel using small motorized or non-motorized vessels for research must wear an appropriate PFD at all times while on the water.