The Marine Research Center provides vessel support, research support, and scientific diving training and supervision for University-sponsored projects in and around regional waterways.
Boats, Facilities, Research, and Training
The Marine Research Center (MRC) at the University of West Florida supports hands-on learning, research, and fieldwork for various entities at the University of West Florida, including the College of Art, Social Sciences, and Humanities Department of Anthropology and Archaeology Institute, the Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Marine Biology program, the Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation (CEDB), the Florida Public Archaeology Network (FPAN), and more. MRC offers a variety of vessels, platforms, and services tailored for coastal and estuarine research across the region.
MRC maintains a fleet of watercraft available for University-affiliated research activities. In addition to providing equipment and logistical support, MRC staff offer specialized training for UWF students, faculty, and staff. Training opportunities include trailering and operating small vessels, large van transport, vessel maintenance, and small boat handling and safety.
As much of the work supported by MRC is grant-funded, we encourage researchers to contact us early in their planning process. Our team can assist in integrating vessel use, facilities access, and training services into project budgets and proposals.
For more information about MRC watercraft, services, or support for your research project, please contact our staff directly.
Dive Safety Program
The Dive Safety Program ensures that all scientific diving under the auspices of the University of West Florida (UWF) and the Marine Research Center (MRC) is conducted in a manner that will maximize the protection of scientific divers from accidental injury and/or illness.
American Academy of Underwater Sciences
The University of West Florida is an Organizational Member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) and follows all AAUS standards regarding scientific diving. The mission of AAUS is to "advance and facilitate safe and productive scientific diving." For more information about AAUS, please visit AAUS.org.
Dive Safety Officer
The Dive Safety Program is administered by the Dive Safety Officer (DSO) whose job is to develop and implement the Scientific Diving Program. The DSO is the primary support person for diving operations from our facility, as well as for the operation and maintenance of our dive equipment, waterfront facilities, and small boats. He also directs and instructs staff, students and research divers in the safe and efficient operation of marine diving and boating projects and accompanies divers on marine investigations to record scientific data. The DSO supervises the deck crew and all operational and safety functions, as well as verifying diver certification and maintaining UWF project dive logs. The DSO has operational authority for the diving program, including enforcement of diving safety regulations, approval of dive plans.
Additional Information
Contact Us
UWF Marine Research Center
Ellyson Industrial Park
8810 Paul Starr Drive
Pensacola, FL 32514
850.475.5438
DJ Johnson
Marine Services Supervisor
djohnson11@uwf.edu
850.475.5438
- General Information
- Boat Rental Information
- Scheduling
Partners
Department of Anthropology
The Department of Anthropology offers B.A. degrees in Anthropology and Maritime Studies, M.A. degrees in Anthropology and Historical Archaeology, as well as five different minors. Students are involved in hands-on research across the disciplines of cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, and archaeology.
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Florida Public Archaeology Network
The Florida Public Archaeology Network's mission is to promote and facilitate the conservation, study, and public understanding of Florida's archaeological heritage through regional centers throughout the state. The Florida Public Archaeology Network is a program of the University of West Florida.
Archaeology Institute
The The Archaeology Institute at the University of West Florida is an educational, research, and service facility concerned with the prehistoric and historic archaeological resources of the northwest Florida region.
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences students will find excellent opportunities to explore contemporary environmental issues and participate in scientific research with departmental faculty; whether in excellent facilities or in the current Gulf Coast environmental field laboratories.
Marine Biology
UWF is one of only a few institutions in the U.S. offering a B.S. in Marine Biology. You will become immersed in the environment you are studying on our campus, with 300 acres of marshes and wetlands, as well as 150 acres on the Gulf. Our program prepares you for a career in environmental regulation, conservation, fisheries, aquaculture, and more.
Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation
The The Center for Environmental Diagnostics and Bioremediation (CEDB), established in 1990, works in collaboration with affiliated academic departments and diverse external organizations to enrich the research, teaching, and service functions of the University of West Florida.
The following boats are exclusively available to University of West Florida, Faculty, Staff and Students for research purposes.
| Boat | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1986 26' Grady White (GW1) | $450.00* |
| 2010 26' Tritoon (T1) | $250.00 |
| 2022 26' Tritoon (T2) | $250.00 |
| 2006 20' Rhino (R1) | $200.00 |
| 2011 26' Rhino (R2) | $200.00 |
| 2012 27' Rhino (R3) | $200.00 |
| 2018 21' Rhino (R4) | $200.00 |
*Includes $100 fee for the required UWF MSC Captain.
Note: Usage fees do not include fuel or damage charges