The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ (SCDNR) Carolina Coastal Discovery Marine Education Program provides destination-based marine science programs for participating groups. Vessel and land programs focus on the conservation and protection of the state’s marine and coastal natural resources. The Program Policy below reflects the SCDNR’s commitment to quality and safety while aboard the vessel and while participating in the land-based activities.
Vessel Policy:
- The Education Vessel (E/V) Discovery will be docked at the SCDNR’s Marine Resources Division in Charleston or at the Michael D. McKenzie Field Station in the ACE Basin. The vessel’s location is determined by seasonal school program scheduling, and the SCDNR will not relocate the vessel except during the scheduled relocations that are set each year.
- The E/V Discovery can accommodate 49 participants including captain and crew, but the number of participants is the discretion of the captain and Program Coordinator.
- One chaperone must be present per 10 students. A Chaperone Responsibility Form will be mailed out separately upon approval of Program Request Form.
- All passengers must be at least in the 5th grade.
- All participants should wear appropriate attire and footwear. Tennis shoes, and sandals with a back-strap are acceptable. Flip-flops are not allowed. Loose or baggy clothing should not be worn. The vessel captain will determine if attire is appropriate.
- All non-SCDNR participants under the age of 21 are required to wear a US Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD), or life jacket while on board. PFDs are provided to participants upon boarding.
- SCDNR staff will give a safety talk before boarding the vessel. Staff will indicate the location of first aid kits, life jackets and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
- Inappropriate behavior such as not following directions, throwing objects or litter from the vessel, horseplay, running, hanging from sides, lack of cooperation, etc. will not be tolerated. Should this type of behavior occur, the captain has the authority to terminate the program and return to the dock.
- Any groups with participants requiring special accommodations, such as wheelchair assistance, must submit a description of accommodations needed on the Carolina Coastal Discovery Program Request Form.
- Group coordinator should indicate on the Program Request Form any medical conditions and medications of participants with asthma, diabetes, etc. If no medical conditions exist among participants, this should be indicated on the Program Request Form. It is the passenger’s responsibility to have medication available and with them onboard.
Land Program Policy
- All land-based programs will take place either outside, in a classroom or both.
- Group coordinator should inform participants to wear appropriate outdoor clothing.
- Students must stay with their assigned groups and chaperones at all times. It is the chaperone’s responsibility to ensure all students are accounted for throughout the program.
- Land programs are suitable for every grade and age. The content will vary based on the ages of the students. Special topic requests may be indicated on the Land Based Program Form, and the Program Coordinator will try to accommodate the request.
- Dissections will utilize sharp tools, and in some cases, chemically treated specimens. Upon request, SCDNR staff will provide gloves.
- Binoculars, field guides, and all other educational supplies will be provided by SCDNR.
- Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated, and the program may be terminated in the event of misbehavior.
Scheduling Procedures
Requests for programs must be received at least three weeks prior to requested program date. No exceptions are allowed unless authorized by the SCDNR’s Office of Public Affairs (OPA).
All groups are required to fill out a Carolina Coastal Discovery Marine Education Program Request Form, no exceptions. Submission of the Program Request Form does not guarantee approval. The Program Coordinator will notify groups via phone, mail or e-mail of their approval or denial no more than 10 business days after Program Request Form is received.
Be sure to complete all necessary forms when applying for a program:
- Program Request Form with a list of names, ages and grades (if applicable) of all participants
- Land-Based Program Form. Please indicated a first and second priority on the space provided.
Upon approval of a program request, the Program Coordinator will send the following additional information: Chaperone Responsibility Form, Materials List, Directions, and a Program Agenda.
Requesting the E/V Discovery for Scientific Projects
To request the use of the E/V Discovery for scientific purposes, submit the following to OPA:
- a written summary describing the type of work that will be conducted, and
- the completed Carolina Coastal Discovery Program Request Form. All forms must be submitted at least three weeks before the requested project dates. Vessel usage dates are scheduled on a first- come, first- serve basis. If approved, the requestor will receive approval notification and available dates from the OPA.
The OPA in consultation with Vessel Operations will decide which projects are appropriate for the E/V Discovery. The vessel is not appropriate for projects that may damage or stain the canvas or deck.
The vessel will depart no earlier than one-half hour after sunrise and must be docked no later than one-half hour before sunset.
Program Support
For information on providing support for education please contact: Kattie McMillan at (843) 953-0762 or mcmillank@dnr.sc.gov.
Important!
Donations from participating groups support all land and vessel based components of the Carolina Coastal Discovery Program. Interested parties may not utilize the education program as a fund-raiser or to supplement additional costs.
Liability:
The SCDNR cannot be held responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen property before, during or after a Carolina Coastal Discovery Marine Education Program, scientific cruise, or at any SCDNR facility or property.
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