SCUBA Program Leaders Handbook Table of Contents

Transcription

1 Marinelab.org has all the tools you need for recruitment and information! SCUBA Program Leaders Handbook Table of Contents The Paper Path to MarineLab 2 Optional Items 3 Rosters & Boat Assignments 4 What to Bring 5 Minor SCUBA Waiver 6 Student over 18 SCUBA Waiver 10 Chaperone SCUBA Waiver 14 Group Sizes & Deposit 17 Balance Payments Refunds Your Itinerary 18 Help Getting Admin Approval Recruit Students 19 & Chaperones What to expect on arrival & departure 20 Facilities & Meals 21 Hotel Accommodations 22 for Bus Drivers Directions MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page

2 The Paper Path to MarineLab These forms need to be sent to MarineLab, in this general order. The Forms are in this document or available online at RIGHT AWAY DETAILS FORM (included with your Confirmation Packet) - send right away MAILED with your DEPOSIT CHECK DEPOSIT CONTRACT (included with your Confirmation Packet) STUDENT ROSTER (an excel spreadsheet on our website) ED 45 DAYS PRIOR TO PROGRAM T-shirt & water bottle order form (faxed or ed directly to gift shop, if ordering) TRANSPORTATION FORM MAILED with your BALANCE CHECK to arrive 30 DAYS PRIOR TO START DATE NOTARIZED STUDENT INFORMATION/WAIVER FORM Note: if a student is over 18, they must complete the STUDENT OVER 18 form Don t forget the physician s release CHAPERONE INFORMATION/WAIVER FORM STUDENT ROSTER (FINALIZED) BOAT ASSIGNMENTS You can any late changes to your roster or boat assignments prior to arrival MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 2

3 Your MarineLab program fee is listed on the confirmation page It includes: Snorkeling, diving & land based field trips listed Evening programs Meals as listed on your confirmation Accommodations Snorkel & SCUBA gear, including a wetsuit One FREE chaperone per boat Any other items listed on your confirmation Program fees are based on 9 students per boat BED LINENS: $7 per set. Chaperone linens are FREE if the entire student group rents linens. The set includes a pillow with case, twin bed top and bottom sheet, and blanket. TOWELS ARE NOT INCLUDED. LOGBOOKS: Ask for a free sample copy. A great way to direct (and grade) a student s participation in their program. The logbooks are primarily elementary or middle school level. $1.50 each. SUN PROTECTION We no longer offer purchase of large bottles of sunscreen. You may buy reef safe sunscreen in our gift shop, or buy it on Amazon.com and have it shipped to MarineLab to arrive before your trip. We apologize for any inconvenience. T-SHIRTS Our MarineLab t-shirts are available at a discount if you order for your entire group in advance! The cost is $13 (including tax) for our white shirts with the multicolored design on the back. A t shirt order form is found online on the Teacher Page. Please note that there is a $2 surcharge for XXL shirts. The shirts are ordered directly through the gift shop, and you must place your order 30 days in advance to get the special rate. KAYAKING IN JOHN PENNEKAMP Does your itinerary include a block of free time? We have an arrangement with a local kayak shop to provide sit on top single kayaks for the morning or afternoon. They provide a guide and the students paddle over to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where they can explore the Visitor Center & mangrove creeks, and even buy an ice cream to enjoy ashore! Please contact the office for details. Available for additional fee: Bed linens including pillow and blanket Logbooks (suitable for elementary & MS) Environmentally Sensitive Sunscreen Wetsuits (recommended for winter & early spring) Ground transportation to airports & other destinations Refillable Water Bottles OPTIONAL ITEMS FOR YOUR TRIP REFILLABLE WATER BOTTLES Refillable water bottles are REQUIRED at MarineLab! We do not allow single-use water bottles, so you need to have a water bottle! Either bring your own OR arrange to purchase one of our Nalgene 24 oz bottles. We chose to use green Nalgene bottles because tests have shown that these bottles do NOT release any chemicals even after exposure to UV. Students can customize their bottles with stickers at our Sticker Station, too! See the order form for pricing. GROUND TRANSPORTATION MarineLab offers ground transfer service from Miami and Ft Lauderdale airports for a flat fee based upon the number of boats you have booked. If you have selected this option, the ESTIMATED fees will be listed on your confirmation and on your statement, but the fee will not be finalized until your deposit is received. At that time, we will give you a firm quote on the ground transfer. The entire amount will be due and payable 30 days prior to your program start date, along with the balance payments for your student fees. Please note that MarineLab uses an outside vendor to book and organize this transportation, so there are service fees involved. Ground transfers may include a stop for a meal or a visit to Everglades National Park. Arrangements for such stops must be made in advance MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 3

4 ROSTER & BOAT ASSIGNMENTS ONLY ONLINE ROSTER You must complete a ROSTER. A pre-formatted Excel spreadsheet is available on the website under Teacher Resources. You should have sent in an initial roster with your deposit. Make sure the roster you send with the Waiver Forms is the most up-to-date one! BOAT ASSIGNMENTS A blank BOAT ASSIGNMENT LIST is on our website. Please use the one for your number of boats! These students will be assigned to the same boat throughout their program, except when a student is switched to another boat due to behavior issues or skill level. Even if you only have one boat, please complete the boat assignment list. We are required to have a manifest onboard by the US Coast Guard. In addition, groups of four or more boats are split into Group A and Group B for scheduling purposes. The boat assignment sheet has them split accordingly. Students and chaperones should be assigned in boat groups of no more than 9 paying participants and 1 free chaperone. Boat groups may be combined into a big boat group on occasion. Please tell your students their Group and Boat assignments prior to your arrival at MarineLab it helps expedite getting them out on their boats! INFORMATION & WAIVER FORMS Every participant is required to complete an Information & Waiver Form. These forms are available on our website on both the Parent & Teacher Resources pages. HERE & ONLINE Minor student forms must be notarized. Students who will be 18 years old at the time of the program must complete an Student Over 18 Form. All chaperones must complete a Chaperone Form. These forms are due to MarineLab 30 days prior to your program start date. This is to allow us time to review the forms for signatures, notary seals, dietary and medical information. Proper planning will eliminate the need to overnight or express mail your forms to us in order to get them here by that deadline. THE FOLLOWING PAGES CONTAIN THE SCUBA WAIVER FOR MINORS, THE SCUBA WAIVER FOR STU- DENTS OVER 18, AND THE CHAPERONE WAIVER. THE MINOR WAIVER MUST BE NOTARIZED MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 4

5 Student Packing Checklist & Contact Information CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS We are located at Mile Marker 103.2, oceanside, 51 Shoreland Drive, PO Box 787, Key Largo, FL Office phone (305) or (800) This number is staffed from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. An answering machine will pick up after 5:00 pm and on weekends. TOILETRIES & PERSONAL ITEMS PLASTIC or METAL DRINKING CONTAINER Sunblock (Waterproof, SPF 30 or higher no oil or sprays, please) unless school is buying SolRX from us Insect repellent Toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.) Motion Sickness Medicine (if motion sickness has been a problem, or if you aren t sure) Medication, including inhalers if you use them Change for snack, soda machines (send quarters or $1 bills, we cannot provide change!) Pencil and notebook Camera (optional put your name on it!) Don t send large beach towels - they take up too much space on the boats, and don t dry as quickly. Standard bath towels work fine. CLOTHING & LINENS Sleeping bag or twin bed linens, and a pillow 2 Towels (one for shower, one for boat) Personal clothing and swimwear Rash guards or t-shirts for snorkeling (sun protection-this is required) Windbreaker or rain coat Plastic bag to carry wet items home! Sweatshirts or jackets for cooler months (November March; you will be chilled when you get out of the water!) PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES Cell phones and music players are not allowed on the boats or in the classrooms. Please be sure your child knows to store them securely in their baggage while they re out on the water. EQUIPMENT SCUBA gear is included in your program! As divers, we assume that you will have your own mask, fins, and snorkel, but if you don't we have plenty to choose from. If you have a new mask, scrub it with toothpaste before using or bringing it with you. WETSUITS Shorty wetsuits are included. PLEASE DO NOT SEND: Food Cheese Whiz or fish food Fishing equipment Slurp gun SPRAY SUNSCREEN Gum Speargun THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GIFT SHOP: Post Cards Stamps Souvenirs T-shirts Film Batteries U/W cameras Water Bottles MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 5 Books

6 MarineLab SCUBA Program Information & Liability Release for MINORS PLEASE NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED AND NOTARIZED. THIS FORM HAS FOUR PAGES. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION NAME FIRST MIDDLE LAST BIRTH DATE AGE AT TIME OF PROGRAM SEX SCHOOL/GROUP PROGRAM DATES ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CELL PHONE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION PERSON TO CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY RELATIONSHIP CELL PHONE DIETARY & MEDICAL INFORMATION SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS OR ALLERGIES: Vegetarian No red meat No pork Gluten free Dairy free Vegan Peanut Allergy (severity): Other dietary notes: MY HEALTH/ACCIDENT POLICY IS WITH POLICY NUMBER: POLICYHOLDER NAME: PHONE NUMBER: I give permission for MRDF staff to take photos or videos of my child par cipa ng in these ac vi es, which will remain the property of MRDF to be used in public promo ons. NO YES YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE NEXT PAGE. YOU MUST FILL IN THE WORD YES OR NO FOR EACH QUESTION. IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MARINELAB TO OBTAIN A PHYSICIAN S APPROVAL FORM AND MEDICAL GUIDELINES INFORMATION TO PROVIDE YOUR PHYSICIAN. WHEN REQUIRED, A PHYSICIAN S APPROVAL FORM MUST BE PROVIDED TO MARINELAB PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. PARTICIPANTS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE A PHYSICIAN AP PROVAL FORM, IF REQUIRED, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DIVE USING COMPRESSED AIR MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 6

7 MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE Minor Student SCUBA Informa on & Liability Release Form Page 2 of 4 The purpose of this Medical Ques onnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before par cipa ng in MarineLab s dive program. A posi ve response to a ques on does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A posi ve response means that there is a preexis ng condi on that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician prior to engaging in dive ac vi es. Please answer the following ques ons on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO (you MUST write in the word yes or no for each quesɵon). If you are not sure, answer YES. If YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, you must consult with a physician and obtain physician s approval to dive prior to parɵcipaɵng in MarineLab s scuba diving program. We will supply you with a Medical Statement and Guidelines for RecreaƟonal Scuba Diver s Physical ExaminaƟon to take to your physician. Do you have allergic reac ons severe enough to need an epi pen? If so, make sure you bring it! Could you be pregnant, or are you a emp ng to become pregnant? Are you presently taking prescrip on medica ons? (with the excep on of birth control or an malarial) Please list these medica ons: Have you ever had or do you currently have (YOU MUST WRITE YES OR NO) Asthma, or wheezing with breathing, or wheezing with exer Back or spinal surgery? cise? Diabetes? Frequent or severe a acks of hayfever or allergy? Back, arm or leg problems following surgery, injury or frac Frequent colds, sinusi s or bronchi s? ture? High blood pressure or take medicine to control blood pres Any form of lung disease? sure? Heart disease? Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)? Heart a ack? Other chest disease or chest surgery? Angina, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery? Behavioral health, mental or psychological problems (Panic a ack, fear of closed or open spaces)? Sinus surgery? Epilepsy, seizures, convulsions or take medica ons to prevent Ear disease or surgery, hearing loss or problems with balance? them? Recurrent ear problems? Recurring complicated migraine headaches or take medica Bleeding or other blood disorders? ons to prevent them? Hernia? Blackouts or fain ng (full/par al loss of consciousness)? Ulcers or ulcer surgery? Frequent or severe suffering from mo on sickness (seasick, A colostomy or ileostomy? carsick, etc.)? Recrea onal drug use or treatment for, or alcoholism in the Dysentery or dehydra on requiring medical interven on? past five years? Any dive accidents or decompression sickness? Inability to perform moderate exercise (example: walk 1.6 km/ one mile within 12 mins.)? Head injury with loss of consciousness in the past five years? Recurrent back problems? The information I have provided about my medical history is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I agree to accept responsibility for omissions regarding my failure to disclose any existing or past health condition. NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Participant Signature Signature of Parent or Guardian MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 7 Date

8 NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Minor Student SCUBA InformaƟon & Liability Release Form Page 3 of 4 PAGE MarineLab/MRDF ASSUMPTION OF RISKS, LIABILITY RELEASE & HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACT MarineLab/MRDF is a not-for-profit, non-commercial, home, private and public school / community oriented education program. MarineLab/MRDF educational programs offer rewarding experiences to develop Participant s knowledge and skills essential to understanding marine sciences and resources. In consideration of myself or my child (PARTICIPANT) being allowed to participate in the Program Activities I HEREBY AGREE TO BE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING: NOTICE TO THE MINOR CHILD S NATURAL GUARDIAN (Pursuant to Florida Statutes ) READ THIS FORM COMPLETELY AND CAREFULLY. YOU ARE AGREEING TO LET YOUR MINOR CHILD ENGAGE IN A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY. YOU ARE AGREEING THAT, EVEN IF MarineLab/Marine Resources Development Foundation, Inc., Key Largo Undersea Park, Inc., Roland Creese LLC d/b/a Island Ventures, their boats (whether owned, operated, leased, or chartered), their owners, directors, sponsors, agents, employees, volunteers, instructors, assistants, educational groups, individuals and all others in connection with Program Activities, whether specifically named or not (herein Released Parties ) USE REASONABLE CARE IN PROVIDING THIS ACTIVITY, THERE IS A CHANCE YOUR CHILD MAY BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BY PARTICIPATING IN THIS ACTIVITY BECAUSE THERE ARE CERTAIN DANGERS INHERENT IN THE ACTIVITY WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED OR ELIMINATED. BY SIGNING THIS FORM YOU ARE GIVING UP YOUR CHILD S RIGHT AND YOUR RIGHT TO RECOVER FROM THE RELEASED PARTIES IN A LAWSUIT FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY, INCLUDING DEATH, TO YOUR CHILD OR ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE THAT RESULTS FROM THE RISKS THAT ARE A NATURAL PART OF THE ACTIVITY. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO SIGN THIS FORM, AND THE RELEASED PARTIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO LET YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATE IF YOU DO NOT SIGN THIS FORM. In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Program Activities I HEREBY AGREE TO BE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING: Contract Parties: On behalf of MYSELF, MY MINOR CHILD, OUR FAMILY, HEIRS, ASSIGNS, REPRESENTATIVES & ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM ON MY OR MY MINOR CHILD S BEHALF (hereafter I or Participant ), I voluntarily enter into this contract with MarineLab/Marine Resources Development Foundation, Inc., Key Largo Undersea Park, Inc., Roland Creese LLC d/b/a Island Ventures, boats (whether owned, operated, leased, or chartered), their owners, directors, sponsors, agents, employees, volunteers, instructors, assistants, educational groups, individuals and all others in connection with Program Activities, whether specifically named or not (hereafter Released Parties ). Participant Responsibilities & Assumption of Risks: I am a certified diver or a student under the supervision of my dive instructor. I understand there are inherent risks of serious injury, illness and death associated with swimming, snorkeling, breath-hold diving, scuba diving, hookah diving, underwater habitats, boating, entering/exiting the water and related aquatic educational activities (herein Program Activities ). I will use all safe diving practices, plan my dive, remain with my dive partner, maintain situational and self awareness, and use my good judgment to reduce these risks, however, I know the risk of serious injury, illness and death cannot be completely eliminated. It is my responsibility to inspect my equipment prior to each dive and to monitor my gas supply throughout my dive. I accept sole responsibility for the function and adequacy of the equipment and breathing gases I use. I understand Program Activities will expose me to risk of panic, drowning, stings, bites, infections, decompression illness, overexpansion injuries, pressure related injuries, breathing gas toxicities, dangerous environmental conditions, etc., and boating will expose me to risk of unexpected movement, dangerous environmental conditions, fire, capsize, sinking, grounding, abandonment, collision, being struck by a boat, hazards of the sea, etc. My participation in Program Activities is voluntary and if I do not feel capable or competent, then I will refrain from that activity. I agree to be solely responsible for my health and safety. DESPITE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS & DEATH, I VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND ASSUME ALL RISKS, WHETHER FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, AND WHETHER CREATED OR NOT BY THE RELEASED PARTIES, ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 8

9 NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Minor Student SCUBA Informa on & Liability Release Form Page 4 of 4 Participant s Condition & Insurance: I will abide by all MarineLab/MRDF policies, rules and regulations. I will dive within my abilities. If I do not feel well or become aware of any unsafe condition, I will refrain from participation. I am physically, medically and mentally fit to dive. I will not hold anyone responsible for any condition I may suffer that results in my injury, illness or death. I will not possess nor consume alcohol, tobacco or drugs (other than those prescribed to me by a physician) while participating in Program Activities. I understand Program Activities may be conducted at remote locations distant from emergency response, medical care and hyperbaric care. I AUTHORIZE RELEASED PARTIES TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FIRST AID & MEDICAL CARE. I AGREE TO BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE AND PAY FOR ALL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL CARE. I ASSUME THESE RISKS & HEREBY RELEASE RELEASED PARTIES FOR FAILURE TO RESCUE OR PROVIDE PROPER EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR MEDICAL CARE. Release of Liability: In considerations of being allowed to participate in Program Activities, I HEREBY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL LIABILITY ARISING AS A RESULT OF INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH DUE TO ANY ACT OR OMISSION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF ANYONE, INCLUDING THE RELEASED PARTIES. THIS IS A COMPLETE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF RELESED PARTIES TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. Hold Harmless & Indemnification: I AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS, DEFEND & INDEMNIFY (DEFEND & PAY ANY JUDGMENT, COURT COSTS, DAMAGES, INVESTIGATION COSTS, ATTORNEYS FEES, & ALL OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED THAT RELATE TO ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CONTRACT) RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LAWSUITS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY OBLIGATE MYSELF OR MY ESTATE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION, LAWSUIT OR JUDGMENT AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. Contract, Governing Law & Severability: This is a contract giving up Participant s legal rights. This contact shall be in full legal force from the time the Participant signs it, through the duration of all Program Activities, and into the future until all claims, causes of action or lawsuits against Released Parties arising as a result of Program Activities are fully resolved. Participant agrees that any legal action arising as a result of Program Activities shall be governed by Florida State laws and Monroe County shall be the exclusive venue and jurisdiction of any legal action. If any portion of this contract is found to be unenforceable or invalid, then that portion shall be severed and the remainder shall continue in full legal force. I VOLUNTARILY ENTER INTO THIS CONTRACT BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON THE PREPRINTED TERMS OF THE CONTRACT WITHOUT MODIFICATION OR RELYING ON ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS. I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT & I FULLY UNDERSTAND I AM GIVING UP MY LEGAL RIGHTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. BY MY SIGNATURE I CERTIFY THAT I AM THE NATURAL GUARDIAN OF THE PARTICIPANT MINOR AND THAT I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IN ALL RESPECTS FOR THE PARTICIPANT MINOR AS RELATED TO ANY OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, CREATED OR INCURRED, AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPANT MINOR S PARTICIPATION IN RELEASED PARTIES PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY AUTHORIZE MARINER S HOSPITAL OR ANY OTHER PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE TO MY PARTICIPANT MINOR. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT FOR MYSELF (herein referred to as I or Participant ) AND MY PARTICIPANT MINOR. I UNDERSTAND BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT I AM GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS FOR MYSELF, MY PARTICIPANT MINOR AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. NAME OF PARTICIPANT MINOR: Natural Guardian Name (Print) Signature of Natural Guardian THIS FORM MUST BE NOTARIZED! This person is [ personally known ] or [ Notary Signature: Date provided identification ]: Driver s License #: Notary Stamp Notary Name (Printed): Date: Commission #: My commission expires: MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 9

10 MarineLab SCUBA Program Information & Liability Release for Students Over 18 PLEASE NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED. THIS FORM HAS FOUR PAGES. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION NAME FIRST MIDDLE LAST BIRTH DATE AGE AT TIME OF PROGRAM SEX SCHOOL/GROUP PROGRAM DATES ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CELL PHONE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION PERSON TO CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY RELATIONSHIP CELL PHONE DIETARY & MEDICAL INFORMATION SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS OR ALLERGIES: Vegetarian No red meat No pork Gluten free Dairy free Vegan Peanut Allergy (severity): Other dietary notes: MY HEALTH/ACCIDENT POLICY IS WITH POLICY NUMBER: POLICYHOLDER NAME: PHONE NUMBER: I give permission for MRDF staff to take photos or videos of me par cipa ng in these ac vi es, which will remain the property of MRDF to be used in public promo ons. NO YES YOU MUST COMPLETE THE MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE NEXT PAGE. YOU MUST FILL IN THE WORD YES OR NO FOR EACH QUESTION. IF YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT MARINELAB TO OBTAIN A PHYSICIAN S APPROVAL FORM AND MEDICAL GUIDELINES INFORMATION TO PROVIDE YOUR PHYSICIAN. WHEN REQUIRED, A PHYSICIAN S APPROVAL FORM MUST BE PROVIDED TO MARINELAB PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. PARTICIPANTS WHO FAIL TO PROVIDE A PHYSICIAN AP PROVAL FORM, IF REQUIRED, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO DIVE USING COMPRESSED AIR MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 10

11 MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE Student Over 18 SCUBA Information & Waiver Form Page 2 of 4 The purpose of this Medical Ques onnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before par cipa ng in MarineLab s dive program. A posi ve response to a ques on does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A posi ve response means that there is a preexis ng condi on that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician prior to engaging in dive ac vi es. Please answer the following ques ons on your past or present medical history with a YES or NO (you MUST write in the word yes or no for each quesɵon). If you are not sure, answer YES. If YOU ANSWER YES TO ANY OF THESE QUESTIONS, you must consult with a physician and obtain physician s approval to dive prior to parɵcipaɵng in MarineLab s scuba diving program. We will supply you with a Medical Statement and Guidelines for RecreaƟonal Scuba Diver s Physical ExaminaƟon to take to your physician. Do you have allergic reac ons severe enough to need an epi pen? If so, make sure you bring it! Could you be pregnant, or are you a emp ng to become pregnant? Are you presently taking prescrip on medica ons? (with the excep on of birth control or an malarial) Please list these medica ons: Have you ever had or do you currently have (YOU MUST WRITE YES OR NO) Asthma, or wheezing with breathing, or wheezing with exer Back or spinal surgery? cise? Diabetes? Frequent or severe a acks of hayfever or allergy? Back, arm or leg problems following surgery, injury or frac Frequent colds, sinusi s or bronchi s? ture? High blood pressure or take medicine to control blood pres Any form of lung disease? sure? Heart disease? Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)? Heart a ack? Other chest disease or chest surgery? Angina, heart surgery or blood vessel surgery? Behavioral health, mental or psychological problems (Panic a ack, fear of closed or open spaces)? Sinus surgery? Epilepsy, seizures, convulsions or take medica ons to prevent Ear disease or surgery, hearing loss or problems with balance? them? Recurrent ear problems? Recurring complicated migraine headaches or take medica Bleeding or other blood disorders? ons to prevent them? Hernia? Blackouts or fain ng (full/par al loss of consciousness)? Ulcers or ulcer surgery? Frequent or severe suffering from mo on sickness (seasick, A colostomy or ileostomy? carsick, etc.)? Recrea onal drug use or treatment for, or alcoholism in the Dysentery or dehydra on requiring medical interven on? past five years? Any dive accidents or decompression sickness? Inability to perform moderate exercise (example: walk 1.6 km/ one mile within 12 mins.)? Head injury with loss of consciousness in the past five years? Recurrent back problems? The information I have provided about my medical history is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I agree to accept responsibility for omissions regarding my failure to disclose any existing or past health condition. NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Participant Signature Signature of Parent or Guardian MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 11 Date

12 Name of participant: Student Over 18 SCUBA Information & Waiver Form Page 3 of 4 MarineLab/MRDF ASSUMPTION OF RISKS, LIABILITY RELEASE & HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACT MarineLab/MRDF is a not-for-profit, non-commercial, home, private and public school / community oriented education program. MarineLab/MRDF educational programs offer rewarding experiences to develop Participant s knowledge and skills essential to understanding marine sciences and resources. In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Program Activities I HEREBY AGREE TO BE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING: Contract Parties: On behalf of MYSELF, MY FAMILY, HEIRS, ASSIGNS, REPRESENTATIVES & ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM ON MY BEHALF (hereafter I or Participant ), I voluntarily enter into this contract with MarineLab/Marine Resources Development Foundation, Inc., Key Largo Undersea Park, Inc., Roland Creese LLC d/b/a Island Ventures, boats (whether owned, operated, leased, or chartered), their owners, directors, sponsors, agents, employees, volunteers, instructors, assistants, educational groups, individuals and all others in connection with Program Activities, whether specifically named or not (hereafter Released Parties ). Participant Responsibilities & Assumption of Risks: I am a certified diver or a student under the supervision of my dive instructor. I understand there are inherent risks of serious injury, illness and death associated with swimming, snorkeling, breath-hold diving, scuba diving, hookah diving, underwater habitats, boating, entering/exiting the water and related aquatic educational activities (herein Program Activities ). I will use all safe diving practices, plan my dive, remain with my dive partner, maintain situational and self awareness, and use my good judgment to reduce these risks, however, I know the risk of serious injury, illness and death cannot be completely eliminated. It is my responsibility to inspect my equipment prior to each dive and to monitor my gas supply throughout my dive. I accept sole responsibility for the function and adequacy of the equipment and breathing gases I use. I understand Program Activities will expose me to risk of panic, drowning, stings, bites, infections, decompression illness, overexpansion injuries, pressure related injuries, breathing gas toxicities, dangerous environmental conditions, etc., and boating will expose me to risk of unexpected movement, dangerous environmental conditions, fire, capsize, sinking, grounding, abandonment, collision, being struck by a boat, hazards of the sea, etc. My participation in Program Activities is voluntary and if I do not feel capable or competent, then I will refrain from that activity. I agree to be solely responsible for my health and safety. DESPITE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS & DEATH, I VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND ASSUME ALL RISKS, WHETHER FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, AND WHETHER CREATED OR NOT BY THE RELEASED PARTIES, ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. Participant s Condition & Insurance: I will abide by all MarineLab/MRDF policies, rules and regulations. I will dive within my abilities. If I do not feel well or become aware of any unsafe condition, I will refrain from participation. I am physically, medically and mentally fit to dive. I will not hold anyone responsible for any condition I may suffer that results in my injury, illness or death. I will not possess nor consume alcohol, tobacco or drugs (other than those prescribed to me by a physician) while participating in Program Activities. I understand Program Activities may be conducted at remote locations distant from emergency response, medical care and hyperbaric care. I AUTHORIZE RELEASED PARTIES TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FIRST AID & MEDICAL CARE. I AGREE TO BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE AND PAY FOR ALL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL CARE. I ASSUME THESE RISKS & HEREBY RELEASE RELEASED PARTIES FOR FAILURE TO RESCUE OR PROVIDE PROPER EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR MEDICAL CARE. Release of Liability: In considerations of being allowed to participate in Program Activities, I HEREBY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL LIABILITY ARISING AS A RESULT OF INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH DUE TO ANY ACT OR OMISSION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF ANYONE, INCLUDING THE RELEASED PARTIES. THIS IS A COMPLETE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF RELESED PARTIES TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. Hold Harmless & Indemnification: I AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS, DEFEND & INDEMNIFY (DEFEND & PAY ANY JUDGMENT, COURT COSTS, DAMAGES, INVESTIGATION COSTS, ATTORNEYS FEES, & ALL OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED THAT RELATE TO ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CONTRACT) RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LAWSUITS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY OBLIGATE MYSELF OR MY ESTATE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION, LAWSUIT OR JUDGMENT AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 12

13 Name of participant: Student Over 18 SCUBA Information & Waiver Form Page 4 of 4 Contract, Governing Law & Severability: This is a contract giving up Participant s legal rights. This contact shall be in full legal force from the time the Participant signs it, through the duration of all Program Activities, and into the future until all claims, causes of action or lawsuits against Released Parties arising as a result of Program Activities are fully resolved. Participant agrees that any legal action arising as a result of Program Activities shall be governed by Florida State laws and Monroe County shall be the exclusive venue and jurisdiction of any legal action. If any portion of this contract is found to be unenforceable or invalid, then that portion shall be severed and the remainder shall continue in full legal force. I VOLUNTARILY ENTER INTO THIS CONTRACT BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON THE PREPRINTED TERMS OF THE CONTRACT WITHOUT MODIFICATION OR RELYING ON ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS. I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT & I FULLY UNDERSTAND I AM GIVING UP MY LEGAL RIGHTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. BY MY SIGNATURE I CERTIFY THAT I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IN ALL RESPECTS FOR ALL OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, CREATED OR INCURRED, AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN RELEASED PARTIES PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY AUTHORIZE MARINER S HOSPITAL OR ANY OTHER PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE TO ME IN THE EVENT OF ANY EMERGENCY. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT FOR MYSELF (herein referred to as I or Participant ). I UNDERSTAND BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT I AM GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS FOR MYSELF AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. Participant Name (Print) Signature MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 13 Date

14 MarineLab SCUBA Program Information & Liability Release for CHAPERONES PLEASE NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE SIGNED. THIS FORM HAS THREE PAGES. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION NAME FIRST MIDDLE LAST BIRTH DATE AGE AT TIME OF PROGRAM SEX SCHOOL/GROUP PROGRAM DATES ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP CELL PHONE EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION PERSON TO CONTACT IN AN EMERGENCY RELATIONSHIP CELL PHONE DIETARY & MEDICAL INFORMATION SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS OR ALLERGIES: Vegetarian No red meat No pork Gluten free Dairy free Vegan Peanut Allergy (severity): Other dietary notes: MY HEALTH/ACCIDENT POLICY IS WITH POLICY NUMBER: POLICYHOLDER NAME: PHONE NUMBER: I give permission for MRDF staff to take photos or videos of me par cipa ng in these ac vi es, which will remain the property of MRDF to be used in public promo ons. NO YES MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 14

15 NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Chaperone SCUBA InformaƟon & Liability Release Form Page 2 of 3 MarineLab/MRDF ASSUMPTION OF RISKS, LIABILITY RELEASE & HOLD HARMLESS CONTRACT MarineLab/MRDF is a not-for-profit, non-commercial, home, private and public school / community oriented education program. MarineLab/MRDF educational programs offer rewarding experiences to develop Participant s knowledge and skills essential to understanding marine sciences and resources. In consideration of being allowed to participate in the Program Activities I HEREBY AGREE TO BE CONTRACTUALLY BOUND BY THE FOLLOWING: Contract Parties: On behalf of MYSELF, MY FAMILY, HEIRS, ASSIGNS, REPRESENTATIVES & ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM ON MY BEHALF (hereafter I or Participant ), I voluntarily enter into this contract with MarineLab/Marine Resources Development Foundation, Inc., Key Largo Undersea Park, Inc., Roland Creese LLC d/b/a Island Ventures, boats (whether owned, operated, leased, or chartered), their owners, directors, sponsors, agents, employees, volunteers, instructors, assistants, educational groups, individuals and all others in connection with Program Activities, whether specifically named or not (hereafter Released Parties ). Participant Responsibilities & Assumption of Risks: I am a certified diver or a student under the supervision of my dive instructor. I understand there are inherent risks of serious injury, illness and death associated with swimming, snorkeling, breath-hold diving, scuba diving, hookah diving, underwater habitats, boating, entering/exiting the water and related aquatic educational activities (herein Program Activities ). I will use all safe diving practices, plan my dive, remain with my dive partner, maintain situational and self awareness, and use my good judgment to reduce these risks, however, I know the risk of serious injury, illness and death cannot be completely eliminated. It is my responsibility to inspect my equipment prior to each dive and to monitor my gas supply throughout my dive. I accept sole responsibility for the function and adequacy of the equipment and breathing gases I use. I understand Program Activities will expose me to risk of panic, drowning, stings, bites, infections, decompression illness, overexpansion injuries, pressure related injuries, breathing gas toxicities, dangerous environmental conditions, etc., and boating will expose me to risk of unexpected movement, dangerous environmental conditions, fire, capsize, sinking, grounding, abandonment, collision, being struck by a boat, hazards of the sea, etc. My participation in Program Activities is voluntary and if I do not feel capable or competent, then I will refrain from that activity. I agree to be solely responsible for my health and safety. DESPITE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY, ILLNESS & DEATH, I VOLUNTARILY CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES AND ASSUME ALL RISKS, WHETHER FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, AND WHETHER CREATED OR NOT BY THE RELEASED PARTIES, ASSOCIATED WITH MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. Participant s Condition & Insurance: I will abide by all MarineLab/MRDF policies, rules and regulations. I will dive within my abilities. If I do not feel well or become aware of any unsafe condition, I will refrain from participation. I am physically, medically and mentally fit to dive. I will not hold anyone responsible for any condition I may suffer that results in my injury, illness or death. I will not possess nor consume alcohol, tobacco or drugs (other than those prescribed to me by a physician) while participating in Program Activities. I understand Program Activities may be conducted at remote locations distant from emergency response, medical care and hyperbaric care. I AUTHORIZE RELEASED PARTIES TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY FIRST AID & MEDICAL CARE. I AGREE TO BE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE AND PAY FOR ALL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH MEDICAL CARE. I ASSUME THESE RISKS & HEREBY RELEASE RELEASED PARTIES FOR FAILURE TO RESCUE OR PROVIDE PROPER EMERGENCY RESPONSE OR MEDICAL CARE. Release of Liability: In considerations of being allowed to participate in Program Activities, I HEREBY AGREE TO FOREVER RELEASE THE RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL LIABILITY ARISING AS A RESULT OF INJURY, ILLNESS OR DEATH DUE TO ANY ACT OR OMISSION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF ANYONE, INCLUDING THE RELEASED PARTIES. THIS IS A COMPLETE & UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY OF RELESED PARTIES TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. Hold Harmless & Indemnification: I AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS, DEFEND & INDEMNIFY (DEFEND & PAY ANY JUDGMENT, COURT COSTS, DAMAGES, INVESTIGATION COSTS, ATTORNEYS FEES, & ALL OTHER EXPENSES INCURRED THAT RELATE TO ENFORCEMENT OF THIS CONTRACT) RELEASED PARTIES FROM ANY & ALL CLAIMS, CAUSES OF ACTION OR LAWSUITS ARISING FROM MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY OBLIGATE MYSELF OR MY ESTATE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION, LAWSUIT OR JUDGMENT AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 15

16 NAME OF PARTICIPANT: Chaperone SCUBA InformaƟon & Liability Release Form Page 3 of 3 Contract, Governing Law & Severability: This is a contract giving up Participant s legal rights. This contact shall be in full legal force from the time the Participant signs it, through the duration of all Program Activities, and into the future until all claims, causes of action or lawsuits against Released Parties arising as a result of Program Activities are fully resolved. Participant agrees that any legal action arising as a result of Program Activities shall be governed by Florida State laws and Monroe County shall be the exclusive venue and jurisdiction of any legal action. If any portion of this contract is found to be unenforceable or invalid, then that portion shall be severed and the remainder shall continue in full legal force. I VOLUNTARILY ENTER INTO THIS CONTRACT BASED EXCLUSIVELY ON THE PREPRINTED TERMS OF THE CONTRACT WITHOUT MODIFICATION OR RELYING ON ANY OTHER REPRESENTATIONS. I AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT & I FULLY UNDERSTAND I AM GIVING UP MY LEGAL RIGHTS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW. BY MY SIGNATURE I CERTIFY THAT I WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IN ALL RESPECTS FOR ALL OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, CREATED OR INCURRED, AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN RELEASED PARTIES PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. I HEREBY AUTHORIZE MARINER S HOSPITAL OR ANY OTHER PERSONNEL TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE TO ME IN THE EVENT OF ANY EMERGENCY. I HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS CONTRACT FOR MYSELF (herein referred to as I or Participant ). I UNDERSTAND BY SIGNING THIS CONTRACT I AM GIVING UP LEGAL RIGHTS FOR MYSELF AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY HAVE A CLAIM AGAINST RELEASED PARTIES AS A RESULT OF MY PARTICIPATION IN PROGRAM ACTIVITIES. Participant Name (Print) Signature MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 16 Date

17 Please familiarize yourself with our group size and deposit policies BEFORE recruiting your students! Thanks! NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT A non refundable deposit is required to reserve the number of boats necessary to accommodate your group size. The number of boats and deposit amount is shown on the cover page of your Confirmation. The deposit is calculated as a portion of the program fee including SCUBA charter fees multiplied by 9 students per boat If you have only 8 students per boat, you will need to collect extra deposit money from them to ensure you have enough for the deposit. Please send your deposit contract and roster with your deposit payment. We require one chaperone per boat. This chaperone pays the SCUBA Charter Fee, which is clearly identified on your confirmation letter and program statement. One additional chaperone PER GROUP pays the SCUBA Charter Fee plus room and board fees. All other chaperones or adults pay full price and are subject to the same cancellation policies as full paying students. Chaperones have the option of bringing their own SCUBA gear, or paying an additional rental fee, which is clearly identified on your program statement. GROUP SIZES & DEPOSIT GROUP SIZES SCUBA programs are unique in that we can put 9 students and 2 chaperones on the dive boats, but only 9 students and 1 chaperone on the snorkel boats. So if you choose to bring 2 chaperones, please make sure everyone knows this! Please refer to the table below. Keep in mind that if you have fewer than 9 students per boat, you will need to collect more money from each student to cover the deposit required! Keep your group size in mind when accepting deposits! please note that we require a minimum of 7 full paying participants on the boats. If you have fewer than 7 full paying participants, you will need to collect extra money or cancel your program. Number of students * Max Number, including chaperones Number of boats on dive, 10 on snorkel 1 boat on dive, 20 on snorkel 2 boats on dive, 20 on snorkel 3 boats on dive, 40 on snorkel 4 boats BALANCE PAYMENTS & REFUNDS BALANCE PAYMENTS The balance payment is due 30 days prior to your program start date. Student Information Forms are required to accompany your balance payment. You will receive an invoice for the balance payment 30 days before it is due. The balance due is 70% of the program multiplied by the number of students you have. NOTE: We require a minimum of 7 balance payments per boat. If you only have 6 students, you will need to collect extra money to cover the balance payment. We reserve the right to decrease the number of boats assigned to your group if, after depositing, your group size decreases and your group can be accommodated by a lesser number of boats. We require at least one chaperone with each boat. REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS The deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel your program after sending in your deposit, you have forfeited that deposit. Individual cancellations 14 days or more before the program start date will receive a 70% refund. Cancellations 13 days or less before the program start date will receive a 50% refund UPON AP- PROVAL. NO refunds for no-shows. If a student is ILL or has a FAMILY EMERGENCY and cannot attend at the last minute, a 70% refund will be issued UPON APPROVAL. Refund checks are issued back to the organization or individual who cut the payment check. If the school sent a check for the program, then the refund check will be cut back to the school, NOT to the individual MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 17

18 YOUR PROGRAM ITINERARY MarineLab has standard programs, but we can customize them to a certain extent if the group leader so desires. Our core program of seagrass, mangrove, and coral reef ecology cannot be changed, but additional activities can be included. Customization can include: Changed arrival and departure times Different selection of evening activities Free time to visit other areas of the Keys, such as Key West or the Turtle Hospital in Marathon If you wish to discuss customizing your program, please contact Ginette at coordinator@marinelab.org. Changes to your program must be made as far in advance as possible; we cannot easily change the program while you are here, since we make staffing assignments a month in advance. LOOK AT YOUR ITINERARY CAREFULLY WHEN YOU RECEIVE IT, THANKS! HELP GETTING ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL MarineLab s staff are all certified Lifeguards. We use USCG Certified Captains on our Inspected Passenger Vessels. Copies of these certifications are available for your Risk Management Department. We can also add your school district as an additional insured on our liability policy for the time that your group is with us! SOME HELPFUL TIPS ON TRIP PLANNING Budge ng Plan an all inclusive trip where the cost includes all meals, transporta on, etc. MarineLab recommends wetsuits for programs held from November through March. Consider including that cost if your program falls in that me frame. Plan charter bus transporta on on a smaller number of par cipants than are ini ally interested (to account for cancella ons) If there are any chaperone fees involved, include them in the student fee if your school policies allow it! Take the deposit from students early in the year Arrange a monthly payment schedule for students throughout the year Parent Mee ngs Publish the MarineLab website in the parent mee ng announcement, so they can browse it and be prepared with any ques ons. Suggest that the parents download the Student Waiver Form directly from the website and complete it prior to the mee ng. Have a notary present to notarize the Student Waiver Forms. Saves having to collect them later, too! MarineLab s components have all been correlated with the science education standards of all 50 states and the National Science Education standards (although not Common Core yet!). We can provide reports showing these correlations MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 18

19 RECRUIT YOUR STUDENTS! MarineLab has brochures for distribution, a poster to advertise your meeting or the program weeks, and a VIDEO on our Youtube feed that shows exactly what a MarineLab program is all about. When you hold an information meeting with your students, feel free to distribute the parent information form available from our website. Set a deadline for deposits to be turned in by the students. Make sure the parents know that the deposits are non-refundable! Students will need to complete a Student Information & Waiver Form. Even though this form is not due until 30 days prior to the program, it might be a wise idea to have these available at the second meeting, if not the first. Make sure your parents know about the MarineLab website! It contains lots of information on our programs, facilities, and safety procedures. It also has all Student and Adult Information & Waiver Forms, packing checklists, and more! DO s & DON Ts DO Make sure your chaperones know that they will have to take the swim test just like the students! DO...Distribute the Student Information Forms well in advance and mail them well in advance so we can get them 30 days before your program! DO...Arrive on time! If you re too early our staff will still be busy with other groups, if you re too late your program will get shortened! DON T...bring cases of single-use water bottles. MarineLab PROHIBITS single-use water bottles. Students are requested to bring their own water bottle, or you can arrange to purchase them from our gift shop. DON T...allow the students to bring spray sunscreen. It gets everywhere and stains anything it touches! DON T...allow the students to take food or drinks into the rooms. Don t do it yourselves, either! RECRUIT YOUR CHAPERONES! One chaperone/teacher may participate FREE for every boat reserved with a deposit. One additional chaperone per group is charged room and board. This fee is shown on your confirmation letter. ANY additional chaperones per group must pay the full program fee. We require one chaperone on each boat. Additional chaperones are subject to program fees (see your statement). Depending on your group size, if you have more than one chaperone per boat, the chaperones may have to rotate taking turns on the field trips. Students who stay back from field trips must be accompanied by a chaperone, if one is available. Chaperones go through all aspects of the MarineLab program including the swim test! During the field trips and discussion/labs, our instructors will be in charge and you can mostly enjoy the lessons and learning. Help support them in their responsibilities by providing crowd control, if necessary. Every group should have one Lead Chaperone on-site. This Lead Chaperone s duties include: Coordinating with chaperones of any other groups here at MarineLab regarding lights out time, shared volleyballs, etc. Assigning an adult to be the group leader for each boat group, in case you have more than one adult in a boat group. Coordinating with MarineLab staff regarding schedule changes or group issues Please remember when you choose your chaperones to brief them carefully on their responsibilities as well as the fun activities in which they ll participate. Include a copy of the Chaperone Guidelines from this packet. Chaperone criteria include: Chaperones must be able to swim and are comfortable in the water. Chaperones should be able to control the group s behavior and guide them through the program. Chaperones should model the correct behavior by following all facility rules while participating in the program. This includes being on time for meals and programs. Chaperones must also complete the Adult Information & Waiver Form. Please note the area for medical and special dietary information. Give each prospective chaperone a copy of the Chaperone Guidelines from our website. Any questions, just give us a call! MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 19

20 How are you getting to MarineLab? Please complete the Transportation Form from the website about 45 days prior to your arrival at MarineLab. We need this information to make any program changes dues to flight time arrivals or departures, to ensure storage for buses on site if necessary, or to make arrangements for additional parking off property in the event of an overflow. This information is especially important if you are flying in and your flight times get changed so that you will be arriving earlier or later than originally scheduled! MarineLab has very limited parking, so if you are planning on using private vehicles to get to MarineLab, we strongly encourage CAR POOLING. Otherwise, we may ask you to park some of your vehicles off-site. If you are coming down by bus, does your bus driver need a place to stay? We can provide room & board for your bus driver if there is room here, but please be sure that they know our dorms are very Spartan! Twin sized beds NO cable TV or telephone Shared baths across the breezeway If they would prefer a hotel, we have provided a list of local accommodations (p 22), including information on whether bus parking is available or not. This list is for your convenience and does not constitute recommendations. These are just a few of our many hotels in Key Largo; please visit the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce website at for more options. WHAT TO EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL... First, please do your best to arrive on time not early! In season, MarineLab will often have two buses departing just before the next two buses arrive, and our parking lot simply cannot accommodate that kind of traffic. Also, our instructional staff will be busy with the outgoing group, and your dorm rooms may not be ready for you yet either. If you find that you are ahead of schedule, please find ways to dawdle during lunch, or plan on making a visit to one of Key Largo s attractions. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is right next door. If you are a Florida school and fax a request for an entrance fee waiver ahead of time, you will be able to get in free. If you are out of options, please call the office ahead of time so we can make arrangements. If you are running late, please call us too, so we can be prepared! Upon arrival, you will be met by a MarineLab instructor. The instructor will direct you where to temporarily place luggage and then give a complete facility orientation. Students are usually going to get wet right away, so it may be worthwhile to have the students wear their swimsuits under their clothes on the bus ride down! AND WHEN YOU LEAVE It s your last day at MarineLab bummer! We may request you to move out of your dorm rooms prior to your last field trip. This is to allow our housekeeping staff to clean the dorms prior to the next group s arrival. You will have the use of the labs for storing luggage, etc., and the use of the showers and rest rooms for changing before your trip home. We know that you will want to have plenty of time to allow the students to shower and change for their trip home. For midday departures, we request that your vehicles be pulling out for home no later than 12:30 pm, due to incoming programs that are scheduled for 1:00 pm. A staff member will be on hand to say goodbye and check on any last-minute concerns! If you have any concerns about your departure time, please contact us at or by at coordinator@marinelab.org MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 20

21 FACILITIES & MEALS DORMITORY ROOM ASSIGNMENTS Rooms are sex-segregated. We attempt to place schools in separate wings; if this is not possible, we lodge boys in one wing, girls in the other. We can you your room assignments about a week in advance so that you may assign your students to their rooms. This saves time at orientation! Space restrictions may require us to lodge chaperones with the students, or chaperones with chaperones from other groups. Please be aware of and prepared for this possibility. If you have a concern about this, please contact the reservations office well in advance of your trip. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH CHAPERONES SHARING ROOMS WITH STUDENTS, OR IF YOU REQUIRE YOUR CHAPERONES IN THE ROOM, PLEASE NOTIFY US AT LEAST 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE. WI-FI There is campus-wide wireless internet access at MarineLab. A password will be given to you and your chaperones upon arrival. CHECK IN/CHECK OUT TIMES Like a hotel, MarineLab has people checking in and out at specified times to allow staff to clean and prepare for the next group. Please be punctual about arriving at the specified time on your schedule. If you arrive early our staff will still be working with previous groups. We cannot accept groups arriving after 6:00 PM in order to allow time for facility orientation. We may request you to move out of your dorm rooms prior to your last field trip. This is to allow our housekeeping staff to clean the dorms prior to the next group s arrival. You will have the use of the labs for storing luggage, etc., and the use of the showers and rest rooms for changing before your trip home. SECURITY The MarineLab campus is a gated facility. We have a security gate that is closed overnight and on the weekends. Additional clickers are available for loan if your group needs one, but it is limited to one clicker per group. There are three organizations sharing the facility: MarineLab, Key Largo Undersea Park which houses the lagoon, gift shop, and Jules Undersea Lodge, and the Koblick Marina, which has about ten boats with residents aboard. All employees and residents have been subject to background checks and fingerprinting. Please be aware that we do not have staff sleeping on campus overnight, but we do have on-call staff. Phone numbers will be given to you upon arrival. DAMAGE FEES Please enforce our facility rules about no food or drink in the rooms. Damage fees will be assessed for intentional or excessive damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture. Also, if a student loses or breaks snorkel gear, there will be a charge. We do not consider normal wear and tear breakage, but sometimes students do not follow the directions about not walking in fins, and end up tearing them. TOBACCO/ALCOHOL POLICY Tobacco is not allowed on or near program areas such as the boats, cafeteria, volleyball court, labs or classrooms. Any chaperones that wish to smoke must leave the property to do so; however, students may not be left UNSUPERVISED for any reason. We prohibit alcohol possession or consumption onsite by chaperones of groups with underage students. Please notify your chaperones and adult participants before you arrive at MarineLab, thank you! MEALS Meals are served in the cafeteria. We serve basic, cafeteria-type meals. A typical day s meals consist of: scrambled eggs, bacon, or dry cereal with milk and juice for breakfast (student s choice); tacos, salads, fruit and iced tea or punch for lunch; baked chicken, rice, vegetable, salad, bread and dessert with iced tea or punch for supper. Please note the space for special dietary restrictions on both the student and adult Information forms. Peanut butter and jelly are put out at every meal, unless a student is here with an EXTREME peanut allergy. We can provide vegetarian meals with advance notice, but are limited in our ability to accommodate extensive dietary restrictions. There is an information sheet available on the website with details on our meals. Please call if you have questions. Limited refrigerator space is available. We do not allow any food or drink in our dorm rooms. PLEASE do not allow individual students to bring food or drinks with them. If you are bringing snacks for the group, we will provide you with a storage area. We have a water refilling station, a soft drink machine and a snack machine on the premises. Student can drink and eat their snacks downstairs. Chaperones, please enforce the no-litter rules for your group! MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 21

22 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE KEY LARGO AREA Here is a list of accommodations in Key Largo should your travel arrangements require early arrival or late departure. They are also useful in the event that you have to provide your bus driver with a room during your stay. While we may have room at MarineLab for a bus driver, our accommodations are very Spartan (bunk beds, no television or phone) so they often prefer to stay at a local hotel. The following local motels are listed in order from smaller mom & pop type places to the more expansive/expensive chain motels. For reference, we are located at Mile Marker (MM)103.2 Oceanside. This listing is for your convenience are not recommendations. Additional accommodations may be found by visiting the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce website BUS PARKING AVAILABLE Ed & Ellen s Lodgings MM Oceanside, very small, affordable, within walking distance of our facility. CALL FOR BUS PARKING AVAILABILITY , Popp s Motel MM 95.5 Bayside, small family-owned, cottages, dock, beach Stone Ledge Paradise Inn MM 95.3 Bayside small, quiet, kitchens, dock, beach or book online at Sunset Cove Beach Resort MM 99.7 Bayside small, full kitchens, dock, beach. Limited to 1 bus only. Pet friendly, free use of canoes, kayaks and snorkel equipment , Holiday Inn MM 99.7 Oceanside usual amenities, pool, fitness center, playground, restaurant, home of the African Queen (yes, the real one!) Close to other restaurants, shopping, etc , Key Largo Key West Inn MM 100 Oceanside on Ocean Drive full kitchens, patios, pool, dock , Hampton Inn-Key Largo MM Bayside Beach, pool, dock, restaurant. Pet friendly, breakfast included Marriott Key Largo Bay Beach Resort MM Bayside usual amenities, pool, fitness center, beach, several restaurants, clubs and shops NO BUSES ALLOWED (VANS OKAY) Bay Harbor Lodge MM 97.7 Bayside quiet setting, dock, pool , , or book online at Tarpon Flats Inn & Marina MM Oceanside, 29 Shoreland Drive Key Largo within walking distance of our facility. Beautiful, tasteful, bed & breakfast, small, waterfront, dock , or book online at Amy Slate s Amory Dive Resort MM Bayside efficiencies, suites, dive packages , AMORAY or book online at TAXI Mom s Taxi Service, AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE Airporter, , MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 22

23 DIRECTIONS From the north, leaving Orlando, take the Florida Turnpike south past Ft. Pierce and continue to just past Ft. Lauderdale to the HOMESTEAD/KEY WEST split. This is the Turnpike extension that ends in Florida City on US 1 which is the Overseas Highway that will bring you to Key Largo, approximately 30 minutes south of Homestead. From the west, leaving Tampa, there are two routes: take I-75 south to Naples and then east along Alligator Alley (I-75 south) to the Turnpike extension (exit #4 Homestead/Key West). Or take US 41 south to Naples and east to the Florida Turnpike extension which will bring you to US 1. NOTE: please verify exit numbers with a current map as they are continually changing. From Miami International Airport take LeJeune Road south to 836 WEST, then take the Turnpike extension and go south to US 1 and into the Keys. From Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport take 595 West to Florida Turnpike south to US1. Once you re in Key Largo, MRDF is located at mm between mm 104 and mm 103. After you see mm 104, start looking for a bridge over the Marvin D. Adams Waterway. Take your second left after the bridge, which is Transylvania Avenue. A large red and white billboard for the Hideout Restaurant is on the corner of Transylvania and US 1. Follow Transylvania Avenue to the end; the road turns sharply to the left. However, you need to drive straight into the parking lot of the Hideout Restaurant. Just past the Restaurant building (it looks like a little house) the drive turns to the right, paralleling the water. This is our driveway; follow it into our parking lot, in front of the big building. A staff member should be on hand to greet you; if not, please check in at room #6 on the second floor of the big building. Pink Plaza US 1 Florida Turnpike Extension Enlargement showing Key Largo area US 1 N Florida Turnpike Extension Florida City 18 mile stretch Key Largo I-595 Ft. Lauderdale Airport SR 836 Miami Airport SR SR 874 I-95 Not to scale What is a MILE MARKER? Because there is only one long road running though the Keys, it s much easier to find buildings by tracking the mileage on this road. Therefore, addresses in the Keys are given using mile markers(mm). The Overseas Highway (US 1) runs from Florida City (mm 126) to Key West (mm 0) for a length of 126 miles. North Key Largo starts at about mm 107. On the right shoulder of US 1, look for small (18 h x 6 w) reflective green and white numbered mile post signs. As you head SOUTH, the numbers will decrease. If an address has fractions of a mile, for example, it is between the mile given and the next highest mile. So look for mm 104 and then start tracking the mileage downward until you reach Capital Bank billboard Transylvania N The Hideout Offices & Dorms hedge/fence fence gate fence beach Largo Sound Please do not park where there are NO PARKING signs. We need to keep certain pathways open. MRDF Facility MarineLab SCUBA Program Leader s Handbook page 23