Equipment Checkout Guidelines
The borrowing of GML equipment for off-site use is generally restricted to faculty, staff and students of the College of Charleston for tasks related to teaching and research in marine science.
Equipment use is normally granted on a first-come first-served basis. Reserving equipment in advance will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure all equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and safety guidelines. If you are unsure how to properly use the equipment, please contact the Lab Manager or the Marine Operations Manager for assistance.
Negligent use of equipment will not be accepted and may result in the forfeiture of equipment use privileges.
Upon returning the equipment, the borrower will:
- Ensure the equipment is clean and in operational condition
- Return it to its proper storage location
- Fill in the "Returned Date" column on the check-out sheet
- Inform the Lab Manager or Marine Operations Manager of any damages or problems which occurred during equipment use
Wet Lab Equipment Checkout
Items include: Carboys and buckets, cast, seine and dip nets, aquariums and associated equipment, conductivity meter, refractometer. Inquire about other items that may be available.
Forms for General Equipment check-out can be found in the Wet Lab and outside of the Marine Operations Manager's Office (Room 116).
Wader Checkout
Waders are checked out on a first-come first-served basis. They are available in Men's sizes 7-12. Please use the check-out form located inside the wader shed, which is located between the Main building and the Annex in the breezeway.
Please be considerate and do not keep the waders any longer than you absolutely need them. These items are in high demand.
Waders and boots must be rinsed with fresh water immediately after each use. A scrub brush should be used to remove any pluff mud remaining after the rinse. Place waders on the wader drying rack between the buildings. Once dried, the waders must be returned to storage. Please report any leaks in the waders to the Marine Operations Manager so they can be repaired prior to the next use.
Plankton Net Checkout
Plankton nets are located in the Wet Lab and are checked out on a first-come first served basis. Use the General Equipment check-out form which can be found in the Wet Lab and outside of the Marine Operations Manager's Office (Room 116).
Please be considerate and do not keep nets any longer than you absolutely need them. These items are in high demand.There are four sizes available: 10, 20, 150 and 350 µm.
Nets must be kept wet until they can be rinsed with fresh water. If the net is allowed to dry with the plankton on it, it will clog and destroy the net.
Please make sure the plankton net is securely attached to the rope prior to use. The cod ends are fragile and subject to damage if dropped.
Dry the nets on the wader drying rack between the buildings. Once dried, the nets must be returned to storage.
You should report any damage to the nets to the Marine Operations Manager.
Field Equipment Checkout
These items are located outside of the Lab Manger office (room 109 Annex):
- Transect tape - 100', 200' and 300'
- Pole nets and hand nets of various mesh sizes (plankton nets located in Wet Lab)
- Flagging
- 2 pairs of snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
See the Lab Manager (Room 109) for access to these item(s) and to fill out the check-out form. Be sure to understand how to use the equipment before taking it to the field.
Electronic Equipment Checkout
Items available for check-out include:
- Nikon Coolpix AW130 waterproof shockproof digital camera w/ 32GB memory card
- GoPro “Hero 4 Black” video camera with mounting accessories and 32GB memory card
- Garmin hand-held GPS unit
- Epson Powerlite 1761W portable digital projector
- Epson ES1000 Ultra Portable Tabletop Projection Screen (45”X35”)
- Bushnell 10x42 binoculars (2)
- Portable digital microscope (USB)
- Optical DO meter
- Macro lens for phone camera
See the Lab Manager (Room 109) for access to these item(s) and to fill out the check-out form. Be sure to understand how to operate the equipment before you use it.