Lower Keys Underwater Marine Debris Removal: Dive Liveaboard

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is seeking a live-aboard vessel to support multi-day SCUBA marine debris removals in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge and Dry Tortugas National Park. The selected vendor must provide a vessel with sufficient capacity, overnight accommodations, and operational support for up to ten divers. The vendor must also have a current National Park Service Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) to conduct commercial operations within these parks. The contract is expected to last for 2 years, with 1-3 cruises annually, each lasting 4-6 days. Key requirements include: • A United States Coast Guard Certification (USCG) Master Captains license • At least 3 years of experience working as a professional charter captain • A current Commercial Use Authorization permit from the National Park Service • The capacity to accommodate live-aboard cruise operations for extended periods • Extensive maritime navigation knowledge of the entire Florida Keys, Dry Tortugas National Park, and the Gulf of America’s Marquesas Keys • All-inclusive round-trip transportation, crew, live-aboard accommodations, and dive support for up to ten people • A portable SCUBA breathing air compressor and a NITROX air compressor • Vessel deck space for up to six "Dumpster in a Bag" and up to 20 lobster traps on deck daily • Access to a large winch to transfer marine debris to dumpster, barge, or docking area for pick-up and disposal • An on-board winch/pot hauler to haul surface traps or marine debris on board • A small tender vessel to accommodate up to four divers and gear to any shallow site dives or shorelines that are not reachable by the live-aboard vessels