Services to research
Boat
The Hydrobiological Station is also equipped with a 5.8-m boat with 100HP motor, a cruising speed of 24 knots, and a cruising range of 80 nautical miles. Licensed to carry 7 people, it is authorised to cruise within 3 miles off the coast. In addition to both the usual safety equipment and the one required by the Capitaneria di Porto (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) of Chioggia, the boat is fitted with GPS chartplotter, sounder abd Radar. The boat may only be driven by the Laboratory personnel, and trips must be booked in advance, weather and sea permitting (please see guidelines and rates).
A RIB ("Teo") and another vessel for inland waters ("Vimine") may be available for independent conduction, following the relative regulations at the following links: Teo e Vimine.
Diving
The Hydrobiologic Station offers assistance to students and researchers carrying out underwater research. It provides weight belts, weights and 10- and 15-litre tanks which are air compressed by the Laboratory personnel. Divers must be licensed and have their own gear like wetsuits, masks, snorkels, fins, buoyancy compensator vests and dive computers. In special cases, the Laboratory may provide part of the gear. Support activities to diving include use of the boat and must be booked in advance by calling the Laboratory personnel.
For all the standards and regulations concerning the underwater sampling activities, please consult the guidelines and Operative Instruction for Underwater Activities of the Biology Department, University of Padova, available at this link.
Lab services
The lab services include various highly specific equipments, such as a CHNS/O elemental analyser, a Coulter counter and a laser liquid phase granulometer. The Station offers also analytical instruments for field activity like an underwater fluorometer (both for indoor and outdoor measurements), a GNSS system and multiparametric probes. For the complete list of services available see the guidelines and rates
Guesthouse
Next to the Hydrobiological Station is a comfortable guesthouse with a lounge and 3 bedrooms accommodating a total of 10 persons. Guests can prepare their meals in a fully-equipped kitchen. Access to the guesthouse must be authorised by the Laboratory supervisor and is usually granted to students and researchers of Padova University. Visiting scientists and external collaborators should contact technicians of the Hydrobiologic Laboratory.
