Darling MArine Center • Micro-credentials

Maine’s coastal communities, research institutions, and marine industries depend on a skilled workforce capable of operating safely and effectively in dynamic ocean environments. Building this capacity requires high quality training opportunities that blend foundational knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing learners to contribute meaningfully to marine research, education, and field operations. By strengthening technical skills and field readiness, we support the state’s broader commitment to responsible coastal stewardship, scientific innovation, and workforce development.

The Darling Marine Center’s micro-credentials provide students, professionals, and community members with structured pathways to develop and demonstrate essential marine-field competencies.

What is a Micro-Credential?

A University of Maine System (UMS) micro-credential showcases your competency in skills needed in today’s workforce. A verified micro-credential is earned when learners are able to demonstrate what they know — and what they are able to do — related to a specific topic.

UMS micro-credentials are made up of stacked digital badges, which highlight the skills employers are seeking. They are offered to UMS students and as professional development opportunities for individuals in the workforce to advance or increase their marketability. Micro-credentials earned through UMS are verified, competency-based, and shareable.

Interested in other UMS digital badges and micro-credentials? Visit the UMS Micro-Credential Initiative website to learn more.

Support and Sharing

  • Micro-credentials help learners gain a competitive edge and establish a professional digital identity. They can be shared on LinkedIn, a digital resume, personal website, email signature, and more.
  • For resources and support, visit the UMS Badge Earner Guide or email ums.mc@maine.edu.

Small Boat operations Micro-credential

By completing the full University of Maine System (UMS) Small Boat Operations micro-credential pathway, you will earn all three stacked digital badges—Levels 1, 2, and 3—which verify your ability to operate small vessels safely and confidently in a variety of marine environments. Through this training, you will develop the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to navigate and handle small boats, make sound decisions on the water, and respond effectively in emergency situations. You will gain experience in both classroom and real-world field settings, and your badges demonstrate that you are prepared to support research, education, and other marine operations that rely on safe and skilled vessel handling.

LEarning Outcomes

  • Gain knowledge of basic navigation, safety equipment on small boats and practices, dangers of alcohol and boating, and basic firefighting techniques relevant to boating.
  • Be able to effectively tie knots for a variety of purposes.
  • Understand the requirements expected of boaters on the water, including the “right of way” system.
  • Know what to do when encountering commercial vessels or vessels engaged in fishing and diving, as well as law enforcement personnel on the water.
  • Know how to use charts to safely navigate in unfamiliar waters.
  • Be able to effectively dock, fuel, and anchor a small boat.
  • Be able to properly use a marine radio and effectively communicate.
  • Be able to safely operate multiple vessel types (e.g., skiffs, center-console) in a variety of weather and sea conditions.
  • Become familiar with and effectively use safety and emergency equipment to respond to emergency situations.
  • Become familiar with how to provide vessel support for diving operations.

The Small Boat Operations micro-credential is delivered through a blend of online and in-person learning. Level 1 follows the BoatUS Foundation’s Online Boating Safety Course, giving you the foundational knowledge needed before getting on the water. Levels 2 and 3 are fully in-person, where you build practical skills through hands-on vessel handling, navigation practice, and supervised field experience.

In Level 3, you gain supervised field experience operating multiple vessel types in a range of conditions, documenting your time on the water through float plans and daily reports. You demonstrate advanced vessel-handling, navigation, and emergency response skills while working toward proficiency across at least three boats.

Who can register?

UMS undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty/staff.

How to register?

Reach out to the Boat Captain, Caleb Hodgdon (caleb.hodgdon@maine.edu)

When will the Micro-credential be offered?

This micro-credential is typically conducted during the summer when most vessel operations occur at the Darling Marine Center.

How Long will it take to complete?

Levels 1 & 2 can be done in as quickly as a week depending on when in-person components are offered, but typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete Level 3.

What is the cost?

This Micro-Credential is free for the UMS community.

Remotely operated vehicle surveys Micro-credential

By completing the full University of Maine System (UMS) Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Surveys micro-credential pathway, you will earn all three stacked digital badges—Levels 1, 2, and 3—demonstrating your competency in ROV technology, field operations, and aquatic survey design. Through this pathway, you will develop the skills necessary to maintain and operate a remotely operated vehicle, plan and carry out an underwater survey from start to finish, and communicate your results clearly to scientific, professional, and community audiences. You will gain experience in both classroom and real-world field settings, and your verified badges showcase your ability to contribute to marine research, monitoring, and technology-driven coastal work.

LEarning Outcomes

  • Understanding the advantages and challenges of using an ROV as a survey methodology.
  • Gain knowledge about different sensors and instrumentation used on ROVs.
  • Be capable of performing basic maintenance on an ROV and have a basic understanding of the electrical components, networking, and communication of an ROV.
  • Be able to effectively design and carry out ROV surveys in a marine environment.
  • Be able to effectively use ROV video to collect and analyze data.
  • Be able to effectively communicate the results of an ROV survey.

The ROV Surveys M-C is delivered in a hybrid format that combines short, self-paced online modules in Brightspace with hands-on training at the Darling Marine Center. You build foundational knowledge online, then apply those skills during in-person sessions focused on ROV operation, maintenance, and survey techniques.

In Level 3, you complete an applied ROV survey project through a capstone, internship, or on-the-job experience where you design, conduct, and analyze a full underwater survey. You demonstrate independent or team-led ROV operation and communicate your results through a written report and presentation.

Who can register?

UMS undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty/staff, community members/Non-UMS.

How to register?

Reach out to Robert Jarrett (robert.jarrett@maine.edu).

When will the Micro-credential be offered?

This micro-credential is typically started in the spring/early-summer so that the Level 3 training can coincide with the summer field season.

How long will it take to complete?

Levels 1 & 2 can be done in as quickly as a week depending on when in-person components are offered, but it typically takes 6-8 weeks to complete Level 3.

What is the cost?

This micro-credential is free.