Our Boat & Skippers

Baykeeper's patrol boat program has been a hallmark of the organization since its inception in 1989. We are the only organization, governmental or nonprofit, that regularly patrols San Francisco Bay. 

Depending on availability, we occasionally have spots open on our patrols for guests to join us. Please use the Contact Us form to request to be added to the waitlist. 

Robert has volunteered as a Baykeeper Skipper, piloting our boat on pollution patrols, for over 10 years. Robert brings a lot of experience to his Head Skipper role. He’s been handling boats since his high school days in Florida aboard his parents’ motorboat. These days, he’s often on San Francisco Bay, racing with a crew of seven in a sailboat he co-owns. 

When Robert retired from a career as an airplane engineer, he sought out Baykeeper because he was “looking for opportunities to volunteer with people who do good work for the Bay. I care about what I enjoy, and I want to see it preserved and improved.” 

Osprey is the newest member of our patrol team, thanks to a generous donation by our partners at Autonomous Imagery.

Osprey gives us the flexibility to investigate hotline tips, scope out new developments, and keep an eye on known polluters from the air. Baykeeper's Field Investigator Cole Burchiel, who is a licensed drone operator, oversees Osprey’s work.