Part of the California State University Maritime Academy, the Golden Bear Research Center (GBRC) is a US Coast Guard approved sub-laboratory for land-based and shipboard type-approval testing of Ballast Water Management Systems. We are also an independent provider of consulting and testing services to the maritime industry. GBRC testing services include: Type Approval - IMO and USCG land-based and shipboard type approval testing. The USTS Golden Bear's unique sailing profile allows for land-based and shipboard testing with the same installation. We also provide shipboard testing on BWMS installed on vessels of convenience. Commissioning Testing - Validation of installed BWMS to flag state specifications. Vessel General Permit (VGP) - Sampling of various discharges, including ballast water, according to US EPA requirements. Compliance - Tests of active BWMS for compliance with USCG and IMO discharge standards. Consulting and troubleshooting expertise, when necessary. In addition to our BWMS testing services, the GBRC utilizes the USTS Golden Bear to test other technologies meant to reduce the environmental impact of commercial shipping. Current projects deal with biofouling issues, heat waste recovery, and alternative propulsion.