New Research Vessel Infrastructure for Estuarine and Coastal Science

Monday, November 9
Duration: 5:30 - 7 pm | Cost: FREE!
Lead Convener:  Clare Reimers

This workshop will be an open forum for sharing information on new research vessels being constructed for the US academic fleet that is coordinated by the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). Specifically, the conveners will give presentations describing the National Science Foundation’s Regional Class Research Vessel (RCRV) project and the University of Washington’s R/V Clifford A. Barnes replacement project that are expected to deliver four technically-advanced coastal research vessels to bolster the marine science research capabilities of the United States during the next 10 years.  

Science support capabilities for the new class of RCRVs include: a. Enhanced station keeping (Dynamic Positioning) for placement and servicing of benthic instrumentation and sample collection.  b. Integrated shallow water acoustic multibeam bottom mapping and sub-bottom profiling systems.  c. Large aft deck for operational flexibility: (2) 20' laboratory vans mateable to the ship’s house, plus adequate remaining deck space for multidisciplinary operations.  State-of-the-art handling systems (frames and winches) to improve efficiency and safety when deploying a wide array of science packages in various sea states.  e. High speed satellite connectivity for communications, internet access and data transfer, and an onboard telepresence center.  f. More berths for larger interdisciplinary science parties.   g. Low Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) signature for fisheries, acoustics, and marine mammal research and improved habitability.   h. Compliance with latest Academic Fleet standards relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve access to the sea.   i. Incorporation of commercially available, practicable and economically viable "Green Ship" technologies. 

The Barnes replacement will feature:  a. Enhanced station keeping (Dynamic Positioning) for placement and servicing of benthic instrumentation and sample collection;  b. Integrated shallow water acoustic multi-beam bottom mapping system;  c. Large aft deck for operational flexibility;  d. Large wet and dry lab spaces;  e. Fisheries research capability; f. State-of-the-art handling systems (frames and winches) to improve efficiency and safety when deploying a wide array of science packages in various sea states;  g. Satellite connectivity for communications, internet access and data transfer;  h. Increased berthing;  i. Compliance with latest Academic Fleet standards relating to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to improve access to the sea;  j. Incorporation of commercially available, practicable and economically viable "Green Ship" technologies.

Community input will be sought on other science mission equipment enhancements that may improve the utility of UNOLS vessels for estuarine and coastal science. Information will also be provided on the UNOLS mission, scheduling and access to research vessel infrastructure.