Custom Research Expedition Vessel

Additional Specs, Equipment and Information:

All staterooms have beautiful wood furnishings. Each space, where possible has a desk, and where not possible, there is a wall desk installed. The architect and the owners have worked very hard at reducing the “work ship” atmosphere in that they have designed each living space to have more open space throughout the ship.

GALLEY & MESS:
A new galley and mess has been installed along with new ovens, grills, chiller, and freezer on the Main Deck. These new facilities have been designed to maximize crew comfort during meal hours and provide a location for meeting or impromptu gatherings. Meals will be served 4 times daily at sea and 3 times daily in port.

LOUNGE & MEETING CENTER:
The lounge and meeting center was designed to maximize comfort for the crew while off watch or provide managers a place to discuss operation matters privately. Found here is an entertainment system that offers the crew a place to watch DVD/VCR movies or satellite TV. Also, the meeting center can be used to host executive level meetings, utilizing the entertainment center to playback important sub sea footage or link up to the data communications network to review data.

SURVEY OPERATIONS CENTER:
The Survey Operations Center is the primary location for all data collection functions and has sufficient room for over twelve workstations linked to the network and server of choice. Cabling runs have been established from the collection room to the main equipment and control van decks to keep equipment installation and operation a neat and orderly process. Furthermore, there is access to the ships mast and antenna mast for GPS/DGPS or other receiver equipment installations.

The Survey Operations Center also has close proximity to the bridge which enhances survey operations while operating in restricted maneuverability situations.

• ACCOMMODATIONS:

• BERTHING FOR CLIENTS:
• Berthing available for up to 48 personnel other than crew
• All staterooms equipped with thermostats to control individual heat and air conditioning
• (1) VIP 1-Person Stateroom w/ private bath
• (2) 1-Person Senior Personnel Staterooms w/ shared bath
• (4) 1-Person Staterooms w/ shared bath
• (20) 2-Person Client’s Personnel Staterooms
• (1) Hospital room with sickbed and private bath
• (1) Dispensary room with full suite of medical supplies and equipment

• MESS & LOUNGES:
• 34-seat Main Mess with equipment for 24-hours drink and snack service
• Fully equipped Galley and serving station for effortless service of gourmet meals
• Off-galley freezer and chiller for convenient serving
• Additional freezer and chiller capacity for extended voyages
• Large Lounge with sofa seating for meetings and leisure
• Conference room within lounge for smaller meetings

• CLEANING FACILITIES:
• (1) Laundry Room w/ 2 commercial grade washers, 2 commercial grade dryers

• WORK AREAS:

• WORK STATIONS:
• (1) 545 sq. ft. Data Processing Area w/ 11 Workstations
• (1) 240 sq ft. Data Processing Area w/ 5 workstations
• (1) 190 sq. ft Data Processing Area w/ 4 Workstation
• (1) Charter chief office w/ 2 Workstations
• (1) Wet lab workroom 227 sq. ft.

• GENERATORS:
• Generators: (2) Detroit Diesel 16V71, Model 7163/GE, 300kw/450v
• Emergency Generator: (1) Detroit Diesel 471, Model 4150E/Delco, 75kw/450v
• AC SYSTEM:
• 475 Voltage, 3-phase, 60 Hz

• DC SYSTEM:
• 12 volts

The CATV center supports modulated RF signals on separate TV channels from DVD(s) and VHS players, plus video feeds from the on-ship video cameras. The ship TV system will be available at each station where there is an outlet. There will also be an audio override linked to each modulator which will be activated during a ships general announcement or other emergency announcements.

The aft data center has the capability to link directly to the ships mast, through a dedicated RF cable, enabling the customer to install an antenna of their choice, providing a secure (not through the ship network) communications feed or data input from off-ship resources.

The ships phone network switch is installed on the Main Deck, on the Port side forward of the galley. New multi-pair CAT-5 wire has been installed for this system with over eighty-five outlets serving all critical spaces on the ship.

The off-ship communications via satellite can be programmed for access per phone number, eliminating unwanted charges during a project. Access will also be timed, or programmed for certain hours each day, or programmed to accept incoming ship communications 24 hours a day.

EQUIPMENT:

• RADAR & NAVIGATION:
• (1) Furuno FAR 2835 S/12 10cm, S-Band 96nm, IMO Compliant ARPA w/ 28” color CRT
• (1) Furuno PM-50 IMO Compliant Performance Monitor
• (1) Furuno FR2115 (3cm, X-Band 96nm, IMO Compliant ARPA w/ 21” color monitor
• (1) Furuno FE 700 IMO Compliant, Color Depth Sounder, 50 khz
• (1) JRC JLN-203 Doppler Speed Log
• (1) Young Marine Wind Tracker, Model 06206
• (1) Electronics Chart System (ECDIS), Nobeltec Admiral Program w/ Tide & Current Charts for NW & SW America
• (1) Furuno GP-37 Differential GPS w/ WAAS Technologies
• (1) Sperry SR 180 MKI Gyro Compass
• (1) Furuno AD 100 Digital Gyro Repeater
• (1) Liley & Gillie MK2000 10” Ocean Magnetic Compass
• (1) Robertson AP 9 MK 3 Autopilot System
• (1) Simrad A180 AIS

• EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:
• (1) Skanti Scanbridge 1250 A3 GMDSS System
• Includes the Following:
• a) (2) Skanti VHF 1000 DSC Radios
• b) (1) Skanti TRP 1250 SSB Radio with DSC, Telex, MF/HF 250w
• c) (1) Scansat Inmarsat STD. “C”
• d) (1) MF/HF DSC Control Unit
• e) (1) PCU 9000 NBDP Telex ICOM M700 DSC VHF Radio
• (1) Nat Axis 30 GMDSS Handheld VHF
• (1) Furuno Felcom 82B Inmarsat “B” w/high speed data telephone, fax and email
• (1) Skanti Scansat 7701 Iridium Satellite Telephone
• (1) JRC-NRC 330A Navtec Receiver
• (1) Furuno DFax 207 Weather Fax Receiver

• INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS:
• (1) AT&T System 75 Telephone PBX w/ 68 telephone lines; Shipboard use with select lines to Inmarsat STD “B”
• (1) Vingtor VSP Battery-less Phone System, Emergency Shipboard Communications w/ 8 Stations
• (1) Raytheon Ray 430 Loudhailer System
• (1) Extensive LAN (Local Area Network) System throughout the ship with 2 CAT5 lines per work station and stateroom for multiple networks or servers; Networked via Ethernet Active Hubs; High Speed Data Transfer Capable thru Inmarsat STD; “B” at 64k
• (1) Hewlett-Packard Proliant DL-380 Server

• VISUAL MONITORING:
• (1) Sony Color Camera System
• Includes the Following:
• a) 4 on–deck Sony SSCDC 134 Color Cameras in Weather Resistance Heated Enclosures
• b) (2) Sony SSCDC 134 Color Cameras located in Engine Room
• c) (1) Monitor & Sequential Switch in Wheelhouse & Survey Room

Of particular interest, is the ACC System which has the capabilities to monitor over 270 different systems simultaneously. The overall system status can be monitored at three different locations on the ship to provide ultimate protection and safety assurance. From tank levels to fuel status, it all can be digitized and upload (via internet) for home office and/or client use for determinations in-situ cost analysis. Ultimately, this system provides complete assurance that each and every onboard system is being monitored properly and safely.

The ships controllable pitch (CP) propulsion and hydraulic system were completely rebuilt to manufacturers specifications – all hubs taken down and parts re-coated and milled. The shafts were removed and trued and re-coated. The hydraulic system received new pumps and a new filtering system along with new piping and high-pressure hoses. The system passed USCG inspection for operational capabilities.

The ship bow thruster has been completely rebuilt including the replacement of all gears and refinishing and truing of the blades.

EQUIPMENT:

• PROPULSION:
• Main Engines:(2) EMD/567C 1200 H.P. each General Motors Diesels
• Propellers:(2) Bird-Johnson, Controllable Pitch, (3) Blade, 8.5ft dia.
• Bow Thruster: (1) Detroit Diesel 8V71, 350 H.P., 5,000 lb. Thrust, Controllable Pitch Propeller, Philadelphia Gear Drive Train

• STEERING:
• Autonav 2000 Independent rudder system, Dynamic Positioning compatible

• ACC CONSOLE:
• Automation System w/CRT Touch Screens Located:
• (1) Wheelhouse
• (2) Engine Control Room
• *Classed for partially unmanned engine room

• CAPACITIES:
• Fuel Oil: 105,000 USG
• Lube Oil: 1,626 USG
• Hydraulic Oil: 534 USG
• Potable Water: 16,000 USG
• Black & Grey Water: 2,000 USG
• MSD: (1) Omni-Pure 120 Person Black 12MC 50 Person B/G processing all black and grey water for near shore operations
• Hot Water Heaters: (2) A.O. Smith, DRE 120 USG 35Kw
• Water Maker: (1) 2,650 USG/day Aquamar, Model - 10/2
• Boiler: (1) 8 section Cast Iron Weil-McLain Low Pressure 1.6m/BTUH Output
• Incinerator: (1) Atlas-200SL Incinerator, 209kw/hr Burning Cap.
• Heat: (37) Wall Mounted 120v Electrical Heaters for Back-up to boiler system

• FIRE DETECTION:
• (1) Siemens MXL-CG Addressable Fire Alarm Control System
• All other appropriate SOLAS approved safety equipment as required by USCG

• FIRE STATIONS:
• (27) 1 ½” x 50’ Fire Hose, Fire Fighting Stations
• (4) Scott Air Packs
• (4) Fire Fighting Suits

• RESCUE:
• USCG Approved Life vests and Immersion suits to accommodate full compliment of crew and personnel
• (10) 30” Life rings w/ 50’ Line
• (2) DATCI13452P 15 minute Smoke Buoys
• (2) ACR3940 Man Overboard Strobe light
• (6) 25-Man Inflatable Life Rafts Viking Solas A Pack
• (1) 19’ Zodiac RIB Rescue Boat, SOLAS approved
• (1) Nat1510 406 EPIRB w/GPS Transceiver
• (2) NAT 9420 SART 9ghz Transponder Search & Rescue

• WORK AREAS:

• WORKING DECKS:
• Aft Deck Area 1,387 sq. ft.
• Boat Deck Area 1,950 sq. ft.

• POWER SUPPLY AVAILABILITY:
• (2) Power source stations on deck for 120/240/450 volt Appleton connectors
• (4) 100 amp, 450V dedicated power sources for on-deck equipment

• DECK MACHINERY:
• Cranes:
• (1) 5 Ton 35 ft. Knuckle Crane on forward deck
• (1) 43 ft. Telescoping Boom Crane on Aft deck
• 9 Metric Ton at Full Extension /15 Metric Tons at 33 ft.

• Capstan: (1) 21” dia. Capstan on after deck; 13,500 Lbs pull @ 35 fpm Line Speed/4,000 Lbs pull at 130 fpm
• Davits: (1) Vestdavit, PLR-3600 3.6m Ton. Capacity for 24’ Fast Rescue Boat
• A-Frame:(1) 7,000 lbs. stern A-frame

The vessel holds a USCG Certificate of Inspection, Subchapter U, SOLAS compliant and is classified ABS Maltese Cross A1 AMS, ACC. Ice Breaking ability = IS-3.

The old interior spaces have been removed and new arrangements installed with new furniture and fixtures. Some of the spaces have been completely changed creating larger facilities with more amenities for the customer. Throughout the entire vessel emphasis has been placed on the operability of the ship with the customer as the priority. From living spaces that have 100 MHz ship-wide communications capabilities, to larger survey facilities; the ship is ready to support any research or survey mission.

Major changes on the vessel include a new computer lab and processing room, a lounge and meeting center, and the ship-wide communications system.

ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS:

• Draft = 15' (4.5m)
• Mean Draft = 13' (3.9m)
• Range = 10,925 Nautical Miles
• Fuel consumption = Approx. 2,000 USG/day @12.5 knots
• Endurance = 45 days
• Gross Tonnage = 1453 ITC, 1591 Regulatory
• Net Tonnage = 436 ITC, 578 Regulatory
• Light Ship Displacement = 1289 Tons

• Dry Cargo Holds = 1088.41 m3
• Fresh Water Generator Capacity = 11.35624 m3/day
• Space for Container Lab = Yes, multiple containers

This multi-purpose ship worked the waters of the United States including the Virgin Islands as a hydrographic survey and seafloor mapping ship. As an oceanographic ship, its operations extended from the North Atlantic to the Persian Gulf. During its highly diversified career, she helped make our nation’s waterways safer by conducting hydrographic surveys along the Atlantic Coast, the Great Lakes, and in the Caribbean Sea. The ship even passed through the Panama Canal and went north to Alaska for survey work in 1986.

From the late 1960's to the late 1980's, the vessel conducted oceanographic and atmospheric studies in support of ocean-atmosphere interactions. During this time, the studies took the vessel from Iceland to Brazil and from the United States East Coast to Western Europe.

Also in the late 1980’s, the ship was fitted with a multi-beam sounding system and became one of the most advanced seafloor mapping ships of its time. It conducted deep water surveys in the Gulf of Mexico and off the United States East Coast.

The ship went truly global in 1992 as it was used in the Persian Gulf to study the effects of the intentional oil spill caused by the Iraqi Government during the 1991 Gulf War. It returned to the United States to be awarded a Silver Medal Award for the Persian Gulf Operation and resume its career as a hydrographic survey vessel. The vessel was then decommissioned in 1995.

After safe removal of Asbestos, CFCs, and PCBs, the vessel was laid up until it was purchased in September of 2001. For the next two years the vessel was retro-fitted with the latest in electronics, machinery, and safety equipment. The extensive multi-million dollar project was completed in 2003 when the vessel sailed under her own power for the first time in nearly three years which was a near flawless transit of the Gulf of Mexico, Panama Canal, and the Pacific Coast of Mexico and North America.