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Oceanography 443, Winter 2007
Design of Oceanographic Field Experiments

Research Vessels

R/V Thomas G. Thompson

R/V Thomas G. Thompson (AGOR-23) is one of the newest, most modern vessels in the national oceanographic fleet. She entered service in 1991, and has greater endurance at higher speeds and with better sea-keeping ability than previous research vessels. These enhancements, together with modern navigation and communications capabilites and a state-of-the-art sea floor mapping system, enable the ship to perform a broad range of functions year round and world wide. The 274-foot-long ship carries a crew of 21 and up to 37 scientists. Thompson has over 4000 square feet of laboratory space, modern deep sea winches, bow and stern cranes, a stern A-frame, and spacious deck working areas. Her unique Z-drive main propulsion system and jet-type bow thruster provide the vessel with excellent station keeping ability, even in high seas.

R/V WeeLander

R/V WeeLander is a 23-foot-long Beach Master work boat. She was acquired by the School of Oceanography in 1991 to provide support of shallow water research in the bays and estuaries of the Puget Lowland. Her bow door is ideal for diving operations, and the spacious well deck forward of the two-person pilot house can accommodate a wide variety of oceanographic equipment. WeeLander is trailerable, and has been used in a variety of limnological and geological studies in Washington's lakes. This versatile boat, with it's 'landing craft' bow door, has been informally named in honor of Professor Pierre Welander, a member of the School of Oceanography faculty from 1973 to 1995.


More information on these and other vessels can be found here.