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RV Western Flyer
RV Western Flyer is a twin hulled SWATH research vessel operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). In November 2022, the R/V Western Flyer was acquired by the Florida Institute of Oceanography and its Host Institution, the University of South Florida. The custom-designed ship was granted to FIO by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for use as a sailing classroom and platform for FIO’s new ROV and peer mentoring program, providing new opportunities for students who dream of a career in Ocean STEAM. Its relatively stable SWATH design permits expanded operational capability in rough sea states. It is the platform of operations for the ROV Taurus. The vessel carries 10 crew and 16 science party/ROV operators, for a total complement of 26. Cruises generally occur on the Florida coastlines in the Gulf of Mexico, with the capability for excursions further afield to the Caribbean and Atlantic. The vessel is purposed for the Peerside Program[1] that focuses on engaging students who typically don’t have access to sea-going platforms. The technologically advanced vessel is increasing access to marine science through at-sea experiences and remote science. Vessel description/ design characteristics
General arrangementAccommodations are provided for a combination of 26 crew members and scientists in 14 staterooms located on the upper deck. The crew complement is ten for all voyages and the combination of ROV staff and scientists (16) brings the total vessel complement to 26. Equipment and control/monitoring systemsThe main machinery plant is diesel-electric with a common power bus connecting five generators. Any combination of generator operations will provide power for both propulsion and other vessel operations. This design arrangement provides a high level of machinery plant redundancy and operational flexibility. Propulsion power is transmitted through two duplicate drive trains, each consisting of a DC electric motor and fixed pitch propeller. Silicon-controlled rectifiers (SCRs) are used to convert generated AC power to DC propulsive power. Two electric motor-driven bow thrusters are installed to enhance maneuvering and station-keeping. Primary equipment and control/monitoring systems
Primary navigation and communication equipment
Primary fire fighting and safety equipment
Primary deck machinery
HistoryR/V Western Flyer was designed and built by SWATH Ocean Systems in 1996 for Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). The vessel was named after the famous fishing vessel Western Flyer, which was chartered by John Steinbeck and Ed Ricketts in 1940 and included in the books The Sea of Cortez (1941) and The Log from the Sea of Cortez (1951). MBARI operated the R/V Western Flyer for 25 years and the vessel contributed to more than 500 research cruises and identified over 200 species.[1][2][failed verification] Citations
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