Platform

R/V Shearwater
R/V Shearwater

1: Campaigns
1: Data Products

NASA's DC-8 flying laboratory passes Antarctica's tallest peak, Mount Vinson, on Oct. 22, 2012, during a flight over the continent to measure changes in the massive ice sheet and sea ice. Credit: NASA/Michael Studinger (Photography courtesy NASA Images)

Overview

The R/V Shearwater is a NOAA research vessel operated by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. It is primarily used for oceanographic research in the Santa Barbara Channel and throughout the sanctuary's waters off Southern California. It supports a range of oceanographic research activities, including seafloor mapping, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployment, and sampling of air, water, sediments, and marine organisms. It also supports emergency response to protect sanctuary resources and supports studies of maritime heritage, archaeology, and culture. It has a cruising range of 450 nautical miles and a cruising speed of 18 knots. It can accommodate 28 passengers and 4 crew members for day trips and 6 passengers and 3 crew members for overnight trips.