R/V Cape Fear underway. Click image for larger view.
Research Vessel Cape Fear
Owned and operated by the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the research vessel (R/V) Cape Fear is 70 ft in length, weighs 77 gross tons, and boasts a cruising speed of 16 knots. Constructed of fiberglass, the Cape Fear features six independent watertight compartments that contribute both to the vessel’s speed and safety. The ship is outfitted to conduct research, training, and educational cruises in waters ranging from near-shore to the continental slope. Operations are conducted from the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Cape Fear has berthing for eight scientists and two crew members during extended trips; larger groups, such as classes, can be accommodated for day cruises within 20 nautical miles of land.
Typical missions conducted aboard the Cape Fear include diving operations in support of marine archeology, biological and physical oceanography, as well as diver training; side-scan sonar and seismic surveys to assist efforts in marine archeology and geological research; and the deployment of remotely operated vehicles (ROV) and oceanographic instrument.
Researchers sample water to assess the temperature, salinity, and concentrations of algae. Click image for larger view.
Science and Research Support
The Cape Fear can accommodate a wide range of operations due to its well designed deck plan and thoughtful outfitting with advanced mechanical and electronic equipment. For example, the aft deck of the ship includes a six hundred square foot work area, 75 percent of which is covered by a canopy. A steering station on this deck allows the vessel captain to maneuver the vessel to accommodate science operations. A dive platform at water level provides divers and smaller vessels easy and safe access to the water. Hydraulic connections, an A-frame, a winch and a mixing station for nitrox (a special gas mixture used for technical diving) provide additional capabilities for scientific research projects.
Oceanographic sampling equipment deployed from the Cape Fear allows scientists to develop a detailed picture of the water column based on a range of properties. These include temperature and salinity at depth; levels of dissolved oxygen; concentrations of algae; the direction and speed of water currents; and detailed profiles of the areas’ bathymetry (bottom topography).
Navigation and Communications
While the ability to successfully carry out a range of ocean-based operations is important for any research vessel, even more critical is the safety of the ship’s passengers and crew. For navigation and communication, the Cape Fear relies on a suite of systems. To assess latitude and longitude, standard navigational charts are augmented with a DGPS (digital geographic positioning system), Loran (a radionavigation system), and radar with a 72-mi radius. A colorscope fathometer provides continuous information about bottom depth and type (e.g. sand, boulders). This information is critical when the ship is operating in unknown or near-shore waters. SSB and VHF radios provide offshore communications, and a cellular phone can be used when the vessel is operating close to land.
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