Ship-Based Research Diving

Quite often scientific research takes place in remote corners of the globe like the blue seas of the Indian Ocean, the deep seamounts of the Atlantic Ocean, the polar regions of the Arctic Ocean, or the doldrums of the Pacific Ocean. These places are isolated spots that are far from the research centers on land. When scientists choose these regions for their research, they are committing themselves to perform the entire dive and research operation aboard a scientific research vessel.

Scientific diving often launches from floating research labs. It allows the scientific research team to spend days or weeks on end in a remote location where they can observe and collect data without having to return to the civilized world. It puts the scientists right in the middle of their project, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Ship based operations need more planning than land based operations. When you are traveling by research vessel to remote regions of the planet, you can’t just turn around and go back because you forgot something like food or a back up regulator. Everything you need has to be located onboard the vessel.

All of the dive and research operations have to be able to be launched from the boat. All air mixes must be filled onboard and backup equipment is necessary in case of emergency. The research vessels will have labs where scientists can process and analyze any data they have collected and observed. They will need to be able to run tests and communicate their findings with the mainland.

Scientific vessels can range in size from small boats that house small research and dive teams to large 50 plus person vessels that can launch submersibles and map the sea floor. When scientists are on a scientific research vessel, they will be using all sorts of high tech equipment for mapping, observation, communication, lighting, filming, sensing, and sampling. It all depends on the scope and scale of the operation and what organization or institute is funding it.

Doing research at sea is an exciting journey. You will get to see places that few people have ever seen. You will get to do ocean research that could solve global problems. Ship based operations are an opportunity that should not be missed.