RV Western Flyer is a twin hulled SWATH research vessel operated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI). Its relatively stable SWATH design permits expanded operational capability in rough sea states. It is the platform of operations for the ROV Doc Ricketts (named after Ed Ricketts). The vessel carries 10 crew, 5 ROV pilots, and 11 scientists, for a total complement of 26. Cruises generally center around the central California coast and Monterey Bay, although excursions further afield to Hawaii, the Pacific Northwest, and the Gulf of California have taken place in recent years.
Accommodations 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 systems
The main machinery plant is diesel electric with a common power bus connecting five generators. Any combination of generator operation 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 (SCR's) 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
Four SCR drives: GE, Model DC2000Fuel centrifuge: Alfa Laval, Model MAB 103Marine sanitation device: Orca, Model 11A-36Air compressor: Quincy, Model QR 25One water-maker: Sea Recovery model SCR5M3-SW-HCathodic protection/monitor: Swath Ocean Systems, Inc.Uninterruptible power supply: Exide Pwr Wave +18, J1842AU131EE00AMonitoring system: Exide Pwr Wave +18, J1842AU131EE00AGenerator control: Point 8Propulsion control: Nautronix/GE/OmnithrusterBow thruster control: Omnithruster B2000Ballast system control: Swath Ocean Systems, Inc.Primary navigation and communication equipment
GPS: Leica MX420, Furuno SC120Radar: Furuno, Models FR2110 & FR1941Gyro compass: Sperry FOG Furuno SC120Dynamic positioning: Nautronix, Model ASK 4001Autopilot: Maritime Dynamics Inc, Nautronix ASK 4001.Motion Control: Maritime Dynamics Inc.Steering system: Swath Ocean Systems, Inc. / Maritime DynamicsGMDSS station: Furuno model RC5000 3T, areas A1-A3Depth sounder: Knudsen 3208/R (good to 5000m)PBX system: Knudsen 3208/R (good to 5000m)Weather station: Barometer, wind indicator, Furuno FW-200Computing station: Chart and NavigationDopler: Furuno CI-80 current indicatorPrimary fire fighting and safety equipment
Fire detection and alarm system: Cerebus Pyrotronics MXLSOLAS Rescue Boat: Ribcraft 5.85m with 75 Honda outboard motorLife rafts: Two 25-Man VikingExtinguishing systems: Portable & fixed - (7) Fire Hose StationsEPIRB:Two 9Ghz SARTsOne 406Mhz w/121.5 MHz beaconCranes:One - Model HIAB 290One - Modified AlliedCTD winch system: Dynacon 12030Capacity: 6500 m of .322 in. cableMax. continuous line pull:Bare drum - 7000 lbs.@100 fpmFull drum - 4300 lbs.@140 fpmMax. continuous line speed:Bare drum - 240 fpm @ 2500 lbs.Full drum - 415 fpm @ 1450 lbs.Anchor windlass: Kolstrand Akphaw 223324Mooring winches: Four - Marco WG023ROV umbilical handling system: Dynacon TV3615K/SW3616KStern "A-Frame": 13,000 lbs. SWL;14 ft wide, 13 ft clearance through entire range of motion
