The R/V Palmetto. Click image for a larger view.
Research Vessel Palmetto
The R/V Palmetto is part of a fleet of vessels operated by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Marine Resources Research Institute. The research vessel is used primarily for fishery surveys of natural and man-made fish habitats. It was built in 1982 as an offshore supply vessel and was converted to perform offshore research by the SCDNR in 1987. The ship measures 110 ft long, 26 ft wide, weighs 99.5 tons, and has a draws nine ft of water. Its home port is located at the historic site of Ft. Johnson on James Island across the harbor from the City of Charleston.
The Palmetto conducts fishery and oceanographic surveys from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina to Palm Beach, Florida, and offshore to 100 miles. It is propelled by twin diesel main engines, with electric power provided by two diesel generators. Fuel capacity is 22,000 gallons and range is 6,000 nautical miles. Cruising speed is 10 knots. In an average year, the Palmetto spends 85 days at sea. There are berths for six crew (five are permanent crew) and nine scientists. Maximum duration at-sea is twenty-one days if the ship is not forced to return to shore due to weather. However, most cruises last only five days.
Fish trap used to assess reef fish populations, being hauled aboard the R/V Palmetto. Click image for a larger view.
Science and Research Support
The ship is outfitted primarily for oceanographic and fishery and surveys including tag and release survival rate studies. It is equipped with three winches for deploying hydrographic gear (CTDs), underwater television and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), fishing gear (longlines, traps, small trawls), and other sampling gear (e.g. plankton nets). The Palmetto contains 200 square ft of wet lab space with fresh and salt water and two freezers, a dry lab, and is equipped with sonar, DGPS and continuous data loggers (e.g. depth, position, sea surface temperature, chlorophyll). A 120 ton sea crane, a five ton, 18 ft high, 16 ft wide five-ton A-frame, various hydraulic cranes, davits and line haulers are available for deploying and retrieving sampling gear. Communications equipment includes VHF and sideband radio, cell and satellite telephones, and email and data transmission capabilities. On-board computers assist in data logging, navigation and communication.
