Technology | Vessels | R/V Seward Johnson II

Research Vessel
Seward JohnsonII

At 168 ft and displacing 781 tons, the R/V Seward Johnson II is owned and operated by HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution (HARBOR BRANCH) and was built in 1982 as an offshore supply vessel. HARBOR BRANCH converted it to support marine science research and submersible operations in 1988. The Seward Johnson II was formerly known as the Edwin Link, but it was renamed in honor of Seward Johnson Jr., HARBOR BRANCH’s chairman.

The Seward Johnson II can travel 7,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 11 knots. The ship is propelled by two diesel engines and a 465-horsepower bow thruster that can rotate the ship 360-degrees. With 38 berths, the vessel accommodates a permanent complement of 11 crewmembers and an additional 5 to 7 technicians to maintain and operate the submersible onboard, leaving room for 20 to 22 scientists. The ship is supported and maintained by HARBOR BRANCH ocean engineers and operated by personnel with expertise in submersible launch-and-recovery operations. The vessel is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS)

Science and Research Support

The Seward Johnson II typically is used to facilitate oceanographic studies, and primarily supports submersible use, specifically, the Clelia and the Johnson-Sea-Link (JSL) submersibles, as well as the use of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Although submersible operations are the ship’s primary mission, it is also well-equipped to carry out surface oceanography operations as well bathymetric and bottom profile work. Often researchers choose which sub to use based on the depth of their planned dives. The Clelia is suited for shallow dives (1,000 ft maximum), and the JSL is capable of deeper dives (3,000 ft maximum). An 18-ton, A-frame crane system mounted on the stern of the ship launches and retrieves these submersibles.

The vessel contains abundant laboratory space, including a 264-sq-ft lab devoted to sub maintenance. The sub lab houses electronic testing equipment, spare parts and supplies, and a machine shop. A 220-sq-ft wet lab includes both fresh and saltwater, and a 342-sq-ft dry lab offers raw and filtered seawater, in addition to a refrigerator and freezer. The vessel also offers two climate-controlled environmental labs with freezers, and a 192-sq--ft storage room for scientific equipment. A compressor room also contains diving equipment. Scientists generally bring equipment specific to their research project on board, including microscopes and computers.

The ship also includes a briefing room outfitted with a technical and science library, a conference table, video recorders, monitor, and photo lab.

Integrated Computer Network

The Seward Johnson II navigates using an integrated mission profiler/navigation system and employs a global positioning system for the ship, submersibles and ROVs. It also relies on a variety of compasses, radar and satellite system navigation tools. Most data and communications are transmitted via telephone, fax, e-mail, and a satellite system known as Inmarsat.

All staterooms and labs are connected through a Windows NT-based LAN. Worldwide email and internet connectivity is possible as well.

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