After a successful mapping shakedown expedition, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is back in port in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. Up next is the 2026 ROV Shakedown (EX2603) in the deep waters around Hawai‘i from May 14-June 6. This expedition will stress test every component of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system and their associated systems — mechanical, electrical, and software — to ensure they are performing properly and are ready for the 2026 field season.

While this expedition’s dives will focus on engineering and pilot training and practice, we invite the public to join the journey. Once we achieve our shakedown objectives, we hope to explore seamounts, deep-sea coral habitats, abyssal habitats, maritime heritage sites, and the water column.

All things permitting, dives will be livestreamed most days, May 15-June 4, from approximately 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. HST/2 to 11 p.m. EDT. Dates and times are subject to change. Midway through the expedition, dive times may shift to accommodate 12-hour operations. Stay tuned for more information.