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Facility

Research vessels

Key contact: Andrew Perkin

Our two vessels, the Plymouth Quest and PML Explorer, support PML’s research and long-term monitoring activities, including the Western Channel Observatory.

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The Plymouth Quest is able to operate in coastal and offshore regions and is able to spend up to 5 days at sea. It is equipped with facilities for collecting a wide range of biological, chemical and physical measurements and boasts a suite of underway sensors for autonomous measurements.

  • Length: 21.5m, draught: 3.02m
  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency Category 2 workboat, able to operate up to 60 miles from a safe haven
  • Capacity of 12 passengers plus crew during the day or 6 overnight berths
  • Equipped with trawl and sweeping winches, an A frame, net drum, 1 tonne hydraulic crane and hydraulic stern gate

 

The PML Explorer, provides a perfect working platform, as well as a 'rapid response' capability to enhance our research in estuarine and coastal waters.

  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency code 3R vessel: Rigid Inflatable Boat, length: 6.8m
  • Seagoing capability of up to 20 miles offshore
  • Carrying capacity of up to 6 personnel
  • Twin 90hp Suzuki engines, with twin fuel tanks for up to 8 hours at sea
  • Navigation system with echosounder
  • 12v power supply for scientific equipment
  • Capability to deploy CTDs and a variety of messenger triggered water bottles

 

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