RV Western Flyer

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RV Western Flyer

RV Western Flyer in Moss Landing
History
Operator	Florida Institute of Oceanography
Identification	IMO number: 8990902 MMSI number: 367766000 Callsign: WDD2611
Status	Active
General characteristics
Type	Research vessel
Tonnage	498 GT 230 NT (US) 847 GT 254 NT (ITC)
Displacement	419 LT
Length	117 ft 3+5⁄8 in (35.754 m)
Beam	53 ft (16 m) (moulded)
Draft	12 ft (3.7 m)
Installed power	Generators (5): 2 × Caterpillar 3512 850 kW (1,140 hp) 2 × Caterpillar 3408, 350 kW (470 hp) 1 × Caterpillar 3306B 195 kW (261 hp)
Propulsion	2 × 1,250 hp (930 kW) GE propulsion motors
Speed	14.5 knots (26.9 km/h; 16.7 mph)
Range	4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph)
Crew	10 crew, 16 Science Party/ROV Controllers
Fuel Capacity	22,000 US gal (83,000 L; 18,000 imp gal)
Potable Water	2,400 US gal (9,100 L; 2,000 imp gal)
Clean L.O. Capacity	700 US gal (2,600 L; 580 imp gal)
Dirty L.O. Capacity	700 US gal (2,600 L; 580 imp gal)
Ballast Capacity	19,530 US gal (73,900 L; 16,260 imp gal)
Gray Water	300 US gal (1,100 L; 250 imp gal)
Black Water	280 US gal (1,100 L; 230 imp gal)

RV Western Flyer is a twin hulled SWATH research vessel operated by the Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO). In November 2022, the R/V Western Flyer was acquired by the Florida Institute of Oceanography and its Host Institution, the University of South Florida. The custom-designed ship was granted to FIO by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) for use as a sailing classroom and platform for FIO’s new ROV and peer mentoring program, providing new opportunities for students who dream of a career in Ocean STEAM.

Its relatively stable SWATH design permits expanded operational capability in rough sea states. It is the platform of operations for the ROV Taurus. The vessel carries 10 crew and 16 science party/ROV operators, for a total complement of 26. Cruises generally occur on the Florida coastlines in the Gulf of Mexico, with the capability for excursions further afield to the Caribbean and Atlantic. The vessel is purposed for the Peerside Program^[1] that focuses on engaging students who typically don’t have access to sea-going platforms. The technologically advanced vessel is increasing access to marine science through at-sea experiences and remote science.