Use of small vessels for short term research work

The operational cost of a vessel engaged on ocean research can be a significant proportion of the overall cost of the data collection activity, especially when used on short-term projects within 20 miles of shore. In this paper, the author discusses the use of small vessels and Hovercraft for use with such projects, in particular two craft operated by the National Maritime Institute (NMI) are described, both of which can be operated by a crew of two. The capability of travelling to and from the site at high speed and the accommodation for personnel overnight while on station is of advantage in those projects requiring measurements to be taken over a period of two or more tides. Typical of the tasks undertaken by the craft are sea-bed surveys and the deployment and recovery of environmental measuring instruments.