The 219-foot ice-strengthened research vessel (R/V) POLAR DUKE has been chartered by the National Science Foundation for use in the southern oceans and antarctic regional waters. The Foundation invites U.S. scientists to propose to perform research and data collection aboard the ship. Grant funds also are available for evaluation of data and publications of results.
Research objectives aboard the R/V POLAR DUKE fall in the disciplines of marine biology, physical and chemical oceanography, and marine geology and geophysics.
During the austral summer (October through April), the ship works primarily near the Antarctic Peninsula, in the Drake Passage, and in the Scotia, Weddell and Bellingshausen Seas. It also works in conjunction with Palmer Station, a research facility operated year-round by the National Science Foundation as part of the United States Antarctic Program. Tents and other field equipment can be made available from the USAP to support shore-based research tended by the R/V POLAR DUKE. The ship calls regularly at Punta Arenas, Chile, and occasionally at Ushuaia, Argentina, to embark and disembark passengers and cargo. During the austral winter, the vessel continues to operate in the Antarctic and South American waters, and in support of science at Palmer Station.
Built in 1983, the R/V POLAR DUKE was designed for science and transport expeditions in high latitudes and polar regions. The hull has an ice classification similar to an icebreaker, but the vessel has less horsepower than an icebreaker would have. The ship can perform science missions in moderate ice conditions, but must stay clear of heavy ice and working pack to avoid besetment. Space formerly used for cargo has been converted to laboratories, including a wet lab, dry labs, an electronic workshop and electronics laboratory. The ship is equipped with a helicopter deck but has no hangar, and is capable of supporting limited helicopter operations.
For further information, contact the Office of Polar Programs at (703)306-1032, or Antarctic Support Associates at (303)790-8606.
R/V POLAR DUKE COMMUNICATIONS AND NAVIGATION
Simrad NL Doppler Speed Log
R/V POLAR DUKE SPECIFICATIONS
Built: 1983
Length: 219 feet
Beam: 43 feet
Draft: 19 feet
Endurance: 90 days
Gross Tons: 1,594<
Crew: 14
Ice Class: 1AA
Engines: Twin diesel 2250 bhp each, bow and stern
Thrusters: Controllable pitch 240 RMP propeller
Kort Nozzle
Norwegian Registry
R/V POLAR DUKE MAJOR SCIENCE EQUIPMENT
Satellite Navigator-Magnavox MX 1107 GPS, Dual Channel Transit
Deep Sea Trawl Winch (1/2" mechanical wire x 20,000 ft) (.322 EMC x 30,000 ft)
Hydrographic Winch (1/4" mechanical wire x 15,000 ft)
Hydrographic Winch (.225" EMC x 15,000 ft)
Stern A-Frame (11 Ton SWL)
Starboard Side Hydro Davit and "Hero" Platform
Crane: 10 Ton SWL @ 15 meters, 22 Ton SWL @ 8 meters
Crane: Provision, 1.5 Ton SWL @ 5 meters
Crane: Afterdeck, HIAB Articulating, 5 Ton SWL @ 3 meters
Radioisotope Lab Van (8' x 20') with Beckman 3801 LSC, Fume Hood
Environmental Lab Van (8' x 20') -2 C (+ or - .5 C)
Electronics Workshop, Spares and Equipment
Deep Sea Piston Coring System
3.5 and 12 kHz P.D.R. System
EPC Single and Dual Channel Analog Recorders (Series 3200 and 4600)
Sail Loop Acquisition System
Furuno Side-Scan Sonar, Hull Mounted
Freezer Storage Space:
Dredges and Bottom Sampling Equipment
Sonobouy Receiver
Magnetometers, Two EG&G G866 with 500 Foot Cables
CTD'S: 1 each Sea-Bird Electronics
Rosette Water Sampler: G.O. 12 Bottle with 5 and 10 Liter Niskins
Nets and Trawls (IKMT, PLANKTON, BLAKE, OTTER)
Dive Support Van, MAKO Compressor, Bottle and Drying Racks
Specimen Holding Tanks (8 EA. 2 x 3 x 4 ft) Uncontaminated Sea Water Supply
Zodiacs: MK III,V. Outboards: 6, 25, and 40 Horsepower
Fish Finder: SIMRAD Skipper 810
Digital Single Channel Acquisition System: Compaq Desk-Pro Computers with Math Co-Processors
Bernoulli Disk Drives
Cipher Tape Drives
NEC Pinwriter 7 printers
Houston Instruments DMP 56 Plotter
Gulton Plotter
Chronology Digital Programmable Clock
Data Translation D/A Converters
Data Translation D/A Converters
Water Gun: Bolt Combo Air/Water Combination
Compaq 386s Desktop Computer, 5.25", 3.5" Floppy
ATS-3 Satellite System for Voice
Portable and Ventless Fume Hoods
Rock Saw and Thin Sectioning Equipment
Petrographic Microscope
SIPPICAN MK 9 Digital XBT System
MacIntosh II CI computer and laser printer
Pressure Products "HYBALL" Remotely Operated Vehicle