Ship Operations

Atlantic Explorer is owned and operated by BIOS as a general purpose oceanographic research vessel designed for both short and extended cruises. Delivered to BIOS in 2006, the 170' Atlantic Explorer can carry a crew of 12 and a scientific party of 22 researchers, students, and technicians for up 28 days or 5500 nautical miles.

BIOS is a UNOLS designated vessel operator for R/V Atlantic Explorer, which follows the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards (RVSS), and is part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (U.S. ARF). The U.S. ARF is a sub-Fleet to the U.S Federal Oceanographic Fleet (which includes NOAA, U.S. Coast Ice Breakers, TAGS).

Facilities & Operations

Maintaining and operating a world-class oceanographic research vessel requires the dedication of a team of marine specialists and a variety of shore-side facilities.

Students have the opportunity to particpate in a research cruise on board the UNOLS research vessel Atlantic Explorer as part of the Modern Observational Oceanography course.

Vessel Specifications

Marine Facilities

Cruise Planning

Successful research cruises are built on a foundation of planning and personnel/equipment coordination. Chief scientists and scientific parties should use the resources in this section to ensure their research programs are well-organized and properly documented.

Cruise Schedule

Forms, Diagrams & Documents

Cruise Planning

Research Projects

Since its arrival at BIOS, R/V Atlantic Explorer has supported a variety of research projects that span the oceanographic sciences.

Project Information