RV Sikuliaq: A Comprehensive Guide to its Features and Operations

The RV Sikuliaq is a state-of-the-art research vessel designed to operate in the harsh Arctic environment.

Built by Marinette Marine in 2014, the Sikuliaq is 238 feet long and 39 feet wide, with a draft of 14 feet.

It has a gross tonnage of 3,365 tons and a deadweight tonnage of 1,000 tons, making it a sturdy and reliable platform for scientific research.

The Sikuliaq is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system, which provides a top speed of 13.5 knots and a range of up to 14,000 nautical miles.

Sikuliaq is designed to minimize its environmental impact, including a low underwater radiated noise signature for marine mammal and fisheries work. This makes it an ideal vessel for studying these delicate ecosystems.

The vessel can accommodate up to 24 scientists and students per cruise, including those with disabilities. This allows for a diverse team of researchers to come together and conduct multidisciplinary studies.

Sikuliaq has a range of scientific facilities, including 2,100 square feet of built-in laboratories and the ability to accommodate four 20-foot scientific containers on the aft deck.

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Sikuliaq is designed to minimize its environmental impact, with a low underwater radiated noise signature for marine mammal and fisheries work.

The vessel has accommodations for up to 24 scientists and students at a time, including those with disabilities. This allows for a diverse and inclusive team to conduct research.

Sikuliaq is equipped with a flexible suite of winches to raise and lower scientific equipment, giving researchers the flexibility they need to collect data.

The vessel features two Climate Control Chambers and a Three Barnstead E-Pure Ultrapure Water Purification System, providing a clean and controlled environment for scientists to work in.

Sikuliaq has a retractable transducer centerboard, also known as a drop keel, which allows for the deployment of various sensors under the vessel.

The vessel can accommodate four 20-foot scientific containers on its aft deck, providing ample space for equipment and supplies.

Sikuliaq is equipped with a range of oceanographic sampling equipment, including 150 KHz ADCP, 75 kHz ADCP, EK 60, EM 302 Multibeam, EM 710 Multibeam, and a TOPAS PS18 Sub-bottom Profiler.

Sikuliaq is a sturdy vessel, measuring 261 feet in length and 52 feet in maximum beam.

She displaces 3,665 long tons of water and draws 18 feet 9 inches of water.

Her hull is designed to reduce ice resistance, with a sloping icebreaker bow and a two-foot wider bow than stern.

The vessel is powered by a diesel-electric powertrain, with main diesel generators producing power for electric motors coupled to the propellers.

Two 16-cylinder and two 12-cylinder MTU 4000 series high speed diesel engines drive the vessel, producing 1,800 kW and 1,310 kW of power respectively.

Sikuliaq is one of the first vessels to be fitted with Icepod propulsion units, Wärtsilä's brand of ice-strengthened azimuth thrusters.

These Z-drive thrusters can be rotated 360 degrees about the vertical axis and are designed to improve hydrodynamic efficiency.

They are also "can-mounted", meaning they can be disconnected and lifted off for maintenance without docking the vessel.

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A bow thruster assists maneuvering at low speeds, making her a reliable and efficient vessel.

Sikuliaq can reach a maximum speed of 14.2 knots in calm water, making her a fast and capable vessel.

In addition, she can break first-year sea ice up to 2.5 feet thick at a constant speed of 2 knots.

Her dynamic positioning capability allows her to maintain position and orientation in various conditions.

Sikuliaq has an operational endurance of 45 days and can sail 18,000 nautical miles at 10 knots.

The RV Sikuliaq is equipped with a range of features that make it an ideal research vessel. It allows researchers to collect sediment samples directly from the seafloor.

The vessel has accommodations for up to 24 scientists and students at a time, including those with disabilities. This makes it a great resource for inclusive research expeditions.

The RV Sikuliaq is also designed to have a low underwater radiated noise signature, which is essential for marine mammal and fisheries work. This feature is crucial for minimizing the impact on the marine ecosystem.

The vessel is equipped with a variety of oceanographic sampling equipment, including a 150 KHz ADCP and a 75 kHz ADCP. These instruments help researchers study the ocean's currents and properties.

The RV Sikuliaq also has a range of lab spaces, including two Climate Control Chambers and a Three Barnstead E-Pure Ultrapure Water Purification Systems. These facilities provide a controlled environment for researchers to analyze their samples.

The deck details are what make a pool area truly special. The article mentions that the deck size can range from 12x15 to 20x30 feet.

A raised deck is a great option for a pool area, providing a clear view of the pool and surrounding area. This is especially true for smaller pools, as it creates the illusion of a larger space.

The deck material is also worth considering, with composite materials being a popular choice due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. According to the article, composite materials can last up to 25 years without needing to be replaced.

Built-in seating areas are a great way to make the most of the deck space, providing a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the pool. The article suggests that built-in seating areas can be designed to fit the specific needs and style of the homeowner.

The deck's height and design can also impact the overall aesthetic of the pool area. A multi-level deck can add visual interest and create a sense of depth, while a single-level deck can provide a more open and airy feel.

When choosing a storage system, consider the capacity and flexibility of the shelves. The storage system can hold up to 2,000 pounds per shelf.

In the kitchen, a compact storage system can be mounted under the sink to keep cleaning supplies organized. This is especially useful in small kitchens.

The storage system's adjustable shelves can be customized to fit different-sized items, such as pots and pans or cleaning supplies.

For the "Supplies and Maintenance" section, you'll want to think about the tools and materials you'll need to keep your features running smoothly.

The recommended lubricant for the moving parts is a synthetic oil with a high viscosity index, which can be found in the maintenance kit.

Regular cleaning of the exterior and interior surfaces is essential to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and causing damage.

The manufacturer recommends replacing the air filter every 3 months or 1,000 hours of operation, whichever comes first.

You should also check the user manual for specific instructions on how to properly clean and maintain the various components.

RV Sikuliaq operates in the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea. These geographic regions are home to a diverse range of marine life and ecosystems, making them ideal for research.

The research vessel will be accepting proposals to conduct research in these areas from 2018 to the end of 2021.

Access to RV Sikuliaq is offered through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) scheduling process.

You'll have the opportunity to participate in research activities for up to seven full days with a team of up to six researchers.

Applications must fit the overall operational plans for the vessel to ensure a smooth and successful research experience.

The researchers can expect to have access to the vessel's facilities and equipment, making the most of their time on board.

This will enable them to conduct their research efficiently and effectively, making the most of their time on board.

Access to the research vessel is managed through a formal process. The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) scheduling process is used to coordinate access.

Applicants must fit their research plans within the vessel's operational schedule. This ensures a smooth and efficient research experience.

RV Sikuliaq offers access equivalent to seven full days of research activities for a team of up to six researchers. This is a generous allocation, allowing for a substantial amount of research to be conducted.

To apply for access, researchers must submit their proposals through the UNOLS scheduling process. This helps to ensure that the vessel's resources are utilized effectively.

Safety Features are designed to protect users from potential hazards.

Regular maintenance checks can identify and address issues before they become major problems, as seen in the importance of routine inspections.

Emergency shutdown procedures are in place to quickly stop operations in case of an emergency, like the one described in the article.

Safety nets and barriers can be installed to prevent accidents, such as those that occur when working at heights.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory in high-risk areas, as demonstrated in the article's discussion on workplace safety.

These features work together to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe working environment.

The research vessel RV Sikuliaq required an outdoor lighting retrofit on the bow, aft deck crane bases, and back deck.

Superior lighting is critical for a vessel sailing into arctic waters. The harsh conditions of arctic waters made it necessary for the research vessel to have lights that could withstand saltwater, fog, water ingress, and cold temperatures.

ModCom 2 floodlights were mounted on the bow of the vessel, providing 42,000 lumens of light. This allows researchers to sail safely into the waters ahead.

The SturdiLEDs were mounted to the crane base on the aft deck, making them shock and vibration resistant. This feature is essential for a vessel that rumbles through ice.

The EcoMod floodlight was chosen for its high lumen output to shine down and properly illuminate the back deck. This ensures that researchers can work safely in all conditions.

Phoenix’s fixtures have made it through the harshest winters, providing reliable and bright light in any weather condition.