Hydrographic survey A hydrographic survey ship is a vessel designed to conduct
hydrographic research and
survey.
Nautical charts are produced from this information to ensure safe
navigation by
military and
civilian shipping. Hydrographic survey vessels also conduct
seismic surveys of the seabed and the underlying
geology. Apart from producing the charts, this information is useful for detecting geological features likely to bear
oil or
gas. These vessels usually mount equipment on a
towed structure, for example,
air cannons used to generate
shock waves that sound
strata beneath the
seabed, or mounted on the
keel, for example, a
depth sounder. In practice, hydrographic survey vessels are often equipped to perform multiple roles. Some function also as
oceanographic research ships. Naval hydrographic survey vessels often do naval research, for example, on submarine detection. An example of a hydrographic survey vessel is
CCGS Frederick G. Creed. For an example of the employment of a survey ship see .
Oceanographic research Oceanographic research vessels carry out research on the
physical,
chemical, and
biological characteristics of
water, the
atmosphere, and
climate, and to these ends carry equipment for collecting water samples from a range of depths, including the deep seas, as well as equipment for the
hydrographic sounding of the seabed, along with numerous other environmental sensors. These vessels often also carry
scientific divers and
unmanned underwater vehicles. Since the requirements of both oceanographic and hydrographic research are very different from those of fisheries research, these boats often fulfill dual roles. Recent oceanographic research campaigns include
GEOTRACES and NAAMES. Examples of an oceanographic research vessel include the
NOAAS Ronald H. Brown and the
Chilean Navy Cabo de Hornos.
Fisheries research A
fisheries research vessel requires platforms capable of towing different types of
fishing nets, collecting
plankton or water samples from a range of depths, and carrying
acoustic fish-finding equipment. Fisheries research vessels are often designed and built along the same lines as a large
fishing vessel, but with space given over to
laboratories and equipment storage, as opposed to storage of the catch. An example of a fisheries research vessel is
FRV Scotia.
Naval research Naval research vessels investigate naval concerns, such as submarine and mine detection or sonar and weapons trials. An example of a naval research vessel is the
Planet of the
German Navy.
Polar research Polar research vessels are constructed around an
icebreaker hull, allowing them to engage in
ice navigation and operate in polar waters. These vessels usually have dual roles, particularly in the
Antarctic, where they function also as polar replenishment and supply vessels to the Antarctic research bases. Examples of polar research vessels include
USCGC Polar Star,
RSV Aurora Australis, and
RSV Nuyina.
Oil exploration Oil exploration is performed in a number of ways, one of the most common being mobile drilling platforms or ships that are moved from area to area as needed to drill into the seabed to find out what deposits lie beneath it. == See also ==