Introduction
RPM Nautical Foundation recognizes a need for specialized research vessels that are project-ready; technologically capable of handling oceanographic survey, inspections, and repair tasks; and cost effective. To that end, R/V Hercules is available for charter at a competitive daily rate. R/V Hercules has performed a wide variety of oceanographic and archaeological research projects in the Mediterranean and can be chartered on a daily rate or other terms that are typically far below the the comparably equipped vessels from for-profit commercial firms. For more information or to reserve R/V Hercules, please contact Jim Goold at [email protected] or call the office headquarters at (305) 294-3400.
Research Vessel Hercules
The R/V Hercules has been designed and built to perform littoral maritime archaeological survey and limited excavation. The vessel is a self-sufficient base for a wide range of project functions in moderately deep littoral waters, typically limited to 500 m. These operations include remote sensing equipment (primarily multibeam systems), the deployment of ROVs and other AUVs, the capability for side-scan sonar, and diving operations. Hercules is equipped with a dynamic positioning system and advanced data processing capabilities that include a state-of-the-art data control center. Additionally, the R/V Hercules is also equipped with adequate deck space and lifting systems to transport and deploy auxiliary vessels, as well as an integrated Nitrox system for multi-diver operations.
R/V Hercules Specifications
- Length: 37.3 m / 122 ft
- Beam: 6.7 m / 22 ft
- Configuration: Monohull
- Draft: 1.5 m / 5 ft (thrusters deployed 2.1 m / 7 ft)
- Engines: Two Caterpillar 900-horsepower 3412 diesel engines
- Power Supply: Two 65kw and one 30kw Northern Lights generators
- Fuel Capacity: 26,500 liters / 7,000 gallons
- Cruising Speed: 12 knots
- Range: 1,000 nautical miles
Navigation Systems
- Two Simrad RA54 (12kw) 72-mile range radars
- Furuno RC1815 GMDSS weather and distress communication system
- KVH Fleet 77 SATCOM
- Simrad CP44 GPS WAAS chart plotter
- Trimble DSM132 DGPS (Omnistar ready)
- Kongsberg/Simrad DPIO System Dynamic Positioning Computer – Fugro demodulator interfaced with Seatex 200 DGPS System
- Kongsberg/Simrad HIPAP System Acoustic Positioning
- Simrad EQ60 and EQ42 depth sounders
- Data room aboard with full collection, processing, and analytical capabilities for multibeam data
- Two 52-inch display screens that allow multiple video feed manipulation
- Video/display controller for customizing feeds for job specific tasks
- 16-channel video/display router that allows ship-wide display of imagery
Berthing
12 total berths, including Captain, Chief Engineer and VIP berths, plus double cabins each with a shower, sink, and toilet
Decking and Fixed Equipment
- Lifting crane: 5-ton capacity with 6.7 m / 22 ft reach
- A-Frame: 5-ton capacity
- Nitrox Technologies scuba compressor system
- Four winches
Remote Sensing Equipment
- Primary processing software: CARIS HIPS/SIPS and IVS Fledermaus
- 3 Geometrics G-881 Cesium Magnetometers 300 m operating depth
ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Specifications
Seaeye Panther XT
- Length: 1.750 m
- Height: 1.217 m
- Width: 1.060 m
- Weight: 500 kg
- Forward Thrust: 220 kg
- Lateral Thrust: 170 kg
- Vertical Thrust: 75 kg
- Payload: 105 kg
- Maximum Working Depth: 1000 m
ROV Equipment
- Four simultaneous video channel feeds via fiber-optic transmitters
- Kongsberg High-Definition color cameras
- Two additional color cameras mounted on the left manipulator arm and downward facing on top rack
- 360° sonar navigation system
- Depth sensor with +/- 0.1% accuracy of full-scale deflection
- Kongsberg HiPAP 350 tracking and positioning system; beacon for determining ROV position from support ship
- Two multi-function manipulator arms: 6-function manipulator and 5-function grabber
- Suction/blower tool
- Laser measuring device set at 10 cm for video and photographic scale
Tether Management System
- Type 3 bale arm tether management system; 150 m excursion limit
- Two 400-watt lights affixed pointing downward
- Lookdown and reverse-look camera
- Collection nets