The tender vessel has its own state-of-the-art equipment for marine and geoscience work in open water and ice. This includes a sound velocity profiler for oceanographic work and moon pool for the deployment of instruments through the hull. It has a multibeam bathymetric echo sounder to map the sea floor, including in shallow uncharted areas where it could be dangerous to sail Nuyina.
The tender can also tow scientific equipment and small trawl nets, and its small crane (known as a side davit) can launch scientific instruments over the side.
The 10.3 metre-long, 3.5 metre-wide vessel even has a few modern conveniences, including a heater, defroster, sink and toilet. It is operated by two crew and accommodates up to six personnel and 500 kilograms of cargo.
Science Tender Specifications
Survey: AMSA NSCV 2C
Length overall: 10.32 metres
Maximum beam: 3.5 metres
Maximum draught: 0.9 metres
Light ship/displacement: 7, 500 kilograms (approx.)
Cargo: 500 kilograms
Cruising speed fully loaded: 20+ knots
Range: 150 nautical miles at cruising speed
Working Deck and Fittings: 12 x flush type tie downs for 500 kilograms of cargo
Hydraulic A frame: 500 kilograms Safe Working Load (SWL)
Science winch: 200 metres of wire; 500 kilograms SWL
Davit: side deployments up to 350 kilograms SWL
Moon Pool: opening ≈ 0.47 x 0.6 metres; arranged with detachable and bolted deployment system; operated by side boom/davit
Moon Pool acoustic sensors: configurable for specialised sensors including: sub bottom profiler; biological echosounder; multi beam echosounder; sound velocity profiler
Cabin Science Station: x 2 computer stations at bench with seating & dedicated racking for computer equipment; DC/ AC power supply
Complement: 2 crew & 4 passengers – all seated
Facilities: heating; defrost; fresh water; seawater flushing toilet