Robotic submersibles, the great winch for lifting and lowing survey systems into the ocean, and sonar and dive equipment are essential features of oceanography vessels. These vessels carry laboratories and have satellite communications.
Submersibles
Oceanographers study all things related to the marine environment. However, many of these studies take place deep below the surface of the water, where divers cannot go. Submersibles allow the researchers dive for longer periods of time. Robotic submersibles attach to a computer system. These allow the research to continue indefinitely. Researchers can observe and retrieve samples and record temperatures without even getting wet. Some have tethers allowing scientists to move the length of the tether away from the ship, often many meters.
Winch
The winch allows researchers to retrieve heavy objects, including the submersibles and lifeboats. It is a mechanical device often attached to a rope that pulls the objects to or away from the ship.
Survey systems
Scientists use these systems to study applications in hydrology and sound waves. The systems have elongated outer jacket protection. Three-axis motion detectors provide data from three directions, helping scientists study a moving animal. Electrodes measure electromagnetic energy of an area. Some systems have highly advanced applications, like maps, allowing researchers to see parts of the ocean up close while half a world away from the target. Sonar systems help vessels detect other ships or large objects in the water to prevent collision.
Laboratories
Groups of scientists work on the vessel. Labs allow scientists to implement solutions immediately. Labs include computers and provide quick analysis of data. Labs provide the data that help scientists remedy problems concerning marine life.
Satellite communications
Phone communication is necessary for any ship at sea. Weather conditions change and problems arise where simple cellphone coverage will not reach. Some vessels transmit daily information needed by mariners. Ships communicate with one another using satellites.
Important features needed by oceanography vessels include any and all equipment that researchers need. Robots take the place of human divers. They collect data from dangerous and smaller areas than humans can go. Submersibles give divers a way to stay in deep waters without gear and for longer periods of time. While at sea, satellite systems can transmit data to agencies. They provide assistance in the event of an emergency. They allow scientists to keep in contact while not on the ship. Laboratories allow scientists to test and run experiments from the ship.
