TVC R/V Ocean Breeze: Executive Summary of Research

The Marine Academy of Science and Technology was given the R/V Blue Sea as a gift when the vessel went out of service just over ten years ago. While the vessel has served MAST well, the Blue Sea is getting old. Currently, there are many issues with the Blue Sea: the steering is broken, the steel on the bow and right side of the stern is shedding, and smaller issues exist. After interviewing Captain Andrews, he suggested that the Blue Sea be scratched, and a new R/V put into the vessel’s place.

NOAA has designed some of the newest research vessels. NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer was commissioned in 2008, and represents what the final design should be and do. The equipment on the Okeanos Explorer is updated, and the vessel can perform the following tasks: mapping, site-characterization, reconnaissance, advancing technology, education, education and outreach, all focused on deep-sea exploration. The goals of Ocean Breeze will coincide with a many similar goals, all in order to further the education of MAST students.

Ocean Breeze’s four alternate solutions are completed using the same amount of space and monohull design. The primary specification of the final solution is the safety of the vessel. Thirty-eight people, including the crew and students then Captain Andrews and instructors, could fit on the vessel. Ocean Breeze will retain that number, and carry 36 adult life vests, 24 child life vests, 30 work vests, and 3 rings that hold 12 people each. The secondary specification of the final solution is the validity of the vessel, how well the students will be able to use it. Each alternate solution was created to aim towards a cohesive and comfortable learning environment. The new design will be seventy to seventy-five feet long at the deck, and have a twenty-foot beam. Ocean Breeze will have a large cabin area, which fits all students and teachers comfortably. To make sure Ocean Breeze is aesthetically pleasing and matches the environment of Sandy Hook, the color scheme will be mainly different shades of beige and blues. The main difference from the Blue Sea will be the placement of the wheelhouse. On Ocean Breeze, the wheelhouse will be longer and higher on the ship to allow students the opportunity to learn in the wheelhouse, and 360˚ access to the vessel.

The immediate stakeholder in the situation is Mr. Moore, and the other stakeholder is the MCVSD administration. Mr. Moore will be using the final design for Ocean Breeze in a presentation to the MCVSD administration as part of a proposal plan for the creation of the new vessel. Other people involved in the project are the MAST students and teachers.