A Platform for Testing and Development
The Ocean Researcher serves as a dedicated marine technology and field testing platform. Equipped for gear trials, glider deployment, and instrument recovery, the vessel supports research partnerships, system validation, and real-world operational development across a range of subsea applications.
The Ocean Researcher is a 41 foot commercial workboat platform designed for marine technology development, deployment, and field validation. The vessel combines a stable commercial hull with dedicated working space, integrated electronics, and a safe and spacious deck layout to support fisheries research, glider deployments, and scientific intstrumentation.
Ocean Researcher was acquired and fully renovated to serve as a dedicated platform for the development and validation of SMELTS technologies. The vessel supports ongoing refinement of the Lift-Raft and Science-Raft systems, continued testing of the integrated interoperable Multi-Function Display (MFD), and broader research into emerging marine safety solutions, including ship strike mitigation and next-generation fisheries technology. Beyond internal development, the vessel provides a dependable and comfortable platform for partner organizations seeking to test, deploy, and evaluate subsea systems in real-world conditions.
Ocean Researcher is equipped to support gear deployment, survey operations, and marine technology development without requiring temporary retrofits. The vessel features an A-Frame and hydraulic deck winch for controlled lifting and instrument recovery, a spacious aft working deck for staging equipment, and integrated helm electronics for navigation and marking. Onboard systems support acoustic communication, positioning, and data collection, while satellite connectivity enables real-time reporting when required. The layout allows efficient deployment of traps, moorings, gliders, and sensor packages, making the vessel well suited for fisheries trials, mapping work, and collaborative technology testing.
- 1-Ton hydraulic A-frame
- Hydraulic Winch
- Open transom
- Integrated MFD systems
- Radar and Class A AIS
- Augmented Reality Navigation
- StarLink Satellite Internet
- Weather monitoring
- Acoustic Hull-Mounted Transducers
- Transducer "Moon-Pool"
The Ocean Researcher is available for scientific missions, technology testing, and collaborative field operations. Learn how your organization can charter a vessel engineered for high-performance, safety, and dependable results.
Follow the Ocean Researcher’s journey as she supports groundbreaking science, field testing, and ocean innovation. Our mission log captures each deployment, discovery, and step forward in real-world marine engineering.
Browse the vessel gallery to see how the Ocean Researcher supports research, deployment, and development efforts.
1003 Iowa Heights Road
Sedro Woolley, WA 98284
360-303-9388
info@smelts.org