RRS Discovery comes to town



RRS Discovery berthed alongside HMS Belfast

October 10th and RRS Discovery, the Natural Environment Research Council marine research vessel was anchored alongside HMS Belfast on the Thames. Tours of the ship were ticket only and several KEGS personnel were successful in the ticket ballot. Dr Hitch, who last sailed on the former version of the RRS Discovery in 1982 from Greece, across to Libya and then around the western coast of Crete was particularly keen to see the new ship. Having great memories of carrying out research into the deep marine sediments and tectonics of the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hitch was interested in just how far technology had advanced.

With groups of up to 15 people on each tour the chance to visit the specialist onboard labs and discuss marine geology, biology and chemistry one to one with current researchers was keenly taken up.

Onboard control room for Remote Operated Vehicle

 

The tour started on the bridge where visitors were amazed that the ship is now steered by a joystick and can be kept on station automatically even in high winds and big seas. Further visits to the marine geology lab, the British Antarctic Survey cold labs and the stern where submarine and remote vehicles were deployed was fascinating. Incredible to think that the remotely activated vehicle for researching the deep oceans can be operated anywhere in the world by a joystick in Southampton. A fascinating tour giving an insight into the status of marine research in the 21st Century, quite a change from the vessel Dr. Hitch completed his research on. Hopefully the tours were as inspirational for those just setting out on their academic futures, Jack Allenby and Rebecca Olson who were also successful in the ticket ballot.




Remote operated vehicle





Deployment deck at the stern