On my way to work today aboard the ferry, I noticed the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute's (MBARI) research vessel, the R/V Western Flyer, in drydock at the Alameda ship yard. Again. I think this ship hits drydock about half a dozen times a year. Those MBARI folks play with their toys hard.
According to the MBARI website, the Western Flyer serves the oceanographic community as a stable platform for deploying, operating, and recovering a tethered remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a depth of 4,000 meters, and other oceanographic activities with state-of-the-art equipment. From friends of mine who have conducted research in the Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon aboard her, I also understand that the Western Flyer is a notorious vomit inducer. Any first hand, memorable experience worth sharing, Craig? Is the vessel in drydock for a hose down?
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To learn more about the R/V Western Flyer's current need for repairs please see the MBARI news page: http://www.mbari.org/news/news_releases/2008/flyer/flyer-accident.html
The unmarked rocks (which were reported to have grounded two other vessels in the past year), have now been marked with buoys by Mexican authorities.
The Flyer is actually a pretty stable boat. The one that's really a challenge for those with inner-ear issues is the R/V Point Lobos. See: http://www.mbari.org/dmo/vessels.htm
Lisa
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