All aboard? Hands-on marine research for learners aboard the U.S. R/V Knorr

Sophumelela Secondary School learners, members of the U.S. Consulate and the SAEON Egagasini education team visit the R/V Knorr. Click to enlarge A second mate shows learners how navigation is done. Dallas Murphy, Education Outreach Officer of the R/V Knorr with learners in a shared discussion about the importance of our oceans, how they function, why they are studied and why we should care about them. Learners are shown oceanographic research equipment and Dr Lisa Beal, chief scientist (right) explains how each of these works. Captain Sheasley answers questions asked by interested learners.

The U.S. Consulate invited Sophumelela Secondary School learners and the SAEON Egagasini Node’s education team to share a day on board the research vessel (R/V) Knorr to learn about marine research undertaken by scientists on board.

This 279-foot ship is owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for the U.S. research community, in coordination with and as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System fleet.

The R/V Knorr is famous and most commonly recognised as the ship that supported researchers on 1 September 1985 as they discovered the wreck of the RMS Titanic.

The R/V Knorr was named in honour of Ernest R. Knorr, an early hydrographic engineer and cartographer who was appointed Senior Civilian and Chief Engineer Cartographer of the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office in 1860. He was largely responsible for the success of the Navy’s first systematic charting and surveying effort from 1860-1885.

To the edge of the Earth and back

Since 1970, R/V Knorr has travelled more than a million miles - the equivalent of two round trips to the moon or forty trips around the Earth. The ship’s anti-roll tanks and ice-strengthened bow enable it to work in all of the world’s oceans and to the edges of the Polar Regions.

The vessel has a range of 12 000 nautical miles. It can support missions of up to 60 days at sea and can carry up to 56 people, including 22 crew, 32 scientists and 2 technicians. The ship is designed to accommodate a wide range of oceanographic tasks, with two instrument hangers and eight scientific work areas, a fully equipped machine shop, three oceanographic winches and two cranes.

Equipped with sophisticated navigational and satellite communication systems, as well as unique propulsion systems, the ship can move in any direction and maintain a fixed position in high winds and rough seas.

On board the research vessel

We were welcomed by Captain Sheasley and the chief scientist, Dr Lisa Beal before we were taken on a highly informative tour on board, led by assistant researchers. The group of learners were split into smaller groups and shown around the ship. We visited the bridge and learnt how to ‘drive’ the ship - navigation, engineering, communication and the various stations on the bridge. Eyes grew wide at the sight of the multiple buttons, screens and joysticks.

We were taught about oceanography and the importance of the oceans, named for our convenience but all ultimately connected, and the influences they have on climate and life on Earth. Dr Biel shared her interest in studying the Agulhas Current and showed how Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) sensors and other oceanographic equipment are used to collect valuable data.

Follow the R/V Knor's remarkable journey in real time on the internet.

Many questions were asked by the inspired and interested learners, who thoroughly enjoyed this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to Captain Sheasley and his crew for having us on board, showing us around and teaching us about their research. Thanks also to the U.S. Consulate for organising this event and assisting in sponsoring lunches. This exciting and informative opportunity hopefully inspired some future marine scientists and oceanographers.