Since this report does not specify a homeport or area of activity for the new survey boat delivered to the eastern Gulf of Mexico, it will be up to you to send us reports of sightings along the coast. Obviously, No Wake is the order in the vicinity of these small boats. Please do click the link connection below for very interesting graphics related to these surveys.

New small survey boats for hard working navigation response teams

To a marine pilot looking forward to a long-awaited nautical chart update, a white NOAA survey ship “mowing the lawn” of the approaches to a port is a gorgeous site. The ship slowly moving back and forth, collecting hydrographic data from the ocean floor, is easily recognizable.

This new survey boat was recently delivered to the navigation response team collecting data in northern California.

Less well known are Coast Survey’s smaller survey vessels, operated by navigation response teams (NRTs) situated strategically along the U.S. coasts. These vessels are hard worked by two- or three-member teams of physical scientists and technicians who must know everything about the vessel, the specialized survey equipment, and the science of collecting and processing data. On top of all that, they must be expert sailors.

This new survey boat was recently delivered to the navigation response team collecting data in northern California.

Recognizing the value that these teams and vessels bring to our survey and charting responsibilities – not to mention their essential work in locating underwater debris after hurricanes – NOAA is “recapitalizing” the NRT fleet, building new small boats specifically designed for hydrographic surveying. The first two boats, built by Lake Assault Boats of Superior, Wisconsin, were delivered last week to navigation response teams surveying ports in California and the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

CLICK HERE for more.