R/V H.J.W. FAY

Table of Contents

• General
• Features
• Applications
• Specifications
• Photographs

GENERAL:

R/V H.J.W. FAY was built as a geophysical research ship for a major oil company and was acquired by Tracor Marine in 1973. She is a U.S. Flag, 461 gross tons, carries a U.S.C.G. Certificate of Inspection and is classed +A1 (E) by the American Bureau of Shipping.

FEATURES:

H.J.W. FAY is a large enough ship to work virtually any ocean in any weather, and she has the range, endurance and accommodations to handle major projects. Dual bow thrusters and twin active rudders give the ship exceptional maneuvering and station-keeping capability, and she is equipped with a Flume Stabilization System that enhances her riding comfort and permits her to work in higher sea states than other vessels of similar size. Modern staterooms with private and semi-private baths, a laundry and large dining area provide unusual comfort for scientists and crew.

APPLICATIONS:

• Multi-objective General Oceanography
• Long-range Surveys
• Deep and Heavy Coring
• Weapons Tests
• Deployment and Recovery of Medium Large, Heavy Acoustical and Other Arrays
• Research Submarine Tender

SPECIFICATIONS:

Length Overall: 175'
Maximum Beam: 32'
Draft: 9'6" light, 11'4" laden
Propulsion: Twin screw diesel (General Motors) rated 2400 h.p. total; dual active rudders rated 200 h.p. total; transverse bow thruster rated 100 h.p.
Controls:Bridge steering and engine controls, with remote steering and engine control station overlooking the after working area. Autopilot.
Electrical: Two 180KW and two 150KW 60Hz AC generators, plus emergency generator (all General Motors).
Interior Laboratory Area: 800 sq. ft.
Work Deck Area: 1125 sq. ft. main deck aft; 1250 sq. ft. boat deck aft
Work Deck Freeboard: 3 1/4' to 4 1/4' main deck; 11 3/4' to 12 3/4' boat deck
Cruising Speed: 12 knots
Endurance: Not water limited. Ship has two evaporators capable of producing up to 1000 gallons of fresh water per day.
Range: 4900 n.m.
Normal Ship's Crew: Total of 13 U.S.C.G. licensed and documented officers and seamen.
Accommodations: Total accommodations for 32 persons in 2- and 4-berth staterooms. Fully air-conditioned and heated. 3 bed hospital.
Radio and Navigation:

Radiotelephones: (1) Stevens 106SSB Radio, (2) Simpson VHF-FM, (1) Scientific SSBSR 201.
Other Radios: Bendix Automatic Direction Finder.
Radar: Decca True Motion, Raytheon Relative Motion
Loran: Decca "C" DL91
Gyrocompass: Sperry, with autopilot, course recorder and remote repeaters at bridge wings and laboratory.
Echo Sounder: Raytheon 60-fathom recording, Edo AN/UQN-1 12kHz recording, 6000 fathom capability. Simrad "Fish Finder."
Interior Communications: Independent intercom systems for ship and scientists' use. On-deck loudhailing and talkback are provided.

PHOTOGRAPHS:

Photographs scanned from the Tracor Marine vessel specification sheet and the accompanying caption.

ship view 1
ship view 2
ship diagram
ship wheel house / The modern wheel house contains both steering and propulsion controls.
chart storage aft of the ship wheel house / HFSSB, Marine receiver and chart storage aft of the wheel house.
scientific lab / The 1000 sq. ft. scientific lab includes gyro repeater and UQN-1 bathymetric recorder.
winch / This traction winch is typical of equipment that can be installed.
main and aft fo 'c' sle decks / Ample room is available for cranes, winches and other equipment on both the main and aft fo 'c' sle decks.
ship's mess / Scientists and crew enjoy fine meals in the ship's mess.
staterooms / Private lockers and desks are provided in comfortable staterooms.
ship's rudder / One of the H.J.W. FAY's two active rudders.
twin bow thrusters / Twin bow thrusters aid in precision maneuvering.

Return to R/V FAY data home page