The University of Queensland is seeking to replace one of our 5.8 m Southwind research vessels in Class 2C commercial survey. The vessel is based at Heron Island Research Station and is primarily used by self- skippering (Recreational Marine Driver’s License exemption) researchers for diving, sample collection and equipment deployment around the Heron and Wistari reefs in the Capricorn Bunker. This is outside of smooth and partially smooth waters but generally within 5 -15 Nm of the island. Due to recent changes in Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) survey and stability requirements we have been unable to replace this vessel with a similar hull type and achieve the required number of divers and personal. Therefore we are focusing on Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat as the most suitable vessel design to meet our needs.
