The discovery and development of compounds from the ocean that have desirable pharmacological activity. The basis for many currently marketed medicinal products originated from the world's rain forests. As the rain forests disappear, and with new techniques and technology, researchers are able to explore the world's oceans in the pursuit of resources that may lead to the development of new drugs. Sponges and other undersea organisms may be the source of these new compounds. Already, certain anti-cancer agents have been derived from sponges.
Standards of construction: Built to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) classification society requirements for Unrestricted A1 Commercial Yachting Service, and to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) requirements. MCA is a United Kingdom organization concerned with marine safety.
Naval Architects: Guarino & Cox, LLC performed the initial design and E.Y.E. Marine Consultants were responsible for all working drawings, engineering, and regulatory support.
Builder: Hike Metal Products Ltd., Wheatley, Ontario, Canada
Interior Design: Gold Coast Design Studio, Inc.
Displacement: 472 long tons (weight of vessel with everything on board)
Gross tonnage: 491 tons (entire internal cubic capacity of the vessel expressed in tons of 100 cubic feet each according to the International Tonnage Certificate)
Net tonnage : 147 tons (internal cubic capacity of the vessel after deducting certain specified areas, such as, crew's quarters, working spaces and machinery compartments)
Owner: Ocean Research Corporation, Majuro, Marshall Islands
Flag State: Cayman Islands
Home Port: George Town
Keel laid: 15 April 2004
Launched: 14 July 2005
Commissioned: 12 September 2006
Length: 141 feet (43 meters)
Beam: 31 feet (9.4 meters)
Draft: 7.65 feet (2.3 meters)
Maximum Height: 65' (19.8 meters) above the water line
Cruising speed: 13 knots at 1450 rpm
Range: 7500 nm at 10 knots
Main engines (2): 3508B Caterpillars, 1000 hp (746Kw) each at 1600 rpm, each weighing 11,000 pounds
Generators (2): 99 KW each, manufactured by KiloPak
Stabilization: Quantum four-fin zero speed (at anchor stabilization)
Crane: Commercial knuckle boom (16,000 Lbs lifting capacity)
Tons of air-conditioning: 30 tons
Gallons of diesel fuel: 20,000 gallons
Gallons of drinking water: 6,200 gallons
Gallons of ballast water: 10,000 gallons
Drinking water production capacity per day: 5000 gallons
Vessel has its own sewage treatment plant
Accommodations: Entire 01 Deck is the master suite, 4 guest suites below
Crew cabins: Captain on bridge deck, 3 crew cabins forward
State of the art navigation and safety equipment: X-Band radar, S-Band radar, GPS navigational systems and back-up, closed circuit TV, alarm panel monitoring numerous areas and functions of vessel, GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress & Safety System), immersions suits, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) approved fire alarm system, fireman's outfits (2), engine room fire extinguishing system, life rafts (2), Type I life jackets
Satellite TV and communication equipment: Sea Tel Direct TV, Sea Tel broadband internet and VOIP phone
Tenders and toys: 22 feet Nautica, 32 feet SeaVee (open fishing), 2 Yamaha WaveRunners, sea kayaks, wake boards, water skis