Department of Marine Sciences

The Department of Marine Sciences Vessel Operations offers a variety of maritime and research related support. Our fleet includes the R/V Connecticut, the R/V Lowell Weicker, the R/V Osprey, and our fleet of small boats. The R/V Connecticut is a custom designed 90′ steel single screw research vessel. The R/V Lowell Weicker is a custom designed 39′ twin screw research vessel. The R/V Osprey is a 23′ Parker with a 250 HP Yamaha 4 Stroke Outboard. Our small boat fleet includes a variety of skiffs and open hull boats design to support near shore research activities. Vessel Operations personnel support all users of both large and small vessels by scheduling cruises, training small boat operators, logistical support and acting as vessel operators. The vessels are available for use to all Marine Sciences program staff, faculty, and students. In addition to vessel operations, Marine Sciences personnel manage the day to day activities of the Avery Point Campus waterfront which provides dockage for university, municipal, and state owned vessels.

The Rankin Laboratory has been designed to be a unique teaching and research seawater laboratory. The 2,400 square foot wet laboratory can supply up to 250 GPM of seawater through a high-flow pressurized distribution system.

The Machine Shop works closely together in support of research and teaching functions carried out by the UConn marine enterprise. The shop is staffed by two machinists. Shop personnel design, build, and test prototype equipment. They also repair and maintain a wide variety of equipment installed in the Marine Sciences Building, vessels, research and teaching laboratories, and remote field locations. The Machine Shop also builds many one-of-a-kind devices to support a wide variety of research projects conducted by UConn faculty, students and staff.

The Electronics Shop works closely together in support of research and teaching functions carried out by the UConn marine enterprise. Personnel design, build, and test prototype equipment. They also repair and maintain a wide variety of equipment installed in the Marine Sciences Building, vessels, research and teaching laboratories, and remote field locations. The Electronics Shop also builds many one-of-a-kind devices to support a wide variety of research projects.

The Analytical Instrumentation Laboratory provides a wide range of services in the chemical analysis of dissolved and suspended matter in seawater and freshwater to faculty and students. Training and education is also provided to undergraduate and graduate students in analytical methods. Support is available for new method development and applications. Analytical services are available by contract to other research institutions and government entities.