Custom Vessels
COASTAL OCEAN RESEARCH VESSELS
Our specialty is multi-sensor surveys in the challenging shallow ocean where offshore ships perform poorly. With 12h or 24h capability, these vessels are shallow draft (3’ to 6’) and can simultaneously acquire multibeam, sidescan, chirp or parametric sub-bottom, single or multi-channel seismic, and gradiometer with layback or USBL positioning.
R/V NV5
The R/V NV5 has been designed specifically for site development and cable surveys for offshore wind and telecommunications. Constructed and operated according to USCG passenger standards, it supports numerous scientific & vessel crew safely for extended 12h or limited 24h operations. The semi-displacement catamaran hull dampens wave action for improved survey conditions and the hydrofoil design offers quick transits to and from the survey site.
With ample space for vessel operation, data collection, and observation, the R/V NV5 offers 5 dedicated computer stations, 2 bunk rooms, 2 heads, and a full galley. Sensors can be deployed from the central retractable moonpool, a side-mounted USM pole, or from the large stern A-frame with twin hydraulic winches. Standard dedicated equipment includes a Kongsberg 2040, Edgetech 4205HD, Innomar Medium-100, and Geometrics G-882; alternative or additional equipment is easily integrated. A high capacity SSD server with 10GB network connections and rack-mounted workstations is linked to shoreside offices through bonded cellular bandwidth, with failover satellite service if needed. Crew safety is ensured through redundant modern vessel safety systems, including a FLIR thermal imaging camera, video monitoring feeds, and fire suppression technology.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar (Chirp / Parametric)
Seismic Profiling
Magnetometer / Gradiometer
Sediment Sampling
Video / ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 72.5’ x 28 x 6’
Flag: U.S.
Registry: USCG Sub T
Reg No: 1324617
Gross / Net-Tonnage: 98 / 78
Lab space: 5 Operator Stations
Accommodations:3 Bunkrooms / 8 bunks / 2 full
heads / Galley
Max Speed: 27 knots
Min. survey: speed: 3.5 knots
Propulsion: 2x 803 HP Caterpillar C-18
Generator Power: 2 x 21 kW Northern
Lights
Fuel capacity: 1500 gallons
GPS: Furuno
Radar: Furuno
Autopilot: Simrad AP-70
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Proxicast Trasit Duo w/ Satellite
R/V Substantial
R/V Substantial is the foremost midsize survey vessel available, bridging the gap between survey launches and extended-duration offshore vessels. The Substantial can support up to 6 people conducting 24h operations or 12 people conducting 12h operations. Integrated survey equipment includes a hull-mounted dual-head Kongsberg EM2040 MKII with an Applanix POS-MV, AML Moving Vessel Profil-er, A-frame with Hawboldt hydraulic science winch, and calibrated USM pole mount. Data acquisition stations are connected to a high-capacity SSD server with 10GB network connections with ship-to-shore data transfer through Pepwave Transit Duo with a failover satellite connection.
The vessel has been outfitted to provide best-in-class stability, maneuverability, and safety during survey operations. A Seakeeper 20HD minimizes vessel motion to enhance data quality and safety while working over the side across variable sea states. 20kw of electrical power and an independent hydraulic power unit provide reliability and flexibility for operating broad arrays of survey equipment, and Sleipner hydraulic bow and stern thrusters improve agility. Crew safety is ensured through several state-of-the-art vessel safety systems, including a FLIR thermal imaging camera and a Fireboy fire suppression system.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 59’ x 18’ x 7’
Flag: USA
Registry: USCG
Registry Number: 1245866
Tonnage: 83.5/53.4
Lab Space: 3 Operator Stations
Accommodations: 3 Staterooms, 6 bunks, 2 full heads, galley
Max Speed: 9.0 knots
Min. Survey Speed: 3.5 knots
Propulsion: 1x 290 HP Cummins 855
Generator Power: 20 KW Northern Lights
Hydraulics: 110 HP John Deere
Fuel Capacity: 3000 gallons
GPS: Simrad
Radar: Simrad Halo 24
Autopilot: Simrad AP-70
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Proxicast Transit Duo w/ Satellite
R/V Bogue
R/V Bogue is the third generation of a proven Kvichak foil-assisted planing catamaran that provides best-in-class stability, maneuverability, and safety during survey operations. Am-ple electrical power and engine-driven hydraulic power provide reliability and flexibility for operation of broad arrays of survey equipment. The vessel is outfitted with dedicated sur-vey equipment that includes: Kongsberg 2040c dual-head multibeam, two Edgetech 4205 sidescan sonars, Innomar Med-100 parametric sub-bottom sonar, Geometrics G-882 gradi-ometer, Applanix POS-MV inertial reference unit, Sonardyne Mini-Ranger 2 USBL, and Ap-plied Microsystems Moving Vessel Profiler.
In addition to a bow working space with universal sonar mount deployment, the massive rear working deck supports rated A-frame and side-arm towed arrays with powered winches. The top working platform has been enclosed to provide all-weather protection to the vessel’s main helm and an ideal vantage point for Protected Species Observers and client representatives. The main salon has been customized to comfortably support up to five data acquisition and processing stations. Six berths are available for limited 24h operations, or the vessel can support up to 12 person-nel during 12h operations.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar (Chirp / Parametric)
Seismic Profiling
Magnetometer / Gradiometer
Sediment Sampling
Video / ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 58’ x 20′ x 3’
Flag: U.S.
Registry: USCG
Reg No: TBD
Gross / Net-Tonnage: 28 / 22
Lab space: 5 Operator Stations
Accommodations: 2 Bunkrooms / 6 bunks / 1 full head / Galley
Max Speed: 30 knots
Min. survey: speed: 3.5 knots
Propulsion: 2x 690 HP Scania DI12
Generator Power: 1 x 12 kW North-ern Lights
Hydraulics: Engine Driven HPU
Fuel capacity: 1200 gallons
GPS: Simrad
Radar: Simrad Halo 4
Autopilot: Simrad AP-70
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Proxicast Trasit Duo w/ Satellite
NEARSHORE SURVEY VESSELS
For ultra-shallow surveys, NV5’s small vessel fleet is efficient and cost effective. Quickly trailer able to any location, all vessels have dedicated multibeam sonar and motion-reference units. These vessels support simultaneous acquisition of up to four sensors and rapid-response infill and verification surveys in the most challenging coastal environments and interior bays and waterways.
R/V Benthos
The research vessel Benthos is a custom 30’ Armstrong Marine catamaran specifically designed to support both hydrographic and geophysical survey operations as well as a variety of marine research objectives. The vessel’s shallow draft, excel-lent maneuverability and stable catamaran hull provide a platform that can seamlessly span the nearshore and offshore regions while keeping roll to a minimum.
The climate-controlled cabin supports a modern internet-ready computer network with room for five shock-mounted workstations and state-of-the-art onboard navigation systems that guide the vessel safely and allow for precise positioning. The aft work deck supports a 1500 lb hydraulic A-Frame and 1000 lb davit for use in towed instrument operations or oceanographic deployment / retrieval. recent addition of Optimus Electronic Power Steering brings increased steering and autonomous operation in the future.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 30’ x 10.5′ x 2’
USCG: Designated Research Vessel
Flag: U.S.
Registry: North Carolina
Reg No: NC-8224 DW
Tonnage: 15
Lab space: 2 Operator Stations
Lavatory: Full head
Max Speed: 45 knots
Min. sur-vey speed: 2.5 knots
Propulsion: 2 x 300HP Yamaha
Auxiliary Power: 7.6 kW Westerbeke Genset
Fuel capacity: 220 gallons primary + 120 gallons aux.
GPS: Simrad
Radar: Simrad 4G
Autopilot: Simrad AP-28
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Pepwave Transit Duo
R/V 4 Points
Geodynamics’ R/V 4-Points is a custom fiberglass survey boat designed specifically for shallow water sonar and acoustic operations. The vessel has a climate-controlled cabin (75 ft2) with built-in computer workspace, rack-mounted computers, and ample stern working deck (120 ft2). A rear davit specifically designed for sidescan towfish or sub bottom profiler up to 600lbs and a custom transducer mount for multibeam surveys occupy the stern rails. A PONAR-type sediment sampler may be deployed from the rear working deck. The R/V 4-Points uses RTK/VRS GPS positioning from the POS-MV coupled with Hypack and Qinsy software for reliable and accurate survey line positioning.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 25’ x 10′ x 1.2’
USCG: Designated Research Vessel
Flag: U.S.
Registry: North Carolina
Reg No: NC-5443 WV
Tonnage: 4.5
Lab space: 2 Operator Stations
Max Speed: 30 knots
Min. survey speed: 2.5 knots
Propulsion: 2 x 150HP Yamaha
Auxiliary Power: 6kW Fischer Panda generator
Fuel capacity: 120 gallons
GPS: Simrad
Radar: Simrad 4G
Autopilot: Simrad AP-28
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Pepwave Transit Duo
R/V Chinook
The research vessel Chinook is a 30’ Armstrong Marine catamaran purpose built for oceanographic survey and research in 2007. Added to the Geodynamics fleet in 2019, Chinook has twin 300HP engines, a 280gal fuel capacity, onboard Westerbeke generator, and cruising speed of 30 knots. The climate-controlled cabin supports a modern internet-ready computer network with shock-mounted workstations. The aft work deck supports a hydraulic A-Frame with Pullmaster PL-2 winch and a deck mounted science winch for use in towed instrument operations. The R/V Chinook uses RTK positioning, motion reference unit Applanix POS-MV, and Qinsy software for reliable and accurate survey line positioning.
The state-of-the-art onboard survey and vessel navigation systems that guide the vessel safely and allow for precise positioning. The recent addition of Optimus Electronic Power Steering brings increased steering and autonomous operation in the future.
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Sub‐Bottom Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
ROV Inspection
Dimensions: 31’ x 10.5′ x 2’
USCG: Designated Re-search Vessel
Flag: U.S.
Registry: North Carolina
Reg No: NC-3730 EN
Tonnage: 15
Lab space: 2 Operator Stations
Lavatory: Full head
Max Speed: 40 knots
Min. survey: speed: 2.5 knots
Propulsion: 2 x 300HP Yamaha
Auxiliary Power: 8.0 kW Westerbeke Genset
Fuel: capaci-y: 280 gallons
GPS: Simrad
Radar: Simrad Halo 20+
Autopilot: Simrad AP-44
VHF: I-Com
Internet: Pepwave Transi Duo
R/V Echo
Custom designed, engineered, and constructed in 2011, the R/V Echo is a 21’ Cape Fear Catamaran. This aluminum catamaran features a central moonpool for equipment deployment, and is outfitted with state of the art navigation and battery bank technology. The R/V Echo offers 2 davits and 2 customizable mounting points for singlebeam, multibeam, or sidescan equipment. Data acquisi-tion computers are housed within the water-tight console and are powered through an onboard battery bank. The R/V Echo excels in extremely shallow envi-ronments, including beach surfzone profiles, with a 150hp four-stroke outboard motor mounted on an adjustable jack plate.
Singlebeam Sonar
Mobile Laser Scanner
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
Dimensions: 21′ x 9′ x 1.2’
USCG: Designated Re-search Vessel
Flag: U.S.
Registry: North Carolina
Reg No: NC-7341 DT
Tonnage: 1
Lab space: 1 open console operator
Max Speed: 30 knots
Min. survey speed: 2.5 knots
Propulsion: 1 x 150 HP Yamaha
Auxiliary Power: 24v & 12v DC battery banks
Fuel capacity: 52 gallons
GPS: Simrad
VHF: Icom
Internet: Pepwave Transit Duo
R/V Sounder
Custom designed, engineered, and constructed in 2022, the R/V Sounder is a 23’
Swiftarc Catamaran. This aluminum catamaran features a central moonpool for
equipment deployment, and is outfitted with state of the art navigaon and
baery bank and inverter technology. The R/V Sounder offers 4 davit locations
and 2 customizable mounng points for singlebeam, multibeam, and sidescan
equipment. Data acquisition computers are shock mounted and housed within the
water‐tight console and are powered through an onboard battery bank and inverter
combinaon. The R/V Sounder excels in extremely shallow environments, including
beach surfzone profiles, with a 200hp four‐stroke outboard motor mounted
on an adjustable jack plate. A 3‐sided console offers weather protection for
year round projects.
Singlebeam Sonar
Mobile Laser Scanner
Multibeam Sonar
Sidescan Sonar
Magnetometer
Sediment Sampling
Dimensions: 23′ x 9′ x 1.2’
USCG: Designated Research Vessel
Flag: U.S.
Registry: North Carolina
Reg No: TBD
Tonnage: 1
Lab space: 3 Sided console
Max Speed: 35 knots
Min. survey speed: 2.5 knots
Propulsion: 1 x 200 HP Yamaha
Auxiliary Power: 12v DC battery banks with inverter
Fuel capacity: 85 gallons
GPS: Simrad
VHF: Icom
Internet: Pepwave Transit Duo