We are aboard the Research Vessel Icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer
(RVIB N. B. Palmer). This ship is owned and operated by Edison
Chouest Offshore and is under a charter agreement with the National
Science Foundation which
is managed by Raytheon Polar Services to provide a platform for
U.S. Antarctic marine science. The Palmer is 308’ in length
with a 60’ beam. The main engines generate over 12,000 HP
and with twin 13’ propellers the ship is rated to break through
3’ of ice at 3 knots. The ship has the capability for 75
days
at sea with accommodations for 27
crew and 43 for the science party.
The bridge is located 5 decks up from the main deck. Everyone
is welcome on the bridge except during critical ship operations
(exp. entering and leaving port). It is an ideal location for
getting a panoramic view and still be warm and out of the weather.
The galley is forward
on the main deck. Meals are served buffet style usually with 2
main entrees and a vegetarian selection. The galley crew is somehow
able to provide fresh vegetables and salads for about 4 weeks.
Plenty of cookies and snacks are available between meals but usually
this means a few extra trips to the gym.
A fully enclosed motorized
lifeboat is mounted on each side of the ship. Each boat is capable
of carrying all personnel onboard in case it is not possible to
reach one of the boats. They carry provisions for survival along
with radios and locator beacons to aid rescuers. As part of one
of our weekly fire and boat drills we put on our survival suits
and all climb into a lifeboat. It is very crowded inside and you
understand why everyone has to be aware of safety onboard ship.
The staterooms on the
Palmer are
almost all doubles. The science party rooms are located on the
01 level, one deck above the main deck. The rooms are not large
but enough space for a desk, two small closets and a bathroom.
