Research Fleet

The Marine Biological Association has operated research vessels since 1895. Our two research vessels are available for charter. RV MBA Sepia is a 15.45 m Category 2 Coded Workboat, versatile research platform for exploring river, estuarine and coastal environments. MBA Laminaria is a 5.8 m rigid inflatable boat (RIB) Category 4 coded workboat. Its deep ‘V’ hull design provides a stable work platform for inshore surveys and is used as a rapid response craft, supporting research activities of MBA Sepia.

The two vessels, the ‘Plymouth Quest’ and ‘PML Explorer’, support PML’s research and long-term monitoring activities, including the Western Channel Observatory.

The Plymouth Quest is able to operate in coastal and offshore regions and is able to spend up to 5 days at sea. It is equipped with facilities for collecting a wide range of biological, chemical and physical measurements and boasts a suite of underway sensors for autonomous measurements.

The PML Explorer, provides a perfect working platform, as well as a 'rapid response' capability to enhance our research in estuarine and coastal waters.

The range of vessels includes a 14m catamaran ‘RV Falcon Spirit’, a 13m sailing yacht ‘Take the Helm’ (useful for marine mammal and other noise surveys), an 11m catamaran ‘Wavedancer’, a 10m dive support vessel ‘JoJo’ and three 6m powerboats.