Marine research vessels are basically a boat or ship designed, altered, or equipped to do research in the ocean. Research vessels perform a variety of functions for scientists. Some of those purposes can be joined to a single main vessel but other functions need a dedicated, more expensive vessel. Some types of marine research vessels can include ice boats and reef boats. Ice boats are cruise ships that cruise on the surface of the ice, gathering samples and doing research. Reef boats are larger vessels that are used to explore wrecks in their waters. They normally have all the amenities of a large cruise ship. Some marine research vessels are available to cover a wide area of the ocean, while some are designed to cover smaller areas of the sea or particular areas such as the Southern Oceans. There are two types of marine research vessels in service today. The first type is the ice or reef mooring vessel that is often fitted with an underwater camera and telescope to collect data or photos from the seafloor or other area. The other type of mrvs is the rowing or expeditionary vessel that allows scientists to move around while they collect samples from the sea bed. Most of the time, scientists use either one or both types of mrvs to conduct scientific research. Scientists and students who want to do research can apply for a funding program at the National Science Foundation (NSF) to help with the cost of the voyage or the equipment that is needed to do so. There are also private companies that specialize in recreational or commercial fisheries research and development. There are two main types of marine research vessels in service today. One is the permanent coastal research unit that is stationed in key coastal states along the shores of the nation. These permanently stationed vessels are known as the coastal survey vessels. Other types of maps include the towboats, which are usually used to gather samples and take photographs, and the remotely-operated vehicle or remotely-operated vessel, or ROV, which is designed to search and monitor sunken ships. There are also a few permanently stationed ice breakers that are used to clear large bays and to collect samples of the icy waters around the coastlines. A lot of coastal states have the presence of one or more ice breakers. The other major type of move is the support vessel, or the table or water-bound vessels that are made primarily for research purposes. Many of these support vessels are available for hire as well as for research use. Some of these support vessels are used to maintain an underwater laboratory to conduct specific research projects. Several universities and research institutes across the country have their own dedicated units dedicated to the conservation of marine life and the environment. In fact, there are currently some 7 Chinese vessels operating in the coastal states. This number has risen because of the growing interest of the coastal states in purchasing these marine research vessels from China. Some of the reasons why these Chinese vessels are becoming so popular with the coastlines of the US states are because of their economy, durability, and environmental friendliness. Some of the US states are even bidding for the exclusive rights to operate these Chinese fishing vessels on their waters. Marine Research Vessels
