#Building Investigator

Top 2020 science moments you may have missed

Our scientists are delivering practical solutions to real challenges. So we're bringing the 2020 science moments you may have missed.

RV Investigator at night with lights on deck

RV Investigator specifications: in with the new and the old

How do you combine modern technology with 16th century traditions? Our RV Investigator specifications and team on board make it look easy.

A bright green ship on a brown sandbed.

Canyon deep, sea-mountain high: using echoes to map ocean depths

Only a small part of the ocean depths has been mapped in detail. So we must ask: “what great discoveries are still down there waiting to be uncovered?!”

There’s nothing superfluous about Rita’s idea. Illustration by Campbell Whyte.

Powering our future oceans with floating research labs

Could converting old sea-worthy freighters into floating research arks help power future marine science? We chatted to our experts as part of World Oceans Day to find out.

(100,000) nautical miles of science

An inspiring science drama about a ship and its marine research, over a journey of 100,000 nautical miles.

Southern Surveyor vs Investigator

Comparing the sea floor mapping capabilities of RV Investigator with RV Southern Surveyor

The amazing new sea floor mapping sonars on RV Investigator are so advanced they can map down to any ocean depth, including the deepest location in the ocean, the Mariana Trench at 10,994 metres.

What is the Investigator?

In May 2009 the Australian Government allocated $120 million for a new ocean-going research vessel to replace the previous Marine National Facility research vessel, the 66-metre Southern Surveyor.

RV Investigator arrives in Australia

VIDEO: With an enviable suite of equipment, the ship will dramatically improve the national marine knowledge, putting Australia at the forefront of ocean research globally.

Come on board and have a look around Investigator with us!

VIDEO: From its weather radar on top that collects data in a 120 kilometre radius, all the way under the ship to the drop keels that operate to 3,000 metres.

How did we build RV Investigator?

VIDEO: Check out the video of the construction of Australia’s RV Investigator, from flat sheets of steel to the ship’s delivery to Australia!

RV Investigator's engines

Something for all the shipping industry rev heads!

I know there are lots of people dying to know the specifications of Investigator's engines! Here's the nitty gritty of the […]

RV Investigator's container laboratories

RV Investigator’s very cool container laboratories

The Marine National Facility has a number of container laboratories available for use on board RV Investigator: HAZMAT locker A specialised container […]