A small fleet of research vessels provide SAMS with direct access to the range of oceanographic environments on its door step: from sea lochs, the Firth of Lorne and Sound of Mull, the Inner and Outer Hebrides, sites in the Clyde to the continental shelf and deep waters beyond.

SAMS operates two research vessels, RV Calanus (on right in image) and the smaller RV Seol Mara (on left) which are based at their own dedicated pontoon adjacent to the laboratory. Both vessels - as well as a range of equipment and services - are available for charter. SAMS also has a number of smaller dive boats.

Calanus and Seol Mara are capable of deploying a range of sampling gear for hydrographic, biological and chemical parameters including sediment corers, dredges, CTD, water samplers, towed samplers and acoustic devices as well as other specialised equipment. Calanus is equipped with multibeam sonar and side-scan and video technology for seafloor investigations.

The vessels are operated by an experienced crew capable of deploying the technology and supporting sampling, diving and instrumentation.

For further information please contact the ship's husband Mr. Ivan Ezzi (T: 01631 559264).

For commercial customers SAMS can complete bespoke project packages to include data collection, analysis and report writing. Please contact our knowledge transfer team to discuss your requirements.

Click here to download our poster about the history of our research vessels.