Royal Cork Yacht Club Visit to the Tom Crean Research Vessel.

We organised a visit to the Tom Crean research vessel on the 26^th of January. Our members were welcomed by the General manager of the project, Mark Wemyss who was very facilitating to us, especially when I mentioned we were expecting over 60 people. This was not a problem!

He introduced us to the Master, Kenny Downing and Chief officer, Diarmuid Joyce. We split the group into four and the first two groups went on the tour while others waited for more people to arrive.

We were brought to the Bridge and shown all the controls. This was fascinating, everything from the engines to the winches to the stability of the ship is controlled from here. With the engines and thrusters, the ship can be held in an exact position +/- 10cm. This is achieved with the help of computers known as Dynamic Positioning (DP).

Next stop was the laboratory. All samples taken from the seabed and water are investigated here and data recorder. The ship can trawl for fish and the fish caught are measured and examined. This data recorded helps determine fishing quotas going forward.

We were shown the accommodation area of the ship. The Ship has a crew of 12 and can take up to 13 scientists at a time. Full cafeteria facilities are available with relaxing areas for the crew while off duty. The build started in 2020 and finished in 2022. It was built in Vigo, northern Spain. The quality and finish of the ship in general are of high quality. Then it was down to the engine room. The propulsion is electric, driven by diesel generators. The layout and design of the engine room is very accommodating with lots of room to work on the engines etc. It accommodates the most up to date equipment typical of a boat of its age and requirements.

On deck you had all the equipment on hand to get whatever samples the scientists need. They are controlled by under deck winches and can do any job needed, from trawling for fish to picking samples of the seabed to water samples. There is an apparatus for everything.

This was a remarkably interesting tour of a modern piece of machinery which we are lucky is berthed in Cork when not on station. I would like to thank Master Kenny, Chief Officer Diarmuid and General Manager Mark for their time and patience with the four groups of 60+ people. Thank you to all our members who tackled the elements that night to visit the ship. I am sure you all enjoyed the experience.

 The crew have invited us back to visit the Celtic Voyager in the future. Is a similar ship older, bigger but as impressive. Keep an eye out for the dates.