Overview

Oceanus has three internal spaces that are dedicated to the sole use of the scientific party and SSSG Marine Technician as laboratory or staging areas.

Main Lab

Located on main deck
595 sq. ft.

Link to Lab Diagram 

This is the principal internal general purpose science working space on the ship. It is designed to be reconfigured as necessary to meet the specific requirements of each scientific party joining the ship. It is centrally located on the port side Main Deck. The area is approximately 800 sq. ft. with the maximum dimensions of 50 feet fore and aft and 18 feet athwartship. The configuration of the space allows for natural compartmenting of science activities so programs can work without mutual interference. Winch control stations, real time data displays, depth recorders, ACDP and ample provisions for installing science-provided electronics are located in the after end of the lab. The forward portion provides the space for setting up analytical equipment and has sinks and water connections. There is direct access to the Wet Lab (located on the same deck), the Top Lab (one deck up), and to the Main Deck working areas. There is a small vestibule area at the after end of the lab which acts as a transition zone between the environmentally controlled laboratory space and the weather deck. An overhead hatch, centrally located in the laboratory, permits heavy and bulky equipment to be loaded into the space using the ship’s crane.

Wet Lab

Located on main deck
240 sq. ft.

Link to Lab Diagram 

This is a small laboratory space located at the forward starboard end of the Main Deck. It is designed specifically as a space for drawing water samples, the maintenance of water sampling equipment, the preparation of instrumentation and for wet/dirty activities in general. A large double door located on the after end of the lab opens onto the weather deck area under the hydrographic boom. Instruments, particularly CTD/rosette systems, can be moved between the lab and the launch area so that work on the instruments can be performed out of the weather. A cart/track system is available to facilitate safe handling of heavy instrument systems. Work benches, electrical power, sinks, fresh and salt water connections and communications are installed. An interior watertight door provides access to the forward end of the Main Lab.

Top Lab

Located on 01 deck
350 sq. ft.

Link to Lab Diagram 

This laboratory space is located on the Upper (01) Deck. It is configured with a small bench/work area for the SSSG Marine Technician. Spare parts cabinets for the ethernet hub electronics and a UPS unit are located in an electronics rack adjacent to the technician’s work area. An isolated, partially enclosed area is provided for scientists to set up personal computers. Deskspace for two persons, ethernet connections, UPS power supply, and communications are located here. There is direct access to the Main Lab (one deck below) and to the Bridge (one deck above). Watertight doors open directly onto the 01 weather deck.

Laboratories and science spaces in general are configured to allow efficient installation of scientific equipment with a minimum of effort on the part of scientists and technicians. Benches, shelving, electrical power, water, communications, tie-downs and storage are provided. A general description of these items follows.