R/V Ala Iki Starboard Profile
Bray Yacht Design and Research designed the R/V Ala Iki's hull and superstructure; Mesophotic divers designed its stern, labs, work stations, berths, and mess and galley. .
The Ala Iki's raised gunwale forward prevents green water from easily washing over the top of its foredeck; the lowered freeboard aft optimally keeps its stern dry while easing over-the-side science.
Underway, the R/V Ala Iki may berth up to 19 personnel; 5-8 researchers, 6-7 Crew, and 1-5 Institute employees, artists, and cultural practitioners. The Institute estimates its endurance—with 13 personnel aboard, based on fuel consumption and ship storage space—to approximate 45 days.
Seakeeping Characteristics
Utilizing the steel hull and the aluminum superstructure of the Ocean Explorer 42, designed by Patrick Bray, the architectural design of the R/V Ala Iki features a sharp raked bow, a conically projected, double-chined, semi-displacement hull, and advanced technological-appendages, including a bulbous bow, midship bulb, and stern bulb, that ensure superior seakeeping characteristics.
Agile A-Frame
Mr. Bray’s award-winning Agile A-frame, which places the legs of the crane on the ship’s outside-gunnel, takes less deck space and is safer to operate than conventional A-frames. The device shall support the deployment of large, over-the-side scientific instruments, a Main Deck submersible, and a 15’ Upper Deck inflatable.
Lower Deck
Designed for comfort and connectivity...
Forward, the Lower Deck shall berth up to 10 personnel in 5 double-bunk cabins. Each cabin shall have internet service, 2 double hanging closets, head, shower, fold-up hutch desk, and outlets. The Laundry is situated just aft of the berths.
The midship Galley and Mess provide the smoothest ride for both working and dining personnel. The Mess, seating 14 personnel, shall double as the ship’s conference room.
The Institute plans to deploy the most advanced marine sanitation system (MSD) and to increase the number of blackwater holding tanks to better serve the constituent elements of the Monuments.
R/V Ala Iki’s prospective hybrid electric-propulsion system shall integrate unique components, making it ICES 209 compliant regarding ship-radiated noise and hydro- dynamic performance. Variable speed generators will economize the use of diesel fuel by lowering the RPM during low demands and automatically shut them down when not required. Technicians stationed on the Main Hawaiian Islands and/or on the mainland may monitor and service online the ship’s proposed electrical systems.
Motors and thrusters shall allow the ship to preform dynamic positioning, which is critical for GPS positioning and for the safe deployment, operation, and recovery of off-board instruments, boats, and equipment.
Main Deck
Designed by divers for divers.
The R/V Ala Iki’s Main Deck is designed to facilitate divers’ workflow.
The Dive Locker, outfitted by Brownies YachtDiver, features tank rack, pump filling station, HP bottle rack, YP55 compressor, nitrox maker, hyperbaric chamber, personal storage bins, and lipped stainless-steel countertop, equipped with deep basin and high- and low-pressure faucets.
Portside, space is available to stow up to 18 tanks in a recessed wall, outside of the Dive Locker. Starboard, the Boatswain Locker provides additional enclosed space to stow dive gear and scientific instruments.
The outdoor Diver Workstations, sheltered by the 9-foot, Upper Deck overhang, includes high-pressure rinse area, disinfection tub, 1 deep basis and 2 sinks with high- pressure faucets, and lipped stainless-steel countertops.
The Wet Lab’s 3 workstations include lipped stainless-steel countertops, with sink, equipped with high- and low-pressure faucets, cabinets, refrigerator, freezer, floor drains, and WiFi connected monitor screen and camera. A sea chest valve gives ready access to ambient seawater. A side door gives direct access to the ocean for the disposal of discarded specimens.
The Dry Lab’s 6 discreet workstations provide desk space with outlets and shelves. Additionally, the lab is equipped with a large WiFi connected monitor screen and camera, office supplies and equipment, and a conference table.
The Media Lab shall have direct connection with onboard/land-based labs and underway dive-tenders, submersible, ROV, and UAV.
To create a more onboard collaborative environment, the R/V Ala Iki shall utilize an enterprise level Skype server, allowing any touch screen to call up another location via a Skype call for rapid communication. In addition, multiple video cameras strategically placed around the ship allows any touch screen to bring up any of the cameras for viewing of public areas, weather conditions, and activities of the day.
The R/V Ala Iki's proposed electric-propulsion, 2 19’ SAFE dive tenders, shall use winch-driven ramps to launch from and to return to, permitting divers to remain safely in their boats during both procedures.
The Triton 1650/3 LP submersible can dive to depths of 1640 feet (500 meters), serving as a scout and support vessel for Mesophotic divers.
The Exercise Room is midship and forward are the Medical Cabin and the Engineer and the Chief Scientist's cabins.
Upper Deck
Unique space for work and socializing...
The Institute’s Office and Cabin, the Captain’s Cabin, and the Library are located on the Upper Deck. The queen-sized beds in the two cabins may split into two twins; designed to convert single-cabins into two-occupant cabins, accommodating for hitchhiker-researchers embarking to and/or returning from the Monuments.
The Library, the repository of periodicals, journals, and reference books, shall double as the ship’s media center, offering audio-visual devices for education and entertainment.
The Forward Gathering, just forward of the deck’s Portuguese bridge, is an outdoor seating area providing scenic space for conferencing, studying, and socializing.
Aft is the electric-motor propelled Landing Boat, a classic Zodiac 15’ inflatable, especially selected to land on the rocky shores located in the Monuments.
Bridge Deck
Safety first!
The bridge, located two full levels above the Main Deck, maximizes the fields of vision for the helmsperson and the OOW (“Officer of the Watch”).
The OOW’s desk and the Ship’s Office are located on the Bridge Deck. The electric chart table shall also store paper maps in the cabinet below.
The Rear Helm Station offers the helmsperson an unobstructed view of the stern, critically important when launching and retrieving scientific equipment, the submersible, and the dive tenders.