RV John Strickland
The John Strickland supports UVic Science’s teaching and research programs. The ship is available for booking for on- and off-campus users.
The Strickland offers a versatile array of deck and laboratory operations, including hydrocasts, CTD casts, mid-water and seabed trawls, plankton tows and sediment sampling by cores and dredges.
In addition to the open deck work area there is an aft wet lab, and small dry lab / mess area along with a modest amount of storage space. Laboratories and work areas may be customized to suit specific projects.
The vessel is well-equipped for inshore studies, making it ideal for field components of courses and for research fieldwork.
Designed for the complex coastal waters of British Columbia, the Strickland's shallow draft allows the vessel to cross the sills of most inlets, such as the poorly accessible Sooke Basin, Barkley Sound, Sechelt Inlet and the Fraser Delta.
The Marine Research Vessel (RV) John Strickland was built for UVic in 1975, named for the pioneering marine biologist known for his research in British Columbia's waters. It is used to support UVic Science research and teaching, and can be booked by groups both on and off campus.
RV Strickland was designed for the complex coastal waters of British Columbia, with a shallow draft that allows it to cross the sills of inlets. This feature allows it access to challenging areas such as the Sooke Basin, Barkley Sound, Sechelt Inlet and the Fraser Delta.
For more information and for bookings, please contact Alyssa Nguyen at alynguyen@uvic.ca or 250-721-7060.
Facilities and Research Equipment
The Strickland can accommodate 2 crew and up to 10 scientists for local day trips and 3 crew and 3 scientists for overnight cruises. Operations of the Strickland are limited to within 30 km of shore and with not more than 160km between suitable ports of refuge. It is not suited for open ocean work.
Facilities include:
- open deck work area
- aft wet lab
- small mess area that can be used as a dry lab
- galley and head
- small amount of storage space
- four berth forecastle
- full range of safety, positioning and communications equipment
Research Equipment:
- 680 kg capacity A-frame derrick with multi-purpose winch can accommodate a 1,500m wire rope or cable
- articulated hydraulic boom with capacity of 650kg at 8m full extension
- 3.8 m Zodiac with 25hp outboard motor for project support and shore access
Vessel Specifications
| Length overall | 16m (52') |
| Maximum beam | 4.5m (14'6") |
| Maximum draught | 2.6m (8') |
| Tonnage | 39.9 |
| Propulsion | single screw, 275hp diesel 18" hydraulic bow thruster |
| Cruising speed | 8.5 knots |
| Maximum speed | 10 knots |
| Hull type | welded aluminum |
| Generator | 35kva 220/110 VAC |
| Endurance | 10 days @ 12 hr/day operation |
Video: Ocean Research on the Strickland
