The RV Bernicia is a research vessel owned and operated by diving organisation Bernicia Netherlands. It was previously operated by Newcastle University's Department of Marine Science and Technology, where it was used for research and teaching in the North Sea and in river estuaries, largely in the area of marine biology.

History
Red Ensign (UK)United Kingdom
NameRV Bernicia
NamesakeBernicia, a sixth-century Anglo Saxon Kingdom
OwnerNewcastle University
OperatorNewcastle University Department of Marine Science and Technology
Port of registryNewcastle upon Tyne
RouteNorthumberland Sea Area
Ordered1973
BuilderRyton Marine, Wallsend, UK
CommissionedMarch 1973
IdentificationCall sign MLER
FateSold
Netherlands
NameRV Bernicia
OwnerBernicia Netherlands
OperatorBernicia Netherlands
RouteRotterdam Area
IdentificationCall sign PB4310
StatusIn service as of August 2013
General characteristics
Class and typeDTp VIIIA, Lloyds 100A1
TypeResearch Vessel
Tonnage46.25 GT
Displacement58.24 tonnes
Length16.2 m (53 ft) LOA
Beam4.72 m (15.5 ft)
Draught2.59 m (8.5 ft)
Depth3.39 m (11.1 ft) (deck edge to keel)
Decks1 main deck with 20m² deck space
Installed power
  • Main engine: 1 × 126.8kW (170hp) at 1500 RPM
  • Auxiliary engines: 1 × 41.8kW (56hp)
Propulsion
  • 1 × Gardener 8LXB high-speed engine
  • 1 × Perkins diesel engine for auxiliary power
Speed9.0 knots (16.7 km/h; 10.4 mph) (maximum), 8.0 knots (14.8 km/h; 9.2 mph) (cruising)
Range5000nm
Endurance3 days
Boats & landing
craft carried
4m inflatable
Complement4 × crew and 12 × scientists
Crew1 × Officer, 3 × crew

Operational history

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The RV Bernicia is a small trawler-type vessel approximately 16 metres in length with hydraulically operated windlass and winches, and a crane on the aft deck. The research vessel was designed by Naval Architects from Newcastle University. When used by the university it was berthed at and operated from Blyth. In 2011 the Bernicia was replaced by a newer research vessel[1] that was also partly designed by students at the university.[2] This new vessel is RV The Princess Royal. RV Bernicia was sold to diving organisation Bernicia Netherlands.

Namesake

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The RV Bernicia is named after the ancient Anglo Saxon Kingdom of the same name.

References

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  1. ^ "Newcastle University research vessel nears completion". Retrieved 16 August 2017.
  2. ^ "Bernicia Replacement Project at Newcastle University Research". Archived from the original on 25 December 2011. Retrieved 11 October 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
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