LAMP Research Vessels

At present LAMP maintains a fleet of three research vessels with which it conducts archaeological fieldwork, one large, one medium, and one small. Our primary research vessel, purchased in the spring of 2006, is a 1973 28' Bertram, a classic design renowned for its rugged construction and excellent sea-handling qualities. It is currently named the RV Island Fever, but we are actively discussing what new names might better suit her new career as a maritime archaeological research vessel. The Island Fever is a perfect vessel for both survey and diving operations. Her 11-foot wide deck provides plenty of space for divers, excavation equipment, and recovered artifacts, while her spacious cabin serves as a floating laboratory equipped with a sink, air conditioning, and a sizable table for setting up computer equipment. The cabin also has a galley and sleeps four, allowing for extended research cruises away from home or accommodation for interns or visiting researchers.

LAMP's mid-sized vessel is a 21' Seaswirl Striper named RV Nickerin. This was donated to the program in June 2007. It allows us to effectively extend our range, as it can be trailered and towed to more remote locales. Nickerin is beamy, at 7' in breadth, with lots of room for divers, and features a spacious cuddy cabin with two berths which can be used to shelter computer equipment from the elements. It is therefore suitable for either survey with remote sensing equipment or for smaller-scale diving operations. During major field operations, it may be used in conjunction with Island Fever to stage a large number of divers. With a 140 horsepower outboard, Nickerin can get us where we need to go fast.

LAMP also maintains a small boat, a 13' Boston Whaler named the RV Indy (short for Indefatigable). This serves as a runabout and chase boat for the Island Fever, and also as a survey and diving vessel for LAMP operations on inland waterways.

LAMP is very pleased to acknowledge the ongoing support of our research and educational mission by Kohler Global Power Group. Kohler, recognized internationally for their high-quality and reliable marine generators, has donated to LAMP their newest model of environmentally-friendly, low carbon monoxide emissions marine generator. This generator, which reduces CO emissions by 99%, will be perfect for our research as it will let us power compressors without fear of CO contamination in divers' breathing air. The new 5ECD 60 Hz generator was installed on LAMP's research vessel Island Fever by Kohler technicians on May 16-17th 2007.
Click here to read about and see pictures of the installation on our official blog, LAMPosts.

Our New 5ECD 60Hz Generator

Kohler has a long history of supporting scientific exploration. In 1929 Kohler donated five generators for Admiral Byrd's expedition to Antarctica. These generators successfully provided heat, light, and communication to the team of explorers, and after lying dormant for five years were used again during the second Antarctic expedition in 1934. We are proud to acknowledge that Kohler maintains their commitment to exploration in the twenty-first century by sponsoring our search for and excavation of historic shipwrecks associated with America's oldest port.

We would also like to thank Noah's Ark Repair Services, of Cocoa, Florida, who sent their very skilled technician to install the new generator.

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