R/V SEWARD JOHNSON, namesake of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution founder J. Seward Johnson, Sr., is a 204 foot Oceanographic and Submersible-Support research vessel that was built in 1984, commissioned in 1985 and extensively rebuilt and lengthened in 1994. With an 8000 nautical mile range and a cruising speed of 12 knots, the vessel is capable of traveling and working in any of the world's oceans, while accommodating up to 40 people.

R/V SEWARD JOHNSON is one of three Harbor Branch-owned research vessels that are operated by experienced personnel, expert in surface oceanographic procedures and submersible vehicle launch and recovery, supported by in-house ocean engineers. With 360 degree bow and stern thrusters, twin propellers and rudders, dynamic positioning and state-of-the-art precision navigation, this vessel has the capability to maneuver and position easily and efficiently and station-keep with the accuracy required by today's undersea and oceanographic research missions. R/V SEWARD JOHNSON is part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) fleet.

Typical applications include submersible/ROV support, large towed systems support, deployment and retrieval of moored devices, surface oceanographic/hydrographic applications, and diving support with optional recompression chamber facilities.

Detailed specifications of the RVSJ are available as .pdf files on the Harbor Branch website at http://www.hboi.edu/marops/maro.html