R.V. Calanus was designed for the Scottish Association for Marine Science by G.L. Watson (Naval Architects) Ltd. and built in 1980, of West Afrikan iroko on teak frames, by J. Hinks of Appledore in Devon. R.V. Calanus is managed by Dunstaffnage Marine Laboratory. It was designed as a general purpose research vessel for inshore waters. Calanus is spacious, well laid out and has an effective working platform.

The Calanus has taken part cruises in the northern end of the Irish Sea, Loch Ness, the Inner and Outer Hebrdes and Shetland Isles and is capable of working most inshore areas of the east and west coasts of Scotland, including the sea lochs.

The crew includes a master, bosun, motorman and cook/deckhand. All have considerable experience in scientific work. An extra deckhand is used for fishing trips. On board Calanus, the specifications for lifesaving and safety equipment as required by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MGA) are fully met.

Calanus has three laboratories:
Main laboratory. 6.5 x 2m. The benching is railed for palletisation as is the deck beneath. All benching is demountable apart from a corner sink unit. In total there is nearly 10m of continuous bench space. Stcoking units up to 2m high can easily be accommodated and side rails allow easy fixing. Storage space is provided in a large walk in locker. There is a hatch communicating with the wet lab. Electrical power is provided through 4 twin 13A, 240V sockets.
Wet laboratory. 2m x 1.9m. A freezer (10 cu. ft) is provided in this lab for scientific use. There is a large sink unit (twin sinks) with hot and cold freshwater and a direct seawater supply from the ships sea water intake ( approx. 2m below the water line). Stainless steel benching (2.5m) is fitted; a demountable wooden work surface (3m) is supplied to enable the laboratory to be used as a dry laboratory.
Plot. 2.5m x 3m. This space is suitable for use as a laboratory for housing electronic equipment. There is approximately 3.5m of benching. Electrical power is provided via 2 twin, 13A 240V sockets. There is direct access to the upper working deck.

Accomodation is provided for six scientists in three twin cabins. Two of these are equipped with a sink and hot and cold water. Two shower and toilet compartments are shared with the officers. For day running only, Calanus has capacity for 12 extra persons, provided that adequate notice is given in advance.

A well equipped galley serves hot meals during working days. The mess also provides accommodation for relaxation, with comfortable bench settee seating, colour television and video recorder. The vessel is heated throughout by oil fired central heating.

Length 65' (overall); 61' (waterline).

Beam: 22'.

Working draft: 10' (full fuel + water + 3 tonnes equipment).

Operations

Calanus has a maximum passage speed of 9 knots and an endurance of 8 days based on a normal 12 hour working day.

Working equipment

Hydraulic stem gantry - SWL 3 tonnes.

Hydraulic trawl winch with 2 x 500m, 13mm wires.

Atlas hydraulic crane - SWL 1 tonne (at 5m extention).

Anchoring arrangements - Forward windlass with small anchor and spare. 150 kg Anchor attached to main warp for aft anchoring.

Inflatable with 15 HP outboard motor.

Aft working deck (wood) 4m x 3m approx clear deck with opening gates in transom (open width of 3.3m). Working space aft of bridge (steel) 4m x 2m approx clear deck.

An electric/hydraulic winch is available, which can be fitted to the after deck of Calanus providing a 500m fibre/electrical cable for various underwater applications. This winch is capable of running on other ships having a 240V 50Hz 30kCA electricity supply.

Engine and power

Propulsion is provided by a Kelvin diesel engine delivering 280 s.h.p. at 1200 r.p.m. driving a variable pitch propeller. The ships electrical power is supplied by a John Deere diesel generating set producing 240V 50Hz single phase 45kVA.

Navigational equipment

Magnetic compass.

2 Furuno DGPS systems.

Racal Decca 180/4 Bridgemaster Radar.

Furuno radar.

Simrad EL Echo Sounder Transducer frequency 38kHz.

RMC dual frequency, colour echo sounder -  transducer frequencies 50kHz & 200kHz.

Sailor VHF Type RT144B.

Sailor MF/SSB Radio
Cellular phone.

Euronav computer chart system.

The bridge is also equipped with closed circuit television viewing the aft working deck.

Communication to all working areas by Barkway talkback.