List of research vessels by country

Research vessels by country include:

Algeria

• RV Belkacem Grine (2010)^[1]

Angola

• RV Baía Farta^[2][3]
• Pensador^[4]

Argentina

ARA Almirante Irízar

• ARA Almirante Irízar
• ARA Puerto Deseado
• ARA Comodoro Rivadavia
• ARA Austral
• ARA Cormorán

Australia

RSV Nuyina

RV Investigator

HMAS Leeuwin (A 245)

• RSV Nuyina
• RSV Aurora Australis
• RV Franklin
• RV Investigator
• HMAS Cook (1973-1998)
• MV Nella Dan
• RV Southern Surveyor
• RV Solander
• RV Cape Ferguson

Survey vessels

• HMAS Barcoo (K375) (1946-1964)
• HMAS Benalla (J323) (1943-1945)
• HMAS Benalla (A 04) (1990)
• HMAS Bungaree (1944)
• HMAS Diamantina (K377) (1959-1980)
• HMS Fantome (1906-1914)
• HMAS Flinders (1981-1990)
• HMAS Gascoyne (K354) (1959-1966)
• HMAS Kookaburra (1956-1958)
• HMAS Horsham (1944-1956)
• HMAS Leeuwin (A 245) (2000)
• HMAS Melville (A 246) (2000)
• HMAS Mermaid (A 02) (1989)
• HMAS Moresby (1918) (1933-1934, 1935-1946)
• HMAS Moresby (1963) (1964-1999)
• HMAS Paluma (A 01) (1989)
• HMAS Shepparton (J248) (1943-1946)
• HMAS Shepparton (A 03) (1990)
• HMAS Warreen (1952-1666)

Bangladesh

• RV Meen Shandhani (2016)^[5]
• CVASU Research Vessel

Belgium (EU)

RV Simon Stevin

• RV Belgica (transferred to Ukraine, now RV Borys Aleksandrov)
• RV Zeeleeuw
• RV Simon Stevin

Bermuda

• RV Atlantic Explorer

Brazil

RV Alpha Crucis

• RV Professor W. Besnard (1967-2008)
• RV Atlântico Sul (1973)^[6]
• RV Alpha Crucis (2012)^[7]
• BNS H21 Sirius
• BNS H35 Amorim do Valle
• BNS H36 Taurus
• BNS H37 Garnier Sampaio
• BNS H38 Cruzeiro do Sul
• BNS H40 Antares

Bulgaria (EU)

• Akademik^[8][9]

• Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii

Canada

RV Coriolis II

CCGS Amundsen

CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier

• RV Coriolis II

Canadian Coast Guard

Main article: Canadian Coast Guard

• CCGS Amundsen
• CCGS Frederick G. Creed
• CCGS Hudson
• CCGS Limnos
• CCGS Alfred Needler
• CCGS W. E. Ricker
• CCGS Teleost
• CCGS John P. Tully
• CCGS Vector
• CCGS Capt. Jacques Cartier
• CCGS John Cabot (2020)
• CCGS Sir John Franklin

Parks Canada

Main article: Parks Canada

• RV David Thompson (1992)
• Gwaii Haanas II^[10]

University of Victoria

Main article: University of Victoria

• RV John Strickland^[11]

Government of Nunavut

• MV Nuliajuk

Qikiqtaaluk Corporation

• RV Celtic Voyager (bought from Ireland in 2023)^[12]
• RV Ludy Pudluk (2021)^[13][14]

Survey vessels

• HMCS Acadia (1919-1923, 1925-1939, 1945-1969)
• HMCS Cartier (1919-1939)
• HMCS Cedarwood (1948-1958)

Cape Verde

• RV Islândia (donated by Iceland in 1994)^[15]

Chile

CNS Cabo de Hornos

• Cabo de Hornos AGS 61

China

Xue Long 2

• Xue Long
• Xue Long 2
• Ji Di
• Tan Suo San Hao
• Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di
• Type 625 research vessel

Colombia

• ARC Providencia^[16]
• ARC Malpelo^[17]
• ARC Quindio^[18]
• ARC Caribe
• ARC Roncador
• ARC Simon Bolivar
• BI Ancón

Cook Islands

Anuanua Moana

• Anuanua Moana (2023)

Croatia (EU)

• RV BIOS DVA^[19]

Survey vessels

• SV Hidra^[20]
• SV Palagruža^[21]

Czechia (EU)

RV Clione

University of South Bohemia

Main article: University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice

• RV Clione^[22][23]

Czech Academy of Sciences

Main article: Czech Academy of Sciences

• Ota Oliva^[24]
• Thor Heyerdahl (2009)^[24][25]

Denmark (EU)

Dana (IV)

See also List of Danish research ships, which includes ships used only for expeditions

• Aurora (2014)
• Biologen (1932-1964)
• Dana I (1920-1922)
• Dana II (1921-1935)
• Dana III (1937-1980)
• Dana IV (1981)
• Dana V (expected in 2027)^[26]
• Sallingsund (1899-1932)
• Thor (1902-1919)

Faroe Islands

• RV Jákup Sverri (2020)

Greenland

• RV Sanna (2012)^[27]
• RV Tarajoq (2021)^[27]

Egypt

National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries

• RV Salsabil^[28][29][30]
• RV Yarmouk^[28][29]

Estonia (EU)

RV Salme

Tallinn University of Technology

Main article: Tallinn University of Technology

• RV Salme^[31]

University of Tartu

Main article: University of Tartu

• AluDevil 33^[32]
• Aurelie^[32]
• Emili 007^[32]
• Fortuuna^[32]
• Welle^[32]

Estonian Maritime Museum

Main article: Estonian Maritime Museum

• Mare (1983-2018)^[33][34]

Finland (EU)

Aranda

• Aranda (1953-1989)
• Aranda (1989)
• Muikku
• Aurelia
• Seili I
• Seili II
• Geomari
• Kaiku
• Saduria

France (EU)

RV Pourquoi Pas?

L'Astrolabe

Téthys II

Tara

French Navy survey ship A758 Beautemps-Beaupré.

• RV Jean Charcot (1965-1989)^[35]
• RV Gwen-Drez (1976-2016)^[36][37]
• RV Côte d'Aquitaine

CNRS

Main article: CNRS

• RV Albert Lucas^[38][39]
• RV Antédon II^[40]
• RV Néréis II^[40]
• RV Neomysis^[40]
• RV Planula IV^[40]
• RV Sagitta III^[40]
• RV Sépia II^[40]

Ifremer

Main article: Ifremer

• RV Anita Conti (operational in 2026)^[41][42]
• RV Antea^[43]
• RV L'Atalante^[43]
• RV Côtes de la Manche^[43]
• RV La Curieuse (transferred to a private owner)^[43]
• RV L'Europe^[43]
• RV Haliotis^[43]
• RV Marion Dufresne^[43]
• RV Pourquoi Pas?^[43]
• RV Thalassa^[43]
• RV Thalia^[43]
• RV Téthys II^[43]
• RV Le Suroît^[43]

French Ministry of Culture

Main article: Ministry of Culture (France)

• Alfred Merlin (2021)^[44]

Cousteau Society

• RV Calypso (1950–1997)
• Anaconda^[45]
• Alcyone (1985)

Tara Ocean Foundation

• Tara
• Tara Polar Station^[46]

French Southern and Antarctic Lands

• L'Astrolabe (1986-2017)
• L'Astrolabe (2016)

Survey vessels

• A758 Beautemps-Beaupré
• A791 Lapérouse
• A792 Borda
• A793 Laplace

Germany (EU)

RV Polarstern

RV Atair

RV Maria S. Merian

Research ship Planet

RV Sonne

• FRV Capella (2004)
• FRV Clupea (2012)
• FRV Deneb (1994)
• FRV Komet (1998)
• FRV Solea (2004)
• FRV Walther Herwig III (1993)
• FRV Wega (1990)
• RV Haithabu (2014)
• RV Ludwig Prandtl (1983)
• RV Meteor (1924-1945)
• RV Meteor (1964)
• RV Senckenberg
• RV Sonne (1978-2014; sold to Argentina; now ARA Austral)
• RV Valdivia

German Navy

Main article: German Navy

• Planet (2005)

Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Main article: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Germany)

• RV Meteor (1986)
• RV Sonne (2014)

Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency

Main article: Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (Germany)

• RV Atair (2021)

Alfred Wegener Institute

Main article: Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research

• RV Uthörn (1947)
• RV Uthörn (1982)
• RV Mya (replaced by Mya II)
• RV Polarstern (1982)
• RV Heincke (1990)
• RV Mya II (2013)

Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research

Main article: Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research

• RV Alexander von Humboldt (replaced by Maria S. Merian; now EV Nautilus)^[47]
• RV Professor A. Penck (1951-2010; replaced by RV Elisabeth Mann Borgese)^[48]
• RV Maria S. Merian (2006)^[47]
• RV Elisabeth Mann Borgese (2011)^[49]

GEOMAR Kiel

Main article: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel

• RV Südfall (1946 – 1966; 1958 renamed RV Hermann Wattenberg)
• RV Alkor (1966-1990)
• Sagitta (1966-1997)
• RV Littorina (1975)
• RV Poseidon (1976-2020; sold to Sea-Watch, now Humanity 1)
• RV Alkor (1990)
• Polarfuchs (1997)

Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

Main article: Max Planck Institute for Chemistry

• RV Eugen Seibold (2018)

Greece (EU)

RV Aegaeo

• RV Aegaeo
• RV Philia

Survey vessels

• HS Naftilos (A-478)
• HS Pytheas (A-474)
• HS Strabon (A-476)

Iceland

Marine and Freshwater Research Institute

• RV Árni Friðriksson (2000)^[50]
• RV Bjarni Sæmundsson (1970-2025)^[50]
• RV Þórunn Þórðardóttir (2024)^[50]

India

ORV Sagar Nidhi

• ORV Sindhu Sankalp
• ORV Samudra Ratnakar
• ORV Sindhu Sadhana
• ORV Sagar Sukhthi
• ORV Sagar Nidhi
• ORV Sagar Manjusha
• ORV Sagar Samrat
• ORV Sagar Paschimi
• ORV Sagar Kanya^[51]
• INS Sagardhwani
• FORV Sagar Sampada^[52]
• M.V GEO HINDSAGAR^[53]
• RV Gaveshani^[54]

Survey vessels

• INS Mesh (J34)
• INS Sandhayak (J18) (1981-2021)
• INS Nirdeshak (J19) (1982-2014)
• INS Nirupak (J20) (1985-2024)
• INS Investigator (J15) (1990)
• INS Jamuna (J16) (1991)
• INS Sutlej (J17) (1993)
• INS Darshak (J21) (2001)
• INS Sarvekshak (J22) (2002)
• INS Makar (J31) (2012)
• INS Sandhayak (J18) (2024)

Indonesia

Geomarin III

• Geomarin III (2014)
• RV MADIDIHANG-03^[55][56][57]

National Research and Innovation Agency

Main article: National Research and Innovation Agency

• Baruna Jaya I^[58]
• Baruna Jaya III^[58]
• Baruna Jaya VIII^[58]

Indonesian Navy

Main article: Indonesian Navy

• KRI Rigel (2015)
• KRI Spica (2015)
• KRI Dewa Kembar
• KRI Pollux
• KAL Aries
• KAL Vega

Iran

Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science

Main article: Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science

• Khalije Fars sea explorer (2017)

Ireland (EU)

RV Celtic Explorer

• RV Celtic Explorer (2003)
• RV Celtic Voyager (in 2023 sold to the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation of Nunavut)^[12]
• MV Cosantóir Bradán
• RV Geo
• RV Keary
• RV Lough Beltra (1988-1997)
• RV Tom Crean (2022)
• RV Tonn

Italy (EU)

RRS Ernest Shackleton, now RV Laura Bassi

RV Alliance

RV Elettra

• RV Andrea
• RV Astrea
• RV Cerruti
• RV Dallaporta
• RV Furetto
• Gaia Blu
• RV Italica
• RV Laura Bassi
• RV Luigi Sanzo
• RV Maria Grazia
• RV Minerva Uno
• RV OGS Explora^[59]
• RV Regione Lazio 1
• RV Tecnopesca II
• RV Trer
• RV Andromeda
• RV Futura
• RV Cormorano II

Italian Navy

Main article: Italian Navy

• RV Alliance A 5345 (NATO vessel, since 1 January 2016 under Italian Navy flag)
• RV Leonardo A 5301 (NATO vessel, since 11 May 2007 under Italian government flag and since 14 May 2010 under Italian Navy flag)
• RV Ammiraglio Magnaghi A 5303
• RV Aretusa A 5304
• RV Elettra A 5340
• RV Galatea A 5308
• RV Vincenzo Martellotta A 5320
• RV Raffaele Rossetti A 5315

Japan

Chikyū

Shirase

• RV Chikyū
• RV Hakurei Maru
• RV Hakuho Maru
• RV Kaimei^[60]
• RV Kairei
• RV Kaiyo
• RV Mirai (formerly, Mutsu)
• RV Natsushima
• RV Shigen (formerly, RV Ramform Victory of Petroleum Geo-Services)
• RV Umitaka Maru
• RV Yokosuka
• RV Nisshin Maru

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

Main article: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

• Shirase
• JS Suma (AGS-5103)
• JS Wakasa (AGS-5104)

• AGS Shōnan
• AGS Nichinan
• AGS Futami

Republic of Korea

RV Araon

Korea Polar Research Institute

Main article: Korea Polar Research Institute

• RV Araon (2009)

Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

Main article: Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology

• RV Dokdo Nuri^[61]
• RV EARDO (1992)^[62]
• RV ISABU (2016)^[63][64]
• RV JANGMOK 1^[65]
• RV JANGMOK 2^[66]
• RV ONNURI (1992)

Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

Main article: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources

• Tamhae 3 (2024)^[67][68]

Survey vessels

• ROKS Sincheonji
• ROKS Sinsegi

Kazakhstan

• Kanysh Satpayev (2014)

Survey vessels

• Jaiyq (2008)

Latvia (EU)

• Kapteinis Orle^[69]

Maritime Administration of Latvia

Main article: Maritime Administration of Latvia

• Kristiāns Dāls (2001)^[70]
• Sonārs (2014)^[70]
• Blesser 505 WA^[70]

Lebanon

• RV CANA-CNRS^[71]

Lithuania (EU)

Ministry of Environment

Main article: Ministry of Environment (Lithuania)

• Vėjūnas (2012)^[72]

Klaipėda University

Main article: Klaipėda University

• RV Mintis^[73][74]

Mauritania

• RV Almoravide
• RV N´diago
• RV Al Awam
• RV Amrigue

Morocco

National Institute of Fisheries Research

• RV Al Hassan Al Marrakchi^[75][76]
• RV Ibn Sina II (2023)^[77]

Royal Moroccan Navy

Main article: Royal Moroccan Navy

• Dar Al Beida (2019)^[78]

Namibia

• RV Mirabilis

Netherlands (EU)

RV Pelagia

• RV Tyro (1979-1993)
• RV Pelagia
• RV Navicula
• RV Stern
• RV Tridens
• RV Isis

Survey vessels

• HNLMS Willebrord Snellius (1929-1942)^[79]
• HNLMS Snellius (A907) (1952-1972)^[79][80]
• HNLMS Luymes (A902) (1952-1973)^[81]
• HNLMS Tydeman (A906) (10 November 1976 - 3 June 2004; sold and renamed Plancius in 2007)^[82]
• HNLMS Snellius (A802) (2003)^[83]
• HNLMS Luymes (A803) (2004)^[83]

New Zealand

RV Tangaroa

• GRV James Cook (1969-1991)
• RV Tangaroa (1991)

Survey vessels

• SMB Adventure (1998)
• HMNZS Lachlan (F364) (1949–1975)
• HMNZS Manawanui (2019)
• HMNZS Monowai (A06) (1975–1997)
• HMNZS Resolution (A14) (1997-2012)
• HMNZS Takapu (1980–2000)
• HMNZS Tarapunga (1980–2000)
• HMNZS Tui (T234) (1956–1967)
• HMNZS Tui (1970) (1970–1997)

Nigeria

Nigerian Navy

Main article: Nigerian Navy

• NNS Lana (2021)^[84]
• NNS Zhizoko (2024)^[85]

Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research

Main article: Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research

• RV Bayagbona (2014)^[86][87]

Norway

RV Håkon Mosby

• RV G.M. Dannevig
• RV Johan Hjort
• RV Helmer Hanssen (Jan Mayen)
• RV Håkon Mosby
• RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen
• RV Kronprins Haakon (2018)
• RV Johan Ruud
• RV G.O. Sars
• RV Trygve Braarud
• RV Bjørn Føyn
• RV Lance

Oman

• RV Al-Jamiah^[88][89]

Pakistan

• PNS Behr Paima

Peru

BIC Humboldt

• BIC Humboldt (1978)

• BAP Carrasco (2017)

• BIC Olaya

• BIC Flores

Philippines

• BRP Fort San Antonio (AM-700)
• BRP Fort Abad (AM-701)
• MV DA BFAR
• BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR 702)

Poland (EU)

MS Horyzont II

RV Oceania

RV Kaszubski Brzeg

• RV Birkut (retired)
• RV Doktor Lubecki (retired)
• RV Hydromet (retired)
• ORP Planeta (retired)
• RV Pomorzanin (retired)
• RV Professor Bogucki (retired)
• RV Wieczno (retired)
• ORP Zodiak (retired)

Polish Academy of Sciences

Main article: Polish Academy of Sciences

• RV Oceania

National Marine Fisheries Research Institute

• RV Ewa (1928-1939)
• RV Profesor Siedlecki (1974-1992)
• RV Baltica (1993)^[90]

University of Gdańsk

Main article: University of Gdańsk

• RV Oceanograf 1
• RV Oceanograf 2

Gdynia Maritime University

• MS Horyzont II
• RV IMOR

Maritime University of Szczecin

Main article: Maritime University of Szczecin

• MS Nawigator XXI

National Maritime Museum, Gdańsk

Main article: National Maritime Museum, Gdańsk

• RV Kaszubski Brzeg (1984-2007)

Survey vessels

• ORP Arctowski
• ORP Heweliusz
• ORP Kopernik

Portugal (EU)

NRP Dom Carlos I & NRP Almirante Gago Coutinho

Portuguese Navy

Main article: Portuguese Navy

• NRP Dom Carlos I
• NRP Almirante Gago Coutinho
• NRP Andrómeda
• NRP Auriga
• NRP Almeida Carvalho (1972-2002)

Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere

Main article: Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera

• NI Mar Portugal
• NI Noruega
• NI Diplodus
• NI Tellina (2003-2019)
• NI Capricórnio (1994-2008)

University of Azores

Main article: University of Azores

• NI Arquipélago

Romania (EU)

• Istros^[91]
• RV Mare Nigrum
• REXDAN Research Vessel^[92][93][94]

Senegal

• ITAF DEME (2021)^[95][96]

Soviet Union/Russia

RV Akademik Ioffe

RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh

RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov

RV Kapitan Dranitsyn

Source:^[97][98]

• RV Akademik A. Karpinsky (1984)
• RV Akademik Boris Petrov
• RV Akademik Fersman
• RV Akademik Fyodorov (1987)
• RV Akademik Ioffe
• RV Akademik Lazarev
• RV Akademik M.A.Lavrentyev
• RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh (1981)
• RV Akademik Nemchinov
• RV Akademik Nikolay Strakhov
• RV Akademik Oparin
• RV Akademik Sergey Vavilov (1988)
• RV Akademik Shatskiy
• RV Akademik Shokalskiy (1982)
• RV Alexey Maryshev
• RV Anatoliy Zhilinskiy
• RV Atlantida
• RV Atlantniro
• RV Atlas
• RV Bar
• RV Belomor
• RV Dalniye Zelentsy
• RV Dmitriy Ovtsyn
• RV Dmitry Peskov
• RV Fritiof Nansen
• RV Gelendzhik
• RV Geo Arctic
• RV Geofizik
• RV Geolog Dmitriy Nalivkin
• RV Gidrobiolog
• RV Grigoriy Mikheyev
• RV Iskatel-5
• RV Ivan Kireyev
• RV Ivan Kruzenshtern
• RV Ivan Petrov
• RV Jakov Smirnitskiy
• RV Kapitan Dranitsyn (1980)
• RV Kol'skaja
• RV Mikhail Verbitskiy
• RV Mirazh
• RV Pavel Gordienko
• RV Priboy
• RV Professor Bogorov
• RV Professor Gagarinskiy
• RV Professor Kaganovskiy
• RV Professor Khromov
• RV Professor Kurentsov
• RV Professor Logachev
• RV Professor Multanovskyi
• RV Professor Polshkov
• RV Professor Rjabinkin
• RV Professor Vodyanitsky
• RV Professor Shtokman
• RV Professor Vladimir Kuztensov
• RV Petr Kottsov
• RV Rift
• RV Semyon Dezhnev
• RV Sergey Kravkov
• RV Taimyr
• RV Tor
• RV Viktor Buynitskiy
• RV Vladimir Sukhoskiyv
• RV Vyacheslav Frolov
• RV Yakov Smirnitskiy
• RV Yuzhmorgeologiya
• RV Zapolyarjye

Decommissioned

• RV Akademik Aleksandr Nesmeyanov (decommissioned)
• RV Akademik Aleksandr Sidorenko (decommissioned)
• RV Akademik Korolyov (decommissioned)
• RV Akademik Kovalevskiy (decommissioned)
• RV Akademik Kurchatov (decommissioned)
• RV Akademik Vernadskiy (decommissioned)
• RV Akvanavt (decommissioned)
• RV Aleksei Chirikov (decommissioned)
• RV Amur (decommissioned)
• RV Andrei Vilkitzky (decommissioned)
• RV Arktika (decommissioned)
• RV Artemida (decommissioned)
• RV Atmosfera (decommissioned)
• RV Boris Davidov (decommissioned)
• RV Briz (decommissioned)
• RV Buran (decommissioned)
• RV Dmitriy Mendeleev (decommissioned)
• RV Eduard Tolly (decommissioned)
• RV Faddey Bellinsgausen (decommissioned)
• RV Fyodor Matisen (decommissioned)
• RV Fyodor Litke (decommissioned)
• RV Gals (decommissioned)
• RV Gidrolog (decommissioned)
• RV Gidrofizik (decommissioned)
• RV Gigrometr (decommissioned)
• RV Glubina (decommissioned)
• RV Groza (decommissioned)
• RV Ikhtiandr (decommissioned)
• RV Impuls (decommissioned)
• RV Kompas (decommissioned)
• RV Leonid Morozov (decommissioned)
• RV Lugovoe (decommissioned)
• RV Mangazeya (decommissioned)
• RV Metan (decommissioned)
• RV Mikhail Lomonosov (decommissioned)
• RV Miklukho Maklay (decommissioned)
• RV Murmanskaja (decommissioned)
• RV Nikolay Yevgenov (decommissioned)
• RV Okean (decommissioned)
• RV Odissey (decommissioned)
• RV Pamyat Merkuriya (decommissioned)
• RV Pavel Bashmakov (decommissioned)
• RV Persey (1922 to 1941, the first Soviet research vessel)
• RV Pomor (decommissioned)
• RV Priliv (decommissioned)
• RV Professor Molchanov (decommissioned)
• RV Professor Zubov (decommissioned)
• RV Roumb (decommissioned)
• RV Shelf (decommissioned)
• RV Smolensk (decommissioned)
• RV Tantal (decommissioned)
• RV Vadim Popov (decommissioned)
• RV Valentin Shashin (decommissioned)
• RV Valerian Uryvayev (decommissioned)
• RV Vityaz (III) (retired)
• RV Vityaz (IV) (decommissioned)
• RV Vsevolod Timonov (decommissioned)
• RV Vulkanolog (decommissioned)
• RV Yantar (decommissioned)
• RV Yaroslavets (decommissioned)
• RV Zenit (decommissioned)

South Africa

S.A. Agulhas II

• Africana^[99]
• S.A. Agulhas
• S.A. Agulhas II
• Ellen Khuzwayo^[100][101]
• RV Observer^[102][103]
• RV Phakisa^[103][104]

Survey vessels

• SAS Protea (A324)

Spain (EU)

BIO Hesperides

RV Sarmiento de Gamboa

Spanish Navy

Main article: Spanish Navy

• BIO A-33 Hespérides

Spanish National Research Council

Main article: Spanish National Research Council

• RV Sarmiento de Gamboa
• BO Odón de Buen (2024)^[105]
• BO García del Cid
• BO Mytilus

Instituto Español de Oceanografía

• BIO Angeles Alvariño
• BIO Ramón Margalef

Secretaría General del Mar

• BIO Miguel Oliver
• BIO Intermares
• BIO Emma Bardán

Survey vessels

• A-23 Antares
• A-24 Rigel
• A-31 Malaspina
• A-32 Tofiño
• A-91 Astrolabio
• A-92 Escándalo

Sweden (EU)

RV Svea

• RV Oscar von Sydow (1976)
• RV Skagerak (1968)
• RV Skagerak (2017; 2021–present)
• RV Svea (2019)

Thailand

Department of Marine and Coastal Resources

• PAKARANG 805^[106]
• 807^[107]

Tunisia

• RV Hannibal (1998)^[108][109]
• Salammbo (1992)^[110]

Turkey

RV Bilim 2

• RV Barbaros Hayreddin Paşa
• RV Beluga
• RV Bilim-2
• RV Denar 2
• RV Derinsu
• RV K. Piri Reis
• RV MTA Oruç Reis
• RV MTA Selen
• RV MTA Sismik 1
• RV MTA Turkuaz
• RV TÜBİTAK Marmara

Taiwan (Republic of China)

ROCS Ta Kuan

Taiwan Ocean Research Institute

Main article: Taiwan Ocean Research Institute

• RV Legend^[111]
• RV Ocean Researcher I (operated by National Taiwan University)
• RV Ocean Researcher II (operated by National Taiwan Ocean University)
• RV Ocean Researcher III (operated by National Sun Yat-sen University)
• RV Ocean Researcher V

National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

Main article: National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium

• RV Jiangshu (operated by National Dong Hwa University Graduate Institute of Marine Biology)^[112]

Republic of China Navy

Main article: Republic of China Navy

• ROCS Ta Kuan (AGS-1601)

Ukraine

Noosfera

• Borys Aleksandrov
• Noosfera

UAE

• RV Jaywun (2023)

United Kingdom

RRS Discovery

RV Callista

RRS Sir David Attenborough

RRS James Cook

RV Cefas Endeavour

Royal Navy ocean survey vessel HMS Scott.

Natural Environment Research Council

Main article: Natural Environment Research Council

• RV Sepia Plymouth Marine Laboratory
• RV Squilla Plymouth Marine Laboratory
• RV Tamaris Plymouth Marine Laboratory
• OWS Cumulus (Ocean Weather Ship)

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Main article: National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Main article: National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

• RRS Discovery (1962-2012)
• RRS Discovery (2012)
• RRS James Cook
• RV Callista
• RV Bill Conway

British Antarctic Survey

Main article: British Antarctic Survey

• RRS James Clark Ross (1990-2021; sold to Ukraine, now Noosfera)
• RRS Ernest Shackleton (1999–2019; sold to Italy, now Laura Bassi)
• RRS Sir David Attenborough (2018)

Scottish Association for Marine Science

Main article: Scottish Association for Marine Science

• RV Calanus
• RV Seol Mara

Newcastle University

Main article: Newcastle University

• RV The Princess Royal

University Marine Biological Station Millport

Main article: University Marine Biological Station Millport

(London & Glasgow Universities)

• RV Aora, now University of Washington, USA
• RV Aplysia

Swansea University

Main article: Swansea University

• RV Noctiluca
• RV Mary Anning^[113]

Cardiff University

Main article: Cardiff University

• RV Coda Octopus Guiding Light

P&O Maritime

(Bangor University)

• RV Prince Madog

PEML, University of Liverpool

Main article: University of Liverpool

• RV Roagan
• RV Marisa of Liverpool

Marine Scotland

Main article: Marine Scotland

• FRV Alba na Mara
• FRV Scotia

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

Main article: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

• RV Huxley
• SY Hildegarde
• SY Hiawatha
• RV CEFAS Endeavour (2003)
• RV Cirolana
• RV Clione
• RV Corella
• RV Corystes
• RV Ernest Holt
• RV George Bligh
• SS Joseph & Sarah Miles
• RV Platessa
• RV Sir Lancelot
• RV Tellina

Environment Agency

Main article: Environment Agency

(National Marine Service)

• RV Coastal Guardian
• RV Sea Vigil
• RV Vigilance
• RV Water Guardian

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland

• RV Corystes (replaced RV Lough Foyle)

Gardline Geoservices Ltd

• RV Coastal Surveyor
• RV Ocean Discovery
• RV Ocean Endeavour
• RV Ocean Observer
• RV Ocean Researcher formerly RRS Charles Darwin
• RV Ocean Seeker
• RV Triton

Others

• RDV 01 Crystal
• RV Aurora Magnetica
• RV Diablo
• RV Song of the Whale

Survey vessels

Main article: List of survey vessels of the Royal Navy

• HMS Scott (Antarctic)
• HMS Protector
• HMS Roebuck (Coastal)
• HMS Gleaner (Coastal)
• HMS Magpie (Inshore)
• HMS Echo (Multi-Role Survey Vessel)
• HMS Enterprise (Multi-Role Survey Vessel)

United States

RV Yaquina

NOAAS Ka'Imimana (R-333).

NOAAS Rainier with her namesake, Mount Rainier, in the background.

RV Atlantis

RV Savannah

Oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder.

Florida Institute of Oceanography

Main article: Florida Institute of Oceanography

• RV Bellows
• RV Suncoaster

Oregon State University

Main article: Oregon State University

• RV Taani, under construction^[114][115]
• RV Pacific Storm
• RV Oceanus, formerly Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution^[116][117]
• RV Elakha^[118]
• RV Acona (retired)^[114]
• RV Cayuse (retired)^[114]
• RV Wecoma (retired)^[117][119]
• RV Yaquina (retired)^[114]

Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory

Main article: Lamont–Doherty Earth Observatory

• RV Vema (1953-1981)
• USNS Robert D. Conrad (1962-1989)
• USNS Eltanin (1962-1974)
• RV Maurice Ewing (1988-2005)
• RV Marcus Langseth (2007)

Marine Biological Laboratory

Main article: Marine Biological Laboratory

• RV Gemma

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Main article: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

• RV Western Flyer
• RV Zephyr
• RV Point Lobos
• RV David Packard
• RV Rachel Carson, formerly Lytal Team and Odyssea Team

Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

Main article: Moss Landing Marine Laboratories

• RV John H. Martin
• RV Point Sur
• RV Sheila B

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Main article: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• NOAAS Bell M. Shimada
• NOAAS David Starr Jordan (Class IV)
• NOAAS Delaware II (Class IV)
• NOAAS Fairweather (Class II)
• NOAAS Ferdinand R. Hassler (Class II)
• NOAAS Gordon Gunter (Class III)
• NOAAS Hi'ialakai (Class III)
• NOAAS Henry B. Bigelow (Class II)
• NOAAS Ka'imimoana (Class III)
• NOAAS Miller Freeman (Class II)
• NOAAS McArthur II (Class III)
• NOAAS Nancy Foster (Class III)
• NOAAS Okeanos Explorer (Class III)
• NOAAS Oregon II (Class III)
• NOAAS Oscar Dyson (Class II)
• NOAAS Oscar Elton Sette (Class III)
• NOAAS Ronald H. Brown (Class I)
• NOAAS Rainier (Class II)
• NOAAS Thomas Jefferson (Class II)

Ocean Alliance

Main article: Ocean Alliance

• RV Odyssey

Schmidt Ocean Institute

Main article: Schmidt Ocean Institute

• RV Falkor (donated to Italy, now Gaia Blu)
• RV Falkor (too)

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Main article: Scripps Institution of Oceanography

• USS Snatch (ARS-27), better known as RV Argo (1960-1970)
• USNS Thomas Washington (T-AGOR-10) (1965-1992)
• RV Melville, sold to the Philippines and now BRP Gregorio Velasquez
• RP FLIP, sold to a UK company in 2024^[120]
• RV Horizon
• RV Spencer F. Baird^[121]
• RV New Horizon
• RV Robert Gordon Sproul
• RV Roger Revelle
• RV Sally Ride (AGOR-28)

United States Antarctic Program

Main article: United States Antarctic Program

• Nathaniel B. Palmer
• RV Laurence M. Gould

United States Coast Guard

Main article: United States Coast Guard

• USCGC Healy (WAGB-20)
• USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-10)

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Main article: United States Environmental Protection Agency

• OSV Bold

United States Navy

Main article: United States Navy

• USNS Hayes
• RV Knorr (transferred to Mexican Navy in 2016)
• RV Melville (retired from service in 2014)
• RV Thomas G. Thompson (operated by the University of Washington)
• RV Atlantis (operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
• RV Roger Revelle (operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
• RV Kilo Moana (operated by the University of Hawaii)
• RV Neil Armstrong (operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
• RV Sally Ride (operated by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography)
• USS San Carlos

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Main article: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

• USS Chain (ARS-20) (1958-1977)
• RV Oceanus (now used by the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Oregon State University, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences)
• RV Atlantis II (sold in 1996)
• RV Atlantis
• RV Knorr (transferred to Mexican Navy in 2016)
• RV Neil Armstrong (AGOR-27) (2014)
• RV Tioga

Others

• FWS Black Douglas
• RV Blue Heron (Large Lakes Observatory, University of Minnesota Duluth)
• SSV Corwith Cramer (Sea Education Association)
• RV Cape Hatteras (Marine Technology/Cape Fear Community College)
• RV Coral Reef II (John G. Shedd Aquarium)
• RV Endeavor (URI)
• RV Hugh R. Sharp (University of Delaware Marine and Earth Studies; 2005)
• DV JOIDES Resolution^[122]
• SSV Robert C Seamans (Sea Education Association)
• RV Savannah (SkIO)
• RV Te Vega (Hopkins Marine Station)
• RV Thomas G. Thompson (University of Washington)
• RV Vantuna (Occidental College)
• RV FG Walton Smith^[123]
• RV White Holly (White Holly Expeditions, LLC)
• RV Zephyr Outbound Marine Pacific Northwest (Private ownership, for hire)
• RV Pelican (LUMCON (Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium))
• RV Rachel Carson, University of Washington, formerly University Marine Biological Station Millport, UK

Survey vessels

• NOAAS Fairweather
• NOAAS Rainier
• NOAAS Rude
• NOAAS Thomas Jefferson
• USNS Maury and USNS Tanner
• USNS Pathfinder
• USNS Sumner
• USNS Bowditch
• USNS Henson
• USNS Bruce C. Heezen
• USNS Mary Sears
• USNS Josiah Willard Gibbs (T-AGOR-1) (1958-1971)
• Other members of the US Navy fleet with "AGS" notation

Vietnam

• Giáo sư-Viện trưởng Trần Đại Nghĩa (2011)