Gulf Coast Research Laboratory

Facilities

Research Vessels

A request form and waiver are both required to schedule vessels.

R/V Tommy Munro
R/V Tom Mcllwain
R/V Hermes

Capt. Paul Beaugez
Capt. Monty Simmons
Capt. Derek Groves

Request
Request
Request

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Waiver
Waiver
Waiver

R/V Tom Mcllwain

Capt. Monty Simmons

The R/V Tom McIlwain is a 55' fiberglass vessel which carries a crew of two and a maximum of 30 adult passengers. It was built in 1978 by Westport Boat Builders of Westport, Wash., and served as a U.S. Navy mine survey vessel before coming into the GCRL fleet.

The McIlwain uses approx. 40 gallons of fuel per hour at an average cruising speed of 17 knots. It has one head in the main salon area, a shower and four bunks in the below berthing area.

Make: West Port
Length: 55'
Width: 16.5'
Draft: 5'
Main Engines: 2- 871 Detroit diesel
Generator: 1- 13.5 kw diesel 220 single phase
Fuel Capacity: 1000 gallons
Potable water: 250 Gallons

Deck Equipment:

1- Duel spool hydraulic friction (wench) and 1- hydraulic A-frame for towing and lifting capacity of up to 600 pounds.

Fees: Please call for rates.

Additional notes for charters:

For a 12-hour day there will be one captain and one mate. If the vessel operates more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period, an additional captain and deckhand will be assigned at the appropriate pay rate person.
A day starts when the vessel leaves the dock at Point Cadet and ends when the vessel is secured at Point Cadet. Once the vessel leaves the dock at Point Cadet the full day rate will be charged regardless of return time or work completed.
Request for Service forms are to be turned in at least 5 working days before the departure of any trip. Trip cancellations must be received at least 5 working days prior to departure or ½ the normal day rate will be charged. There will be no charge for weather days at the dock.
The Captain will monitor weather conditions before departure and advise the field party chief of conditions to determine if any work can be accomplished.
All sampling equipment and consumables will be provided by the chartering researchers unless other arrangements are made. Food and drinks are not normally supplied for day trips.
Collecting of samples will be a joint effort between the vessel crew and the chartering researchers. Sampling that uses any machinery will be conducted by the vessel crew; the processing and storage of all samples will be conducted by the chartering researchers.
The R/V Tom McIlwain is insured to cover normal research activities of the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Any additional insurance requirements must be provided by the chartering researchers. Address questions regarding insurance coverage to Kris Fulton at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (228) 875-2244.
If a "Request for Services" form is not completed and filed in the Boat Operations office at least 5 working days prior to any trip, the trip will not be confirmed and could be subject to changes in dates.

Information/Scheduling of GCRL Research Vessels