Ships of NOAA

NOAA currently operates a fleet of 15 research and survey vessels and is in the process of building more. These ships can be broken down into three general classifications of mission focus: hydrography, fisheries, and oceanography.  However, the missions of a NOAA ship can change to adapt to the needs of the nation at any time.

Hydrographic vessels map the ocean to aid maritime commerce and aid in safe navigation. These vessels use a multibeam system to acquire incredibly accurate depth information and deploy smaller survey launches to map shallower areas. The use of state-of-the-art uncrewed systems is quickly growing on these platforms.

Fisheries vessels study marine life and ocean conditions. They utilize a diverse array of acoustic instruments, nets, and other tools to catch fish and plankton, collect water samples, and measure ocean conditions to assess the health of fish populations and living resources. 

Oceanographic vessels are the most diverse group of ships. Their missions include conducting meteorological observation and sensor deployment, measuring ocean conditions, ocean exploration, and monitoring National Marine Sanctuaries. They also collect plankton and engage in mapping operations.