Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) Center

FACILITIES & TECHNOLOGY

• Underwater Observatories
• LEO-15 Instrument Interface Specification (PDF)
• Manned Submersibles
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV's)
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Research Vessels
• Scuba Diving
• Additional Equipment and facilities available through the Institute

Underwater Observatories

Long Term Environmental Observatory-15 Meters

LEO-15 consists of two unmanned seafloor observatories 1.5 kilometers apart approximately 9 kilometers off the central coast of New Jersey. They have been linked to the Rutgers Marine Field Station in Tuckerton, NJ, with an electro-optic cable which contains optical fibers to transfer information and copper wires to transfer power. This link provides a real-time connection between the undersea world off the coast of New Jersey and the Internet, providing scientists, engineers, and educators with realtime access to the sea. It permits them to monitor experiments and to alter their direction from essentially any classroom, office building, or laboratory in the world. The cable also provides continuous and ample electrical power, a luxury denied to experimentalists using traditional methods to study the ocean.

LEO-15 Upgrade by WetSat

The Mid-Atlantic Bight National Undersea Research Center at Rutgers University has created a new academic/industrial partnership with WETSAT Inc., in collaboration with Satlantic and WET Labs, to upgrade the Long-term Ecosystem Observatory at 15 meters (LEO-15) Program. WETSAT has been contracted by Rutgers to provide a state-of-the-art turnkey observatory replacement for the current system. The new system will enable operators to monitor and control the underwater observatory securely and remotely while providing real-time data to users world wide via the Internet. Information from this system provides a picture of the underwater environment to scientists, educators, and others around the world. LEO-15 is an electro-optic cabled underwater ocean observing system consisting of a suite of sophisticated marine instrumentation connected to a node on the seafloor. Located in the coastal waters of New Jersey, near Tuckerton, the system provides real-time information for the rapid envirnonmental assessment and physical/biological forecasting. WETSAT Inc. will provide their innovative Scientific Instrument Interface Module (SIIM) and the Data Acquisition and Control Network (DACNet) Ocean Observatory Operating System. These tools will vastly improve the available experiment bandwith, significantly improve power monitoring and control, and with viewing via the Internet. The SIIM is a modular, scalable, state-of-the-art underwater sensor-interfacing tool for cabled observatories and other real-time acquisition applications. This interface tool will feed into what is essentially the "brain" of the system, called DACNet that resides on the shore station server. The revolutionary DACNet developed by Satlantic Inc. of Halifax, N.S. has been utilized in various observatory programs (both moored and cabled) in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, the Mediterranean, and the Eastern United States. DACNet was chosen because of its demonstrated ability to provide flexible control and reliable results in operational systems. DACNet automatically controls all sensor scheduling and performs data handling functions from collection to storage and real-time forwarding to designated users. Authorized operators can control, monitor and configure the infrastructure as well as sensors, remotely, from virtually any computer on the Internet. Authorized users can monitor their sensors and receive email updated of critical events in the ocean. The real-time capabilities of LEO-15 allow for adaptive sampling of episodic events and integration into ocean forecast models. The goal of this observatory and those in the network is to produce a picture of the underwater environment as detailed as that which a human has oof the world above the ocean, with the information presented on time and distance scales important to individual organisms. This observatory is one part of the expanding network of ocean observatories that will form the basis of a national observation network.
		New Node Junction Box
		Testing Software Controls of COOL SIIM
		Testing Profiling Winch
		Junction Box Assembly
SIIM Assembly 1	SIIM Assembly 2	LEO Port Simulator
LEO Shore Station	LEO Ports PowerPoint File	LEO Shore PowerPoint File

Profiler
Each node already has a vertical profiler operated by an electric winch controlled via the Internet to provide water column profiles of temperature, salinity, light transmission, and chlorophyll fluorescence. In addition, each node has a channel of video to provide continuous bottom imagery and two hydrophones to provide information on the sound environment.

• CTD (conductivity-temperature-depth)
• Fluorometer
• Transmissometer
• Optical Backscatter
• Precision pressure sensor

All sensors except the precision pressure sensor are located on the vertical profiler, thus allowing them to be positioned anywhere in the water column. These sensors in general are operational at all times except when being serviced. As a result, LEO-15 generates an enormous amount of raw data 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This data is made available to scientists world wide via an archiving system.

DATA on the Internet:
Live data is available from these sensors at the following links:
(Current updates may be unavailable if the system is being serviced.)

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV's)
ROV's are used increasingly to conduct undersea research for specialized applications. The size and capability range from the low cost ROV (LCROV) to much larger, more elaborate systems. LCROV's are small, tethered vehicles that can generally be operated to depths of approximately 230 m (755 ft.) from ships of opportunity. They have thrusters, color still and video photographic systems, and a simple single function manipulator arm. NURP owns both Phantom and Mini-Rover LCROV's.Several larger deep-ocean ROV's have been developed and maintained for scientific use by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Deep Submergence Operations Group (WHOI DSOG), the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), and the Institute of Ocean Sciences (IOS). Also, under a memorandum of agreement between NURP and the U.S. Navy, several larger ROV's are available for research.

Larger ROV's

MEDEA-JASON is a dual vehicle ROV system operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, with MEDEA serving as a support vehicle for JASON. The dual system ROV can carry out detailed, near-bottom optical and acoustical imaging of the sea floor or water column. JASON is equipped with a broad array of imaging systems and a manipulator arm. Both JASON and MEDEA are designed to operate to a maximum depth of 6,000 m (19,685 ft.). Photo by J.F. Grassle.

Remotely Operated Vehicles at the National Undersea Research Center (North Atlantic and Great Lakes, NURC-NA&GL)
The low cost ROV has become a central component of the research support provided by NURC-NA&GL. The small size and portability of the ROV and support equipment has made them ideal for use off vessels of opportunity and for operations in remote areas and internationally. Additionally, the viewing capabilities of video and display of sensor data allow numerous observers to participate in each dive. This capability makes them particularly useful for educational programs. www.nurc.uconn.edu/technologies/rovs.htm

Autonoumous Vehicles

Remus
REMUS is a low cost autonomous multi-functional underwater vehicle (AUV) designed to perform survey missions in water depths from 3 meters to 100 meters.

The REMUS system is comprised of the vehicle and auxiliary equipment to support its mission and maintenance, as well as software programs for pre-mission programming, and post mission data analysis. The REMUS vehicle weighs 80 pounds, including typical ballasting (trim) weights. It is 62 inches long and 7.5 inches in diameter. Commands are programmed into the REMUS onboard computer prior to launch, which give the vehicle the instructions needed to perform an autonomous search. The vehicle maintains a programmed speed, depth, and course using its on-board sensors, motion algorithms, and navigation systems. The sensors are also used to collect mission data. An illustration of the REMUS in action is provided in Figure 1.

Figure 1: REMUS in action

During a mission, the vehicle collects side-scan sonar images that can be used to detect objects on or near the sea floor. The vehicle also collects data that can be used to generate a hydrographic (bathymetric) map, as well as maps of water currents, water clarity, water temperature, salinity, and some of its acoustic properties. Since the vehicle knows its location in latitude and longitude at all times and this information is recorded with the collected data, returning to a detected target or determining its location is a simple task. Data is stored in the vehicle’s systems until it is downloaded following recovery. In addition to the data previously described, information on how the vehicle performed during the mission is also recorded. This information can be used to show a replay of the vehicle’s route, and can also be used to analyze performance characteristics during the mission such as propeller RPM, heading, depth, battery usage, etc.

The propeller on the aft end of the vehicle drives it through the water at speeds from 3 to 5 knots. Two horizontal fins forward of the propeller control the vehicle’s depth by causing it to angle upward or downward (pitch). Two vertical fins control the vehicle’s heading, causing it to turn to port or starboard (yaw). The vehicle must be moving for these fins to work. When the vehicle is powered up the vertical fin also provides the operator with visual indications of possible malfunctions by rotating to its full left or right positions.

The vehicle is positively ballasted to approximately 1 lb. for operating in most ocean environments. When the vehicle’s propeller stops turning, the vehicle stops moving, and it will float to the surface. Operating the vehicle in brackish or fresh water may require user adjustments to the ballast to ensure that positive buoyancy is maintained.

The vehicle normally navigates itself while underwater by computing its range to two acoustic transponders that are part of the REMUS system. Since GPS satellite signals cannot be received underwater, vehicle navigation accuracy is relative to, and dependent upon, the position of the acoustic transponders. The accuracy of the transponder coordinates determined during mission planning, and the precision with which the transponders are placed, determine how accurately the vehicle navigates itself, which, in turn, determines the accuracy of the positions of objects detected by the vehicle’s sensors.

The vehicle is powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs. Removing an external magnet located on the mid-body vehicle housing turns on power to the vehicle. The magnet should be in place when the vehicle is not in use to avoid accidental discharging of the batteries and/or inadvertent starting of the vehicle. The REMUS has an operational duration of approximately 9 hours at 5 knots when the batteries are fully charged. At 3 knots, mission duration of 20 hours is possible. During mission planning and post-mission analysis, the vehicle can be powered externally using a Power/Data Interface Box (provided with system). Using this method reduces battery drain. The Power/Data Interface Box is also used to recharge the vehicle’s batteries.

Components of the REMUS system

Components of the REMUS system are listed below. General physical and functional characteristics of the REMUS are provided in Table 1.

• REMUS – autonomous underwater vehicle used to perform hydrographic reconnaissance.
• Transponders – acoustic transmit/receive units that allow the REMUS to determine its position via triangulation.
• The RANGER – used to track the position of the vehicle in real-time, and/or to send selected commands such as “abort mission” or “come home” to the vehicle during operation.
• Precise Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR II) – used to place the REMUS transponders.
• The Rocky II laptop computer – used to program REMUS missions, analyze data collected by the vehicle, and view the operational status of the vehicle.
• CD writer - used with laptop to archive data files for permanent storage.
• The Power/Data Interface Box – used to speed the transfer of data between the REMUS vehicle and the Rocky II laptop computer, and to provide external power to the vehicle for battery charging.
• Transportation containers – two equally sized plastic shipping/storage containers; one container with an integral cradle for securing the vehicle, the second container for protection and transport of REMUS auxiliary equipment.

Table 1. General Physical and Functional Characteristics

The Mid-Atlantic Bight National Undersea Research Center 's (MAB NURC) REMUS vehicle comes equipped with the following sensors:

• RDI Up/Down Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)
• Marine Sonics 600 kHz Sidescan
• WetLabs Optical backscatter
• Ocean Sensors (OS 200) conductivity and temperature
• Pressure sensor
• Heading , pitch and roll
• Optional nose cone module consisting of a specially designed plankton pump.

For additional information regarding REMUS and the daily rate, contact: Rose Petrecca, Director of Marine Operations at (609) 296-5260 Ext. 238, E-mail: petrecca@marine.rutgers.edu

Slocum Autonomous Underwater Gliders

The Slocum Autonomous Underwater Gliding Vehicle (AUGV), built by Webb Research Corporation (Falmouth, MA), is an integrated instrument platform designed to operate in the coastal oceans. It is designed such that, by adjusting its volume to weight ratio, it dives and climbs in a sawtooth pattern to predetermined set of waypoints. The result is a low cost, highly adaptable autonomous underwater vehicle with a very low power requirement. The user programs the glider via text based mission files, which instruct the glider to dive and climb to a predetermined set of waypoints (latitudes and longitudes). Gliders are capable of communicating with a shore based computer or human user via high frequency radio transmission as well as by satellite. The estimated range of operation is 1500km.

While the majority of the glider is reserved for glider mechanics, battery storage and communication equipment, a section is devoted specifically to scientific payload. Future plans include outfitting the vehicles with a suite of miniaturized physical and bio-optical instrumentation that measure water properties including temperature and salinity, as well as the absorption and scattering of light in the water column. These instruments, combined with the mobility and long-range communication capabilities of the glider, will provide continuous, near real time information on ocean physics and biology. This information will help to improve the accuracy of oceanic forecasts and ground truthing of ocean color satellite algorithms.

The COOL group is currently focusing on the development and deployment of a fleet of gliders to continuously patrol the coastal oceans. In order to achieve this goal, we are employing some of the same “smart” technologies that NASA has used in deploying earth-orbiting satellite constellations. This technology allows the gliders to adjust their current course based on the previously collected physical and optical data. When realized, this will allow for 24-hour-a-day data collection without constant supervision by a human scientist. The end result will be a glider fleet that will be able to detect and track oceanic features (i.e.: upwelling events, red-tides, and coastal eddies) from their formation to dissipation, improving our current understanding of the dynamical nature of coastal ecosystems and providing earlier detection of oceanic features that develop offshore and are advected into coastal waters.

Research Vessels

R/V ARABELLA

The R/V ARABELLA is a 48 ft (14.6 meter) fiberglass research vessel, built in 1996 by DUFFY & DUFFY CUSTOM YACHTS, BROOKLIN, MAINE. The R/V ARABELLA was designed as a near shore up to 50 miles platform capable of a wide range of scientific needs such as trawling, grab sampling, diving, seismic profiling, coring, etc.

LOA: 48 ft.
LWL: 44.5 ft..
MAX BEAM: 17.6 ft.
WORKING DECK: 20x15 ft.
OPEN TRANSOM: 13 ft.
DRAFT: 5 ft.
DISPLACEMENT: 40,000 lbs.
FUEL: 750 gal.
CRUISING SPEED: 15 kts.
MAX SPEED: 19 kts.
FUEL CONSUMPTION: 15 gph (cruising speed).

ARABELLA is powered by a single DETROIT 12V71TA, diesel engine turning a 38x34, 5 blade wheel. The gear is a TWINDISC, 514, equipped with Trolling valve for 1 to 2 knot operation. The vessel has an extensive hydraulic system to supply power for A-Frame, single drum deck winch, vertical capstan, bow thruster, and anchor windlass. A-Frame lifting capacity is approximately 2500lbs and can handle dimensions of 10 ft high, with a foot print of approximately 8 ft. ARABELLA has a mast and boom capable of over-the-side operations (boom lifting capacity is 1000 lbs). AC electric is supplied by a single 12.5 Kw 3-phase, 208/110 v, 50 amp NORTHERN LIGHTS M843 generator. ARABELLA is equipped with a Marine Air reverse cycle heating and air conditioning system. ARABELLA also has a 17 CFM ROL-AIR air compressor for supporting surface supplied diving operations.

Electronics consist of the following

• 1 Lieca MX300/MX52R DGPS.
• 1 Northstar 800x Loran-C.
• 1 Furuno 36 mile Radar.
• 1 Datamarine Link System.
• 2 Raytheon, Ray 202, VHF Marine Radios.
• 2 Datamarine Digital Depth Sounders.
• 1 Sytex, Amber Depth Sounder.
• 1 Cellular Telephone (609 290-0010)

Deck winch is equipped with a 4-conductor slipring and 900 ft electro-mechanical wire capacity. R/V ARABELLA cond.

Safety Equipment:

• 1 Switlik liferaft-10 person, USCG/SOLAS w/A-pack.
• 6 Cold water immersion suits, STEARNS, USCG #1590, Adult.
• 10 Life jackets, STEARNS USCG, Type 1 Adult.
• 1 30 inch USCG orange life ring w/reflector tape.
• 1 ACR 406 SATELLITE E.P.I.R.B.
• 2 10 lb. CO2 fire extinguishers.
• 1 2.5 lb DRYCHEMICAL fire extinguisher.
• 1 FE243 (Haylon replacement) FireBoy USCG automatic fire extinguisher system.1 Offshore Flare kit, USCG/SOLAS.
• Additional cold water immersion suits available as needed.

Daily rate is $1,500/8 hr day (cost includes Captain and fuel). Every hour after 8 hours there will be an additional hourly charge of $ 187 for a maximum of a 12 hour day. For further informationplease contact Rose Petrecca, (609) 296-5260 ext 238.

R/V Caleta

R/V CALETA is a 9 meter aluminum research vessel built in 1991 by Winninghoff Boats Inc. (Rowley, MA). CALETA is designed for near shore (up to 20 miles) and estuarine research. This vessel may be adapted to a wide range of scientific needs such as trawling, benthic sampling, SCUBA diving, seismic profiling, coring and etc.

LOA: 29'6" (plus 2' overhang at open transom)
LWL: 26'
Beam Max: 11'
Working Deck: 13'2" x 9'
Draft (I/O down): 2'9" (+/-)
Displacement: 9300 lbs
Fuel: 150 gal.

Powered by a single ADQ41B diesel engine to a DuoProp outdrive. This gives CALETA a top speed of 14-18 kts (load displacement), with a fuel consumption of 2-4 gph

Deck gear consists of:

• A-Frame rated at 6000 lbs, hydraulically actuated.
• Hydraulic winch with capstan, rated at 1500 lbs; lift capacity with full drum (1/4" wire 1700'). Winch has slipring capability.
• Mast and Boom with 2000 lb electric winch and 90' 1/4" wire.
• A 2800 watt inverter (1500 watts continuous) provides 110v clean power for computers and other electronic equipment.

Navigation and other equipment consists of the following:

• NORTHSTAR 800 GPS/Loran
• MAGNAVOX MX300/MX50R DGPS
• FURUNO #1830 radar
• DATAMARINE digital depth indicator
• LOWRANCE recording fathometer
• STANDARD VHF
• Cellular telephone (908) 930-5889

Main cabin has one portable 6' lab bench on port side and a fixed 3' bench aft to port.
Cabin forward provides 4 work benches or bunks and a sink.

Safety equipment consists of the following:

• 1 six-man Switlick coastal life raft.
• Class B EPIRB
• 10 life jackets
• 6 Stearns Survival suits

CALETA is an uninspected vessel. It is under 300 gross tons and does not carry passengers for hire.

Daily rate is $1,100/8 hr day (cost includes Captain and fuel).
Every hour after 8 hours there will be an additional hourly charge of $137 for a maximum of a 12 hour day. For further information please contact Rose Petrecca, (609) 296-5260 ext 238.

SCUBA Diving

A highly skilled SCUBA dive team is available to support appropriate projects at depths less than 30 m (100 feet). The Institute's 9 meter coastal vessel R/V CALETA provides support for the diving operation. Contact the MAB-NURC Technical Director, Rosemarie Petrecca, for detailed information. Photos by E.L. Creed.

The Science Dive Program

The Scientific Diving Program for Rutgers University’s Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences (IMCS) was established in 1990 to support scientific research and control diving activities conducted under the auspices of this institution. The Institute of Marine and Coastal Sciences is an organizational member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), an organization dedicated to the advancement of scientific diving through the promotion of comprehensive training and educational programs. The IMCS diving program permits the scientific research community to access the undersea environment either as a participating research diver or through the services of the core members of IMCS’s research dive team.

The diving program operates under the guidance of the Diving Control Broad which sets forththe regulations and standards for training and diving activities. All diving conducted under the auspices of IMCS is subject to the guidelines established by the Diving Control Board and described in the IMCS’s Scientific Diving Manual. The diving program is managed by the Scientific Diving Officer in accordance with the directives of the Diving Control Board. All candidates for the scientific diving program must demonstrate a proficiency in their knowledge of the scientific diving program’s guidelines, as well as, their knowledge and skills for diving in a safe and effective manner. Diving under the auspices of the IMCS is not permitted unless a candidate has met the qualifications as set forth by the Diving Control Board and received the approval of the Scientific Diving Officer.

The diving program is located at IMCS’s Tuckerton Marine Field Station. This facility is situated near the Little Egg Harbor Inlet in southern New Jersey. The diving program currently has two research vessels available for its operations the R/V Caleta and the R/V Arabella. The R/V Caleta is a 9m aluminum hulled vessel capable of supporting SCUBA and portable surface supply systems. The R/V Arabella is the program’s primary diving platform. This vessel has a 4.8m (16 feet) beam, an overall length of 14.3m (48 feet), and is equipped to support SCUBA and surface supplied diving modes.

The major emphasis of the diving program has been to support and conduct undersea research activities at an inner continental shelf site located directly offshore of the Tuckerton Field Station. This site is situated in 15m (50 feet) of water and has been designated as LEO-15. This LEO (Long-term Ecosystem Observatory) is the first facility to be established as part of an electro-optical ocean sensing network which will provide the scientific community with the ability to monitor natural and anthropogenic changes in the marine environment in situ and real time. Research components that the scientific program diving program members are involved with include: habitat characteristics and the relationship of habitat on the recruitment of marine organisms; effects of physical, environmental, and biological processes on fisheries; coastal processes, e.g. as monitoring the processes involved with upwelling events; and, the development and enhancement of reliable sampling and sensing tools.

For additional information regarding IMCS’s diving program, contact:
Joseph A. Dobarro, Diving Safety Officer at (609) 296-5260 Ext. 239, Fax (609) 296-1024, E-mail dobarro@marine.rutgers.edu
Rose Petrecca, Director of Marine Operations at (609) 296-5260 Ext. 238, Fax (609) 296-1024, E-mail: petrecca@marine.rutgers.edu

Other Facilities

The Rutgers Marine Field Station

The Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS) at Tuckerton is situated at the end of a peninsula adjacent to Little Egg Inlet and is the site of a former U.S. Coast Guard Lifesaving Station. Facilities include the R/V CALETA a 30 ft. (9 m) aluminum hull research vessel, equipped with an A-frame and winches. The Institute has recently (August 1996) taken delivery of the R/V ARABELLA, a 48 ft. (14.6 m) fiber glass hull research vessel. Several small boats, docking facilities for larger vessels, analytical laboratories, running seawater lab, dark room, dive locker, dormitories and a classroom also are available. This field station serves as the shore base for the Institute's Long-Term Ecosystem Observatory on the continental shelf (LEO-15). Research activities focus on fishery-related investigations including recruitment of marine organisms, early life history studies, and studies of sediment transport on the continental shelf.