62′ R/V Shearwater for NOAA

All American Marine (AAM) proudly delivered the 62’ R/V Shearwater, NOAA’s first custom-designed scientific research vessel. This advanced Teknicraft-designed catamaran operates from the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, conducting critical marine research, educational programs, and emergency response missions in the Santa Barbara Channel, California.

The R/V Shearwater is primarily utilized as a multi-mission research platform, supporting biotic and abiotic oceanographic studies. The vessel is equipped for:

• Trawls, CTD casts, sediment sampling, and sonar towing with a Markey Com7 scientific winch and A-frame
• Seabird research, shipwreck archaeology, and environmental data collection
• Diver support with an onboard Bauer MII DVE dive compressor

This vessel enhances NOAA’s ability to monitor marine ecosystems, support conservation efforts, and provide baseline data for resource management.

Designed for long-duration scientific expeditions, the R/V Shearwater features:

• Onboard accommodations for 10 researchers, allowing multi-day research trips
• Wet and dry laboratories for specimen analysis and data processing
• A fully equipped galley and safety gear for extended operations

Its state-of-the-art 28-port computer network with remote access to mainland research stations enables real-time data sharing and enhances collaborative research efforts.

Engineered for fast and fuel-efficient operations, the Shearwater delivers:

• Twin 600-horsepower Detroit Diesel Series 60 14L engines
• Osborne 5-blade propellers, reaching speeds up to 24.7 knots (28 mph)
• A 20-knot cruising speed at 80% power with a 600+ nautical mile range

Built with Teknicraft’s signature hydrofoil-assisted hull, the vessel provides:

• A cushioned ride through 6-8 foot swells in the Santa Barbara Channel
• Low wake energy and improved fuel efficiency
• Non-toxic SN1 bottom paint for an environmentally friendly hull

The R/V Shearwater is a powerful, agile, and sustainable research vessel, reinforcing NOAA’s commitment to marine conservation, cutting-edge research, and environmental stewardship in one of California’s most vital marine sanctuaries.