- Gallow Frame
- Aft Deck: The aft deck features a large gallows frame with 400 meters of cable on a hydraulic winch. It is used for mud coring and deploying ROV's and instrumentation packages.
- Propulsion
- Propulsion: The propeller pushes the ship through the water, the Neeskay can travel at a maximum speed of 11 knots. The 6 foot tall rudder turns the ship in port (left) or starboard (right) depending on which way the wheel in the bridge is turned.
- Lab
- Lab: The Neeskay's an onboard allows lab for chemical, physical, biological, and geological analysis which afford the researchers the opportunity to begin analyzing samples before returning to shore.
- Safety Equipment
- Safety Equipment: An automatic life raft and 25 survial suits are on board in case of emergency.
- Radar
- Mast: Holds the Furuno radar which can "see" in a 72 mile radius and allows the captain to see other ships and navigate even in inclement weather. The mast also contains lights and horn.
- Bridge
- Pilot House: From here the cpatain directs the crew and navigates the ship using GPS, radar and paper charting.
- Engine Room
- Engine Room: A single 340 HP diesel engine powers the Neeskay allowing it a range of 1080 km (600 nautical miles). Most trips last about 8 hours, but the Neeskay can remain on the water for up to three days.
- Aluminum A-frame
- Aluminum A-frame: In conjunction with the hydraulic winch, the A-frame allows for raising and lowering of research instruments such as the Seabird CTD and Zooplankton net.
- Hydraulic Winch
- Hydraulic Winch: With 460 meters (1500') of cable, the winch allows researchers to collect samples by deploying the Niskin bottle, Seabird CTD and other collection instruments.
- Habitat
- Cargo Hold/Dry Lab: Full galley facilities include refrigerators, freezers, convection microwave oven, electric countertop stove and grill, temperature control, shower, two toilets, and comfortable accommodations for four scientists overnight.
- Anchor
- Anchor: Keeps the ship in place while it is "on station" allowing researchers to conduct sampling from a steady position.
Hover over a red star to learn more about the various parts of the R/V Neeskay. View the Neeskay slideshow below for a photographic tour of the vessel.
The NEESKAY has been the the the Great Lakes WATER Institute's primary research vessel since 1970, providing year-round access to the lake and acting as a floating laboratory
Neeskay Slideshow
NEESKAY is derived from the Native American Ho-Chunk people's language and translates as "pure clean water."
You can track the NEESKAY's voyages online and get real time depth and temperature data while also following the ship's course on Google Maps. Prior cruises are also available for viewing.
A complete listing of the ship's specifications can also be found online.