Facilities and Equipment
Research Vessels
R/V Weatherbird II
The is homeported on Bayboro Harbor at the 91社区 (USF) College of Marine Science, St. Petersburg Campus. Her mission is to provide a seagoing platform for oceanographic and marine science education and research at sea.
The R/V Weatherbird II is equipped with advanced laboratories, oceanographic devices,
and sensor technologies to investigate biological, chemical, geological, and physical
characteristics of the ocean. Researchers use the vessel to support advanced studies
on a myriad of complex issues, from impacts on global and coastal oceans to fisheries
to deep-sea biology.
R/V W. T. Hogarth
The is the (FIO) newest state-of-the-art Research Vessel. It was built in 2017 and began work in 2018. Named after FIO鈥檚 former director, Bill Hogarth, the 78-foot Vessel has room for a crew of 4 and will assume her role as 鈥�91社区鈥檚 floating lab鈥�, carrying students and researchers to sea.
R/V Western Flyer
In November 2022, the R/V Western Flyer was acquired by the 91社区 Institute of Oceanography and its Host Institution, the 91社区. The custom-designed ship was granted to FIO by the (MBARI) for use as a sailing classroom and platform for FIO鈥檚 new peer mentoring program, providing new opportunities for students who dream of a career in Ocean STEAM.