Full Document:
Nathaniel B. Palmer

Sections:
Technical Information—Ship and Science Equipment
Main and 01 Decks
02 Deck, 03 Deck, and Bridge
Electronics Lab
Forward Dry Lab
Aft Dry Lab
Biology (Bio) Lab
Wet Lab
Hydro Lab
Aquarium Room

Portrait of Nathaniel Brown Palmer

The R/V Nathaniel B. Palmer is operated by the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) on a long-term charter from Offshore Service Vessels LLC, Galliano, Louisiana. ASC staffs the vessel with a charter representative to coordinate cruise planning and scheduling, and with a technical staff to support science operations. Offshore Service Vessels LLC provides the vessel master, ice pilot, and crew.

The vessel was named after merchant marine and ship builder, Nathaniel B. Palmer (8 August 1799 - 21 June 1877). The son of a Connecticut ship builder, Palmer had a prosperous and adventurous life as a sealer and whaler, a sea captain, and a ship designer and builder. He was a pioneer in the clipper era and some historians credit Palmer with the discovery of Antarctica, although others challenge this view.

The Palmer, completed in 1992, is 308 feet long and is ice-classed ABS-A2, capable of breaking three feet of level ice at three knots. The Palmer can accommodate 39 scientists and staff in one and two-person staterooms. Each stateroom has a television and computer network connection. The ship has a galley and a common dining area, conference room/library, lounge with audio and visual systems, a sauna, and an exercise room.

For more information on living conditions, see Life Onboard the Nathaniel B. Palmer.