Coast Survey Launches New Vessel
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched the Ferdinand R. Hassler at Moss Point, Mississippi, on September 19. The Hassler is the first vessel the Office of the Coast Survey has commissioned in 40 years specifically for the task of hydrographic mapping.
The Ferdinand R. Hassler
The Hassler will play a big role in re-charting the nation’s waters. Most of the soundings on nautical charts of American’s coasts are at least 25 years old; many are over 60 years old. The seafloor in coastal regions is in a constant state of flux and old, and often inaccurate, depth measurements present a hazard to shipping. The backlog for charting some 500,000 square nautical miles of America’s waterways is estimated to be over 150 years.
NOAA received $830 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Obama’s stimulus package) of which $40 million will be spent to bring nautical charts up to date. In addition to building its fleet with ships like the Hassler, the Office of the Coast Survey will also be hiring private contractors to help map the sea floor.
Over the winter the Hassler will be outfitted with hydrographic equipment. She is expected to enter service next year. Her home port will be Newcastle, New Hampshire.