The R/V CUNY I is a state-of-the-art, 65’ hybrid propulsion, aluminum 
catamaran available for research and educational cruises in and around the near shore waters of Jamaica Bay and the New York Harbor estuaries.
With its home pier at Kingsborough Community College in Manhattan Beach, Brooklyn, the CUNY I can be booked by the full or half day for a variety of educational and scientific excursions. It has on board space for 49 passengers including modular seating for up to 26. The inner cabin can be configured to accommodate a range of laboratory research and educational activities, with fixed exterior space on the lower and upper decks.
The R/V CUNY I was constructed using some of the most sustainable technologies on the market. The hybrid propulsion system is both electric and diesel powered, and uses only 1/3rd of the fuel of a diesel powered engine. This technology saves fuel and maintenance costs while helping to preserve the environment. In addition, the diesel engine is compliant with stringent Tier 3 federal emissions standards. The vessel is also ‘zero discharge’ compliant meaning that it doesn’t produce any cooling or grey/black water discharge or any hydraulic leakage that can be detrimental to marine ecosystems.
Research
The R/V CUNY I can be used for a range of research activities such as trawling, grab sampling, diving, seismic profiling, and coring. Key features for research excursions include:
- Lab configuration of cabin with eight work stations
- 2 water-level dive platforms
- Fresh water hose
- Tilting A-Frame with 20 ft of clearance and up to 35 degrees rotation (1575 lb working load)
- Davit (fixed crane) arrangement (750 lb working load)
- Exterior mounted SONAR pole for auxiliary transducers
Other equipment can be accommodated, but must be provided by researchers.
Education & Outreach
Excursions for educational activities and public outreach aboard the R/V CUNY I can introduce Jamaica Bay to students of all ages. Key features for education and outreach trips include:
- Classroom configuration of cabin with seating for 26
- Reception configuration with open cabin format with high top tables for conferences and educational and research-related events
- Apple TV with Wifi
- Removable 6.5 ft x 4.5 ft touch tank
Booking
The season runs from Memorial Day through the end of October, although additional dates may be able to be accommodated via special request.
To request a trip, please send an email to sandrac@brooklyn.cuny.edu with the following information:
- Dates of Interest
- Purpose of Excursion
- Excursion Type
- Approximate hours
- Contact Information (Name, Organization/Institution, Phone, Email)
- Additional questions or comments
2018 CUNY I Excursion Request Announcement Flyer
Contact
.For additional inquiries, contact Sandra Clarke at sandrac@brooklyn.cuny.edu
