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The 110 foot R/V Palmetto is South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ offshore research vessel (Figure A-53). Made of steel and powered by twin 550 HP diesel engines, the vessel generally conducts scientific research from Cape Lookout, NC to Palm Beach, Florida and out to over 200 miles. The vessel operates around the clock for up to 10 days at sea with a crew of 6, and has berthing for 9 scientists. Bridge electronics include GPS integrated into computerized navigation software, satellite communications including email capabilities, as well as standard radar, radios, depth-sounders, air and sea temperature sensors, etc. The air-conditioned wet lab has its own navigation electronics and computer facilities. On deck equipment include a seawater ice maker, marine crane, A-frame, winch, and hydraulic pot hauler allowing deployment and retrieval of a wide variety of research instruments and sampling gears.