Research vessel
![Endeavour replica in Cooktown harbour in 2005](/Images/godic/202501/30/Endeavour_replica_in_Cooktown_harbour2117.jpg")
![Modern types↑ Canadian hydrographic survey vessel CCGS Frederick G. Creed↑ United States oceanographic research vessel, NOAAS Ronald H. Brown↑ Danish fisheries research vessel, FRV Dana↑ German naval research vessel Planet](/Images/godic/202501/30/Creed22117.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202501/30/NOAAS_Ronald_H_Brown2117.jpg")
![](/Images/godic/202501/30/DANA_2004_ubt2117.jpeg")
A research vessel (RV or R/V) is a ship or boat designed and/or equipped to carry out research at sea. Research vessels carry out a number of roles. Some of these roles can be combined into a single vessel but others require a dedicated vessel. Due to the demanding nature of the work, research vessels are often constructed around an icebreaker hull, allowing them to operate in polar waters.