Our Research Vessel: the R/V Garvin

The R/V Garvin is a 55' custom live-aboard research vessel that serves as an incredibly versatile platform for marine research and education. 

• 14 passenger berths in 7 bunk rooms plus crew quarters
• Fully US Coast Guard Certified and inspected
• Full galley and salon space ideal for lectures, photo/video equipment set up, and scientific lab space for on-board analysis
• Custom fiberglass dive and research platform
• Multiple hot showers and marine heads
• Crane arm and winch for hauling and deploying scientific equipment
• Dive compressor
• Ability to act as a mothership and tow small boats to research sites in remote areas

Vessel History

Research Vessel Garvin was built and commissioned the R/V Wahoo in 1980, beginning her career as a custom dive and wreck exploration boat under Captain Steve Bielenda. She was featured on CBS coverage of divers exploring the wreck of the Andrea Doria in July of 1983, and is even mentioned on the Andrea Doria's wikipedia page.

In 2003, when Captain Bielenda retired, she was purchased by Captain Hank Garvin, who had crewed on and dived from her for almost 20 years, and had fallen in love. He renamed her R/V Garloo, after the Great Garloo, a toy from 1960 that looked like a sea monster but was characterized as having a jolly, gentle personality.

She has worked most of her life in cold waters, as a base for technical and (especially) wreck diving off the coast of New York. For many years, she operated out of Captree State Park.

Captain Hank Garvin passed away at the age of 71 on May 26, 2015. His funeral showed his impact on the dive community--more than 200 divers came to pay their respects. He was well known as someone who mentored less experienced divers and prioritized safety, though he also had an adventurous, exploratory spirit. You can read his obituary here, and understand more clearly why we chose to have the Garvin take his name.