Motor yachtUnited States flag
Bitt
Seen off Hercules on October 19, 2026.
38.02300°N, 122.36130°W Destination Benicia
This is Bitt
RV Clifford A. The University of Washington School of Oceanography operated the vessel under a charter-party agreement.
History
Clifford A. Barnes began service as a United States Coast Guard icebreaking small harbor tug, USCGC Bitt. Built by Western Boat Building Co in 1965 for ice operations, search and rescue, and pollution response, she was one of fifteen of her class ordered by the Coast Guard. She was decommissioned in 1982 and turned over to the National Science Foundation, although ships of her class remain in service by the USCG.
Research vessel mission
The University of Washington School of Oceanography uses Barnes for oceanographic and fishery research in the protected littoral waters of Washington and British Columbia. The vessel serves as platform for research on the fjord system of Puget Sound and the surrounding bodies of water. She supports research best done in sheltered bodies of water, and on the effects of populated areas on coastal areas. Barnes has a small science space, two winches, a crane, and can house up to six scientists and students. Cruises are generally only one day in length, although they sometimes run as long as six days. The university's use of Barnes is supported through a combination of grants and contracts, the university's operating funds, and self-sustaining revenue.
Community outreach
An important non-research function of Clifford A. Barnes is to serve as a vehicle for community outreach. The main purpose of this outreach is to educate students about the marine sciences. This is primarily done through a two-day open house for local students grades 3–12. Faculty, crew, and students give tours of the ship, as well as demonstrations of marine research.
Recently at sea
Yacht Tracker has been following her position since October 19, 2026.
Sources: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wikidata.
Specifications
Design
- Delivered
- 1965
- Operator
- National Science Foundation
Identification
- MMSI
- 366918910
- Call sign
- WRN5495
Navigation
- Declared destination
- Benicia
- Tracked since
- October 19, 2026
- Last signal
- on October 19, 2026 at 19:32 UTC
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