A huge ship has docked in Cardiff this week, inviting the public to climb aboard and check out the impressive work that is being done there. The Royal Research Ship James Cook will be stationed at the Britannia Quay in Cardiff Bay until Tuesday, October 22, giving visitors a chance to take a glance inside the impressive vessel.
The ship sailed to Wales from Iceland and is here as part of the Explore Our Planet event hosted by Techniquest this weekend. Visitors can explore onboard the ship to see first-hand what it’s like working at sea and meet the captain, crew, and scientists working on RRS James Cook. Techniquest also has multiple exhibitions within the science museum in Cardiff Bay teaching people the importance of marine research and the impact of climate change.
Talks are scheduled on Saturday, October 19, and Sunday, October 20, with doctors sharing their expertise on a wide range of topics connected to the ship. Researchers from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have sailed around the world on RRS James Cook for 18 years since it was first commissioned in 2006. Captain Jim Gwinnell has commanded her for nine years, travelling across oceans, visiting places such as Costa Rica, Panama, Iceland, and Greenland.
Expeditions usually last around four to six weeks with up to 54 people onboard, including crew and scientists. The ship features lounge areas for people to socialize while at sea, playing games like darts, table football, and hosting quiz nights. Each expedition involves a number of scientists researching different topics, often working together in the ship’s many labs.
The next expedition trip that the team at NOC is going on will have them heading to Argentina in February. The ship is equipped with advanced technology to aid scientists in their research, such as the ocean robot Autosub Long Range ‘Boaty McBoatface’ and the CDT, which measures ocean temperature, depth, and pressure. The public is welcomed to explore this impressive vessel and learn more about marine research and climate change.