R/V Paragon

UC Santa Cruz purchased R/V Paragon in August 2001, and began employing it for working missions in April 2002 after a complete re-power and renovation. Paragon is used primarily for PISCO subtidal surveys, survey training, and mooring work. It has also been involved in assisting with various PISCO research projects including studies of rockfish population genetics and recruitment patterns. Additionally Paragon has been contracted to conduct oceanographic work (consisting primarily of deployment and retrieval of instrumentation) for a variety of non-PISCO researchers including representatives from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, California Polytechnic State University, Stanford University, and the office of Naval Research.

Vessel specifications:

R/V Paragon has a documented length of 32 feet and an actual overall length of 35.5 feet. Its documented weight is 10 gross tons with a net displacement weight of about 8 tons. The working deck measures approximately 8.5 x 15 feet. The vessel is powered by twin 250-horsepower diesel engines with efficient fuel usage and very low emissions. The engines burn 12 gallons of fuel per hour while cruising, and about half a gallon per hour at idle. It cruises at 20 knots when fully loaded. It has a mast and boom rated for 1,500 pounds, a hydraulic capstan head, a 1,500-pound electric winch, and hydraulic anchoring. Paragon has a full compliment of modern electronics, AC power, television, hot water, 3 diver platforms, and diver entry ladder.

R/V Paragon can comfortably accommodate 8-14 persons depending on the nature of the mission. It will sleep up to 4 persons in the V-berth for overnight missions, and due to its unusually low profile, provides an especially stable working platform in most sea conditions. It has two large holds (approx 60 cubic feet each), and a removable live fish hold/diver warming unit. It also carries a 10-foot inflatable skiff.

The current captains of the R/V Paragon are Jamie Grover and Jared Figurski.

Contact Jamie Grover for more information.

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