Name: Ranger III
Captain: Hanrahan, Bill
Length: 165 feet
Beam: 34 feet
Draft: 10.5 feet
Speed: 11 knots
Displacement: 650 tons
Hull: Steel Displacement
Year: 1958

Comments:

The vessel's primary mission is the logistical support of Isle Royale National Park, however it could be made available to serve as a research platform on a case by case basis as determined by the NPS. Overall length is 165 ft. LBP is 152.8 ft. In 1998 the vessel was repowered with twin 850 hp Cats and a 250 hp bow thruster was added. For more information see the Ranger III web page: Ranger III webpage (click)

Current projects (2010):

Michigan Tech Research Institute (MTRI) - study of environmental conditions (air quality, pressure, etc.) crossing Lake Superior used to augment data base research tools and public education via an onboard public display unit. Project manager - Chris Roussi, MTU; MTRI project measuring of autonomous water quality using instrumentation connected to water intakes. PM - Robert Shuchman, PH. D., MTU; NPS/EPA/MTRI experimental emergency ballast treatment system that treats ballast water for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) et al using (6%) Sodium Hypochlorite solution and neutralization by ascorbic acid. PM - NPS Chief Engineer, Edward Hickey. 

Currently the NPS/EPA/MTRI is embarking on a project for a permanent ballast treatment system of exotic species that may help to develop standards for other commercial ships using the Great Lakes. The work will focus on fresh water systems. PM - Phyllis Green, Superintendent, ISRO.