Commissioned
in 1967, RUDE is one
of NOAA's smallest ships. The ship is named after Captain Gilbert T. Rude
(pronounced 'roo-dee') of the former Coast and Geodetic Survey, who developed
the Rude Star Finder, a navigational device used for locating celestial
bodies.
RUDE conducts hydrographic surveys along the Northeast Coast of the U.S. and specializes in locating submerged wrecks and obstructions to navigation. These surveys are used to update the nation's suite of nautical charts. Accurate charts are important to the entire maritime community to prevent marine disasters such as ship groundings and oil spills. These charts are also important for coastal management and for the planning and development of marine sanctuaries.
RUDE is equipped with highly advanced hydrographic and navigation equipment. A pole-mounted SEABAT multibeam sonar acquires a fan-shaped swath of depth data from 40 sounding beams up to 13 times a second. Side-scan sonar generates a map-view image of the seafloor. Differential Global Positioning System receivers use satellite and radio signals to position the ship within 5 meters (17 feet). A CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) probe determines sound velocity through water to correct depth soundings. RUDE is also fully equipped for SCUBA diving operations to allow physical inspection of submerged obstructions.
All significant objects located during reconnaissance
side-scan surveys are investigated using the multibeam sonar, which gives
precise depths and positions over a narrower swath. Ship's divers are used
to determine the extent and nature of the hazard. An accurate position
and description of the hazard is obtained for charting purposes. Soundings
from RUDE's surveys are used for updating the nautical charts.
RUDE normally is at sea from February through November
and is homeported in Norfolk, VA.
To
search for underwater obstructions, RUDE uses the side-scan sonar. The
side-scan towfish and recorder provide an acoustic image of the sea floor
covering a wide swath of up to 300 meters, dependent on water depth. Side
scan sonar locates objects over large areas and provides estimated heights
of obstructions.
Three years ago, RUDE's technology was employed to help the U.S. Navy and Coast
Guard locate the wreckage from TWA flight 800. Most recently, RUDE was instrumental
in the search and location of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s aircraft off Martha's Vineyard,
MA.
| Overall length | 90 ft. |
| Beam< | 22 ft. |
| Draft | 7 ft. |
| Displacement | 220 tons |
| Cruising speed | 10 knots |
| Power | 900 horsepower |
| Range | 1,000 nautical miles |
| Endurance | 5 days |
| Complement |
4 officers |
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