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The Nautilus team has recently made a short video tour of their exploration vessel, through areas of the ship people usually don’t see on the live feeds, behind-the-scenes, the mess, bridge, data lab, and more.

The Nautilus Exploration Program focuses on three main areas of marine science: biology, geology, and archeology. No matter what area a particular cruise focuses on, the Corps of Exploration is ready for whatever they may come across in the depths of the sea.

Exploration Vessel Nautilus is equipped with some of the latest technological systems, helping to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration. Primary capabilities include science class remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), high-resolution seafloor mapping, and real-time satellite transmission of data.

E/V Nautilus can host up to 31 members of the science team and 17 ship’s crew, all contributing in various ways to the scientific efforts of the Corps of Exploration.

The Hercules remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is the workhorse of the Nautilus Exploration Program, and it always used in tandem with Argus. When used in tandem, Argus takes the roll of the ship so Hercules can remain steady through sensitive operations. It also provides additional light and serves as an “eye in the sky” during operations. When operating alone, it can dive deeper than Hercules, down to 6,000 meters.

After a short delay, E/V Nautilus is now transiting to Belize. The deep waters around and off the coasts of the Belizean cayes and atolls, and the Honduran Bay Islands are among the least studied areas of the Caribbean Sea. The Team and Crew of Nautilus will conduct seafloor mapping and ROV exploration of the areas around and offshore the cayes and atolls of the Belize Barrier Reef, including potential mud volcanoes off Turneffe, Lighthouse atolls, and possible shipwrecks in the area.

August 04, 2014