R/V Cascadia Strait opens to visitors twice a year when the schedule allows, with tours running continuously between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Visitors go aboard in small groups and see the working parts of the ship: the bridge, the wet and dry laboratories, the aft deck with its A-frame and winches, and the CTD rosette that does most of the sampling on most cruises. Crew and scientists are aboard throughout and answer questions.
Oliver Brandt, who manages vessel operations, maintains that the tour program is the most valuable thing the ship does that produces no data.
Practical details
Free, and no booking required. Turn up at the university dock any time between 10 and 3; the last group goes aboard at 2:45 p.m.
Access to the vessel is by a gangway and there are ladders and high sills below deck. The main deck is accessible to visitors who can manage the gangway; the laboratories and bridge are not step-free. Crew will describe what is below for anyone who cannot go down, and there is no rush about it.
Flat, closed shoes are required. Children are welcome and must stay with an adult.
Tours are cancelled in poor weather or if the ship is called away, which does happen. Cancellation is posted on the events page by 8 a.m.