Volume 8, 1955 - The Arctic Circle - Home

VOL. VIII NO.2 THE ARCTIC CIRCULAR 24She had to be sufficiently strong to ride out violent northern storms,and be capable of manoeuvering and navigating in restricted, shallow,and often dangerous waters and yet provide comfort for her complementof scientists, officers, and crew. Space had also to be allowed forcarrying six special sounding launches and two helicopters.In order to meet these requirements at a reasonableinitial capital expenditure, it has been necessary to keep theprincipal dimensions within close limits. The vessel is 285 feetin over-all length, and has a beam of 49 feet 6 inches and a maximumdraft of 16 feet 6 inches. Additional breadth, although desirablefrom the point of view of more spacious quarters, greater tankcapacity, and longer cruising range, would result in uncomfortablestiffness and a quick period of roll which would be most unpleasantto all on board.Comfortable quarters have been planned for a total of102 persons r which will include hydrographers, helicopter pilotsand mechanics I sounding launch mechanics, electronic specialists Idraftsmen, and other technicians, the crew of the vessel, andfrom time to time oceanographers, geologists, geodesists, andother scientists.Ample power is essential for operations in heavy ice.The Baffin will be equipped to deliver a total of 8,000 shaft horsepoweron two shafts through modern geared diesel machineryconnected to the shafts through special quick-emptying fluidcouplings and reduction gears. Shaft and rudder stock will be 40per cent in excess of the strength required by Lloyd's Registerof Shipping for vessels navigating in ice. The coefficient ofweight to horsepower is about 0.325. Machinery is arrangedslightly aft of amidships with fuel tanks, for the large supply offuel necessary, in the double bottoms forward and under the engineroom; in addition there are deep tanks for fuel immediately forwardof the engine room and,besidES the usual forepeak tank, provisionhas been made for a trimming tank. Abaft the engine room, tankshave been placed abreast of and between the shaft tunnels for freshwater, gasoline, and water ballast. There is a cargo hold in theforward part of the vessel immediately in front of the deep fueltanks.In conformity with the requirements of the International\ Convention for Safety of Life at Sea for vessels carrying up to 29pas s engers on international voyage", and in conformity with thel