Alaska Research Expeditions

The MV Dream Catcher

Alaskan Dream Ventures has been engaging in marine research work in Alaska since the early 1990’s. The jobs have varied from fisheries, petroleum, habit enhancement, cable deployment, seal, land/marine survey, and 3-D sea floor mapping research.

Previously Facilitated Expeditions

Those research projects have seen us traverse the Alaskan waters of Cape Suckling, venture north to the Beaufort Sea and all the way to the Mackenzie River Delta in the Canadian Arctic. We’ve been as far east as Dutch Harbor and spent extensive time in Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, the Beaufort Sea, and Kodiak Island waters as well.

Projects have seen us working well into the Alaskan winters, when many operators have shut down for the season. We have repaired and built equipment for clients while on site to fit their research needs. Dream Catcher carries a full complement of tools and equipment one would find in a shipyard. When given enough lead-time we have pre-fabricated research equipment prior to departure for clients.

On Board Equipment

To fit research job requirements, Dream Catcher has some features not found on other vessels. She has specific outlets throughout the boat that can be powered by the 12 KW Northern Lights Generator while the 30 or 40 KW supplies main ship power. Each room has Cat 5 wiring for communication and data supply lines link each lounge room, the bridge, and deck areas for data transfer. The stern lounge area, mast, and bridge all have deck cable inlets.

On board is a True Power 110 to 12 Volt power converter which can be moved to whatever area requires its presence. The bridge monitors can easily be tied into by the client for specific navigation protocols though the use of monitor extension cords. On the outside decks there are two water-tight 220 Volt outlets and two 110 outlets.

The project manager’s stateroom hosts a desk, book shelves, Cat 5, and satellite phone plug-in. On the bridge there is an electronic equipment shelf system with outlets across from the worktable and seating area.

The stern lounge area has a wrap around desk work station making it a great research center. On either side of the crane are found two heated deck storage rooms for deck gear storage. Attached to the upper deck overhang is rail deck crane for moving heavy items from the skiff dock to the main deck. If a client requires more deck space, the back 18′ module (crew quarters and stern lounge), can be lifted off the deck creating a exterior deck area of 26′ x 23′. The crane base can either be left on the aft deck or moved forward the back of the house. The aft boarding deck 22′ x 5′ with steps built into the hull makes it easy to work from skiffs and move gear between skiffs and the vessel, as well as seals during seal research. The upper deck can support research skiffs up to 6000 lbs. The crane has a 40′ reach and lifts 6000 lbs. Two fuel tanks on this deck carry 300 gallons of gas for skiffs.

If a client requires, Dream Catcher can be fitted with a helicopter pad. Not only does Dream Catcher have the ability to meet various research job requirements but offers the interior living space and conditions not normally found on vessels her size. From her galley/lounge areas to her 6 client staterooms for twelve with private bathrooms she can and does provide an incredible platform for marine research.

What We Can do for You

The Dream Catcher is available for marine research expeditions throughout Alaska. We have great flexibility in scheduling and will do all in our power to accommodate your needs. Additionally, we can provide as much or as little crew as your needs require. Contact us for more information about pricing and availability, as the nature of research expeditions makes them each unique.