RV Clifford A. Barnes was a research vessel that was owned by the National Science Foundation and operated as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System fleet. The University of Washington School of Oceanography operated the vessel under a charter-party agreement.^[1]

Quick Facts History, United States ...

RV Clifford A. Barnes at its home port
History
United States
Name	RV Clifford A. Barnes
Namesake	Clifford A. Barnes
Owner	National Science Foundation
Operator	University of Washington
Ordered	1964
Awarded	1964
Builder	Western Boat, Tacoma, Washington
Laid down	1965
Completed	1966
Acquired	from the U. S. Coast Guard, 1983, as USCGC Bitt
Commissioned	1966
Recommissioned	1983 as R/V Clifford A. Barnes
Decommissioned	2018
In service	1983-2018
Out of service	2019
Renamed	M/V Bitt
Reclassified	Leased to University of Washington, School of Oceanography, 1995
Refit	1983
Homeport	School of Oceanography Pier, Portage Bay
Identification	MMSI number: 366918910 Callsign: WRN5495
Fate	Sold at auction
Status	Active as M/V Bitt
General characteristics
Class and type	WYTL
Tonnage	86 displacement tons
Length	65 ft 5.5 in (19.95 m)
Beam	19 ft 7.5 in (5.98 m)
Propulsion	CAT D379 550 HP
Range	1900 nautical miles
Endurance	7 days
Complement	8, including 6 scientific party
Crew	2
Armament	none

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Clifford A. Barnes began service as a United States Coast Guard icebreaking small harbor tug, USCGC Bitt.^[1][2] Built by Western Boat Building Co in 1965 for ice operations, search and rescue, and pollution response, she was one of fifteen of her class ordered by the Coast Guard. She was decommissioned in 1982 and turned over to the National Science Foundation, although ships of her class remain in service by the USCG.^[1][2]

The University of Washington School of Oceanography uses Barnes for oceanographic and fishery research in the protected littoral waters of Washington and British Columbia. The vessel serves as platform for research on the fjord system of Puget Sound and the surrounding bodies of water. She supports research best done in sheltered bodies of water, and on the effects of populated areas on coastal areas.^[3] Barnes has a small science space, two winches, a crane, and can house up to six scientists and students. Cruises are generally only one day in length, although they sometimes run as long as six days. The university's use of Barnes is supported through a combination of grants and contracts, the university's operating funds, and self-sustaining revenue.^[4] In early May 2013 the Clifford A. Barnes sailed on its 1,000th cruise.^[5]

An important non-research function of Clifford A. Barnes is to serve as a vehicle for community outreach. The main purpose of this outreach is to educate students about the marine sciences. This is primarily done through a two-day open house for local students grades 3–12. Faculty, crew, and students give tours of the ship, as well as demonstrations of marine research.^[6]

Although an October 2011 National Science Foundation inspection revealed that Barnes was still in generally good condition, its limited scientific and berthing capacity prompted the University of Washington to look for a replacement. Although the replacement ship would still operate primarily in and around Puget Sound, Jensen Maritime Consultants were commissioned to draw up plans^[7] for a vessel that will feature faster cruising speed, extended range, and increased berthing, among other improvements.^[3] However, the National Science Foundation recommended that RV Clifford A. Barnes stay in service through 2016.^[8]

The RV Clifford A. Barnes was eventually retired^[9] and replaced by the RV Rachel Carson in 2018.^[10]