RV Djildjit Kaartadjiny

Western Australia’s Minister for Fisheries officially introduced this new fisheries research vessel for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in Geraldton in January 2024.

The research vessel (RV) was named Djildjit Kaartadjiny in consultation with Noongar elders; Djildjit Kaartadjiny, meaning knowledge and understanding of aquamarine fish or fisheries research.

Acquired to undertake fisheries research and science activities throughout Western Australian waters, the new vessel replaced DPIRD’s ageing RV George Cassels.

Compared to that craft, the new 18.6 metre aluminium monohull provides a larger multi-purpose research platform to perform a broad range of research, stock assessment and science monitoring tasks.

It can manage a variety of specialised research equipment including fish traps and crustacean pots, baited remote underwater video (BRUVs), remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and towed underwater survey cameras.

Developed by Southerly Designs and Dongara Marine using the South Australian crayboat Raging Bull delivered in 2021 as a basis, the research vessel design features a low profile, extended wheelhouse forward of an expansive aft work deck that is equipped and arranged to support these diverse operational needs.

This includes an A-frame, deck crane, pot winch and pot tipper. The deck structure and hydraulic systems also enable DPIRD to fit other deck equipment such as trawl/wire drum winches and longline drums when research needs require.

The hydraulically operated A-frame was custom designed and manufactured to enable deployment of heavy equipment and nets weighing up to three tonnes.

Also fitted is a folding stern launch and recovery ramp. Along with the generous clear deck length and width, this provides the capability to deploy and retrieve auxiliary vessels up to six metres in length. This ramp can be removed when required.

While there is an external control station, the main helm is in the port aft quarter of the raised wheelhouse. As expected for a research vessel, the electronics package integrated by Geraldton Marine Electronics is comprehensive, as is reflected by the three 19-inch Simrad displays in the main console sitting alongside a 16-inch Furuno TZT3 multi-function display.

Central to the system is a navigation computer running TimeZero Professional system complete with MaxSea charts and the Personal Bathymetry Generation (PBG) module.

Underwater tools include a bottom discrimination sounder and multi beam sonar, both Furuno units. An amplifier boosts the TZT3’s internal 1kW fish finder to 2kW/3kW. The primary transducer is an Airmar 2kW wide beam, low-high frequency unit. The electronics package also includes radar, satellite compass, AIS, and GPS (all Furuno) and a Simrad autopilot.

Communications are covered by an Icom VHF radio, Iridium satellite phone, Cel-Fi Go mobile phone signal repeater/booster, and a Starlink system for internet access.

Geraldton Marine Electronics also developed and integrated the vessel’s Maretron onboard monitoring and control system. A CCTV system is fitted for visual monitoring with an IP68 rated camera fitted for monitoring anchor recovery.

The wheelhouse’s starboard side has mess / seating area for up to seven people. The adjacent galley features comprehensively equipped with induction cooktop, dishwasher, fridge / freezer, and microwave. Below deck amenities include a washer-dryer, hot water service, and chest freezers.

Spread across three areas, the below decks accommodation provides five berths including a dedicated Master’s cabin. While the vessel will typically be operated by two crew, the accommodation spaces and facilities meet AMSA NSCV survey requirements for up to four people to be onboard for unlimited durations. Larger complements can be carried for shorter duration voyages.

As DPIRD expects RV Djildjit to operate for up to 15 days at sea at a time Dongara Marine devoted significant time and resources to ensure comfort and convenience for those onboard. In addition to finishes and fittings that would be considered exceptional in most work boats, a range of specific features enhance habitability. These include a high capacity water-cooled marine air conditioning system and application of noise abatement materials to produce very quiet living and working spaces.

To support extended voyages the vessel has tanks for 7600 litres of fuel – expected to provide a range above 800 nautical miles at 16 knots – and 500 litres of fresh water. This is supplemented by up to 130 litres per hour from a watermaker. Additional tanks aft are dual purpose: mostly used to containerised fuel for the auxiliary vessel’s outboards, they are also plumbed for use as live tanks for rock lobster.

Propulsion is from a single 1140kW MAN diesel driving a five-bladed Veem propeller through a ZF gearbox. During trials the loaded vessel achieved a full power speed of 24.5 knots and cruised at 18.5 knots. The gearbox is fitted with trolling valves to support extended low speed operation.

Also drawing on the fuel is a 31kVA Mase Mariner 3000 generator set. A substantial solar panel array is also fitted on the wheelhouse roof to supplement electrical power generation capability.

With manoeuvring and precise positioning being important for research work, RV Djildjit is fitted with a large rudder and Sleipner side thrusters forward and aft. An AVENTICS Marex 3D three-axis joystick system enables simultaneous, integrated control of the main engine and both thrusters through joysticks fitted at both main and external helm positions.

The vessel can be steered in any direction simply by pushing or turning the joystick, and the system enables direction and/or position to be automatically maintained for accurate stationkeeping.

A full Humphree active ride control system is fitted providing roll stabilisation, coordinated turn, and Vessel Motion Monitoring (VMM) to the standard automatic list and pitch control capabilities. Dongara Marine fitted the vessel for, but not with, a gyrostabiliser.

RV Djildjit will be used to survey and monitor the health of WA’s valuable fisheries including Western Rock Lobster, crabs, and demersal fish to support sustainability and accreditation through the Marine Stewardship Council.

The versatility of the design also allows it to be used to support the Shark Monitoring Network and State-wide Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) program, as well as projects undertaken by research partners.

In NSCV survey for operations up to 200 nautical miles offshore, the research vessel will operate throughout Western Australian waters. Its first voyage was off the Mid West coast in March, where researchers used BRUVs and ROVs to support the West Coast Demersal fishery recovery.

Footnote: In September 2023 Dongara Marine was also awarded the tender to design and build a new patrol vessel to replace DPIRD’s ageing PV Walcott. That project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025. A new trailer boat, also purpose designed and equipped for fisheries research, is also under construction for delivery to DPIRD in 2024.