Specifications | Deck Plan | Equipment | Planning and Scheduling | Philanthropic Support
The Research Vessel Bob and Betty Beyster is a purpose-built coastal research vessel designed for efficient operations offshore Southern California and throughout the Channel Islands. Operated by Scripps Institution of Oceanography from our home port (the world-class Nimitz Marine Facility in Point Loma), Bob and Betty Beyster is a shared-use research facility that is available for use by scientists, engineers, students and educators supported by federal, state, local and non-governmental agencies.
Scientific Capabilities
R/V Bob and Betty Beyster is a general-purpose oceanographic research vessel constructed by Armstrong Marine in Port Angeles, WA and delivered to Scripps Oceanography in 2019. This vessel was made possible by generous support in honor of Dr. J. Robert Beyster, founder of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and his widow Betty Beyster (see story linked here).
Bob and Betty Beyster features a dynamic positioning system (DPS) that integrates GPS navigation data with propulsion controls to automatically maintain heading and position, even in strong currents and windy conditions. This capability, previously available only on much larger oceanographic research ships, allows Bob and Betty Beyster to conduct scientific operations requiring precise stationkeeping never before possible on a coastal research boat. This, in conjunction with the boat's capable navigation and propulsion systems, enables precise vessel handling required for CTD casts, open-ocean instrument mooring placement, remotely-operated vehicle deployments, and other scientific operations that require reliable stationkeeping.
Bob and Betty Beyster has an efficient catamaran hull design and computer-controlled dual-drive propulsion that enable the boat to transit rapidly to research sites. With an efficient cruising speed of 25 knots, the entire southern California coastal zone and Channel Islands are within reach.
The vessel has a large, strong A-frame with a useable lifting capacity of 5,000 pounds, which enables heavy and sensitive oceanographic equipment to be safely lowered, raised and towed by the vessel. A knuckle crane on the starboard flybridge allows instruments and platforms to be deployed and recovered with confidence.
The vessel's scientific equipment includes a seafloor mapping system, a hand-deployable remotely operated vehicle, an acoustic communications transducer, and an electronics rack that allows user-provided sensor and computing systems to be quickly and securely integrated on board.
A key feature of general-purpose research vessels is their ability to accept new and evolving research instrumentation, and Beyster features engineered deck sockets that enable quick and secure mounting of portable sensors and equipment. The vessel also includes a quiet, powerful generator that provides 9 kilowatts of reliable three-phase power for instruments and computing systems that may be brought aboard by scientists.
These capabilities result in a capable and highly adaptable platform for scientific research across all disciplines of marine science.
Philanthropic Support
R/V Bob and Betty Beyster is owned by Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and was acquired by the institution thanks to philanthropic support that raised more than $1.2 million for the vessel. The vessel was supported by a variety of donors in honor of the late Dr. J. Robert Beyster, founder of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and his widow Betty Beyster.
Read more about donor support for R/V Bob and Betty Beyster
Gilbert C. Binninger Endowed Student Research Fund
The Gilbert C. Binninger Endowed Student Research Fund was established in honor of the late Gilbert C. Binninger by his wife of 56 years Pamela Binninger. This enduring legacy will provide research support for undergraduate and graduate students at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (“Scripps Oceanography”) conducted in association with the R/V Bob and Betty Beyster.
Pam and Gil, longtime supporters of Scripps Oceanography, contributed to support both the acquisition of the R/V Bob and Betty Beyster and the endowment to support scientific research for students aboard the vessel. “Establishing a student award to celebrate Gil’s life is a wonderful way for our family to honor his legacy,” said Pam. She continued to say, “Gil was deeply committed to the study of oceanic conditions and programs that benefited marine mammals. We are honored that this gift will provide research time at sea for the next generation of science leaders.”
Gil was a highly accomplished individual with a strong educational background, holding a B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in Applied Statistics and Mathematics from George Washington University. Professionally, he spent over 40 years as a senior analyst at Science Applications International Corporation (now Leidos), where he studied nuclear weapons effects for the federal government and mentored numerous colleagues, influencing many careers. Outside of work, Gil was an avid runner, completing the equivalent of circling the globe twice over the last 30 years, earning him the nickname "the running man" in his neighborhood. His passions extended to animal welfare, environmental causes, and social justice; he generously donated to various organizations, including those supporting marine mammals, shelter animals, and wrongfully convicted individuals. Throughout his life, Gil was known for his dry wit, endless sense of humor, and dedication to his family, leaving a legacy as a brilliant engineer, hard worker, animal lover, and kind philanthropist.
Access to ship time is vital for Scripps students because it enables independent research and practical application of what they learn ashore. If you would like to support the Gilbert C. Binninger Endowed Student Research Fund contributions to the endowment can be made online here or by contacting the Scripps Development office: (858) 822-1865 or supportscripps@ucsd.edu.
Contribute in support of the Gilbert C. Binninger Endowed Student Research Fund
Endowment for Student Support: Access to ship time is vital for Scripps students because it enables independent research and practical application of what they learn ashore. We have established an endowment to support student use of R/V Bob and Betty Beyster — won't you support the next generation of seagoing scientists? Contributions to the endowment can be made online here or by contacting the Scripps Development office: (858) 822-1865 or supportscripps@ucsd.edu.