To support the University of Georgia’s experiential learning focus, the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography offers UGA faculty and students the opportunity to go to sea aboard the Institute’s 92-foot ocean-going research vessel, the R/V Savannah.

The vessel was custom-built to conduct biological, chemical, physical and geological oceanographic studies in estuarine and oceanic waters. In addition to a ship crew of seven, which allows for round-the-clock operations, the ship accommodates shore-based groups of 26 for day cruises and 16 for overnight cruises, making it an excellent platform for student groups to interact with the marine environment, gain experience at sea and conduct oceanographic research.

To apply, interested faculty should complete the application form found at www.skio.uga.edu/marine-ops-2 no later than November 15 for cruises during spring semester, Maymester or summer terms in 2023. Successful applications will be selected based on educational and research merits, number of students involved, and diversity in disciplines across the University.

• Faculty from all UGA departments, institutes and centers are eligible to apply to lead a cruise.

• You may apply for up to five days of ship time with justification; 1 to 2 day cruises are preferred.

• Individual students may apply to join a scheduled cruise. These student berths will be awarded on a space-available basis.

• Cruises are funded through a special appropriation from the Georgia General Assembly. All costs are covered while onboard. Transportation to the vessel’s home port, and pre- and post-cruise lodging and meals, are the responsibility of the applicant.

• The cruises will depart from and return to the vessel’s home port at the UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography in Savannah, Ga.

• The cruise manual is on the ship’s webpage  which includes vessel capabilities and a list of shared-use equipment available.

For questions, contact UGA Skidaway Institute of Oceanography Marine Superintendent John Bichy at jbichy@uga.edu or (912) 598-2456.

To apply for ship days, complete the application form at the link below.

Application for Educational Ship Days*

*To use this form:
1.) Download the form to your computer.
2.) Open in Adobe Acrobat and complete the interactive form.
3.) Save the form to your computer and email to jbichy@uga.edu.