NOAA Research Vessel R/V Bell M. Shimada - Ocean Science & Marine Exploration #1941139 (License: Personal Use)

The R/V Bell M. Shimada (S 221), a 211-foot NOAA fisheries and oceanographic research vessel, features advanced sonar systems, wet and dry labs, and dynamic positioning for precise data collection. Commissioned in 2010, it supports ecosystem assessments, plankton surveys, and deep-sea mapping across the Northeast Pacific. Its white hull, yellow mast, and NOAA insignia stand out against the deep blue sea and coastal mountain backdrop.

This image is used on NOAA’s fleet pages, marine science outreach sites, and educational resources to illustrate operational oceanography. It serves users seeking information about U.S. federal research vessels, marine careers, or environmental monitoring programs.