Marine Lab Tour

This morning we were scheduled for 9:30 am tour of the NRC Institute of Ocean Technology. The center was only a short 1 mile drive away. After wrangling one of only a handful of parking spaces, we were ushered in to begin our tour.
The Institute for Ocean Technology (IOT) was established in 1985 as Canada’s national center for ocean technology research and development. IOT’s capabilities are unique to the nation—no other organization in Canada offers the combination of knowledge, experience and facilities available here.
One of IOT’s main research program focuses on predicting performance in marine environments. They can study ice forces on structures and vessels, propulsion systems, safety at sea, aquaculture engineering, underwater vehicles, deepwater technology and hydrodynamic forces due to wave impact. Off-shore oil rigs, ice breakers, submarines and racing yachts are few of the vessels studied.
We were shown the model prep workshop where precise scale models of various vessels are engineered to exact specifications. Not only are the models accurately reproduced but they are outfitted with arrays of sensors that can be read to measure effects of the testing. Models up to 12 meters in length can be manufactured. What a great job for adult model-builders!
We saw the Offshore Engineering Basin. Measuring 72 x 32 meters and 3 meters deep, it is one of the worlds’s most advanced indoor facilities. The basin is equipped with current generators, wave makers and fans to simulate wind.
Next we visited the Institute’s Ice Tank. At 12x 16 meters, it is the longest ice tank in the world. The IOT is capable of producing sheets of ice up to 6 inches in thickness. Testing of ice forces on various structures (such as the towers on the Confederation Bridge) is conducted here. Air temperatures in the tank area can range from -30 to +15C. Today the room was a brisk -11C. Good thing we remembered our jackets!
Last we visited the 200 meter towing tank. Much secret research is conducted here for various teams participating in the America’s Cup Yacht races. The 2003 winner from Switzerland used the facility to help perfect their keel engineering. Today tests were being conducted on a small model of a racing yacht. Of course, none of us knew exactly what they were studying. Apparently the area we visited was just recently opened up for tours.
We finished up by watching a short video that showed the IOT research areas in action. It’s a pretty interesting place. Too bad they don’t allow photos of their facilities.