One of the internet’s most revered unusual ships, known simply as FLIP, has been sent for scrap.
The Floating Instrument Platform (FLIP), owned by the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) was a unique oceanographic research tool that exemplified the ingenuity of scientists and engineers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, which operated the vessel.
Launched in 1962, the unique vessel was designed to “flip” from a horizontal to a vertical position by filling its ballast tanks with water, allowing the 355-foot vessel to remain nearly motionless in ocean swells. It was this characteristic that made it such a valuable tool for science.
The vessel was designed, built, and operated by Scripps’ Marine Physical Laboratory in the late 1950s, developed as a cost-effective alternative to using submarines for accessing the water column below the surface, which was highly sought after by oceanographers.
Over its 50-year service life, FLIP helped advance society’s understanding of ocean currents, ocean acoustics, air-sea interactions, marine mammals and more. It was retired in 2021, but has remained remembered for its unusual design and invaluable contributions to science.
“R/P FLIP has existed for more than half the length of the institution’s entire history,” said Scripps Oceanography Director Margaret Leinen. “It was an engineering marvel constructed during an important phase of new technology for ocean exploration following World War II. The many discoveries from FLIP help set the stage for ongoing cutting-edge science to understand our ocean.”
Copyright Scripps Institution of Oceanography / UC San Diego
FLIP was actually classified as a platform due to its lack of propulsion, which meant it had to be towed to location by tugs. Outfitted with research instruments by scientists from universities around the world, FLIP’s stability and lack of engine noise made it ideal for observing tidal forces, internal waves, and small-scale turbulence.
FLIP was originally designed without living quarters. However, this concept was quickly abandoned due to the hazards of scientists having to board it from small boats, which are not immune to ocean swells. To accommodate people staying on board, it had to be outfitted with amenities that could operate in orientations 90 degrees apart from each other, including toilets, sinks, bunk beds, and dining tables.
FLIP’s crew also had to receive special training for the unconventional operation of the vessel. The full transition from horizontal to vertical took 30 minutes, but the final 49 seconds were said to be the most gut-wrenching as it settled into its new orientation.
FLIP tow away on August 3, 2023. Photo courtesy Scripps Institution of Oceanography / UC San Diego
FLIP operated for years without incident. However, in 1969 it had to be abandoned by its crew after losing power when it experienced ocean swells exceeding 80 feet. The incident required a rescue operation where crew members had to jump into the water to be picked up by boats.
Even after its final research voyage, FLIP has continued to attract public and media attention, not to mention the occasional viral social media post.
FLIP departed Scripps’ Nimitz Marine Facility under tow on its final voyage on August 3rd. Officials at Scripps Oceanography have arranged for one of FLIP’s booms to be removed and attached to the Scripps Pier in La Jolla, where it will continue to deploy research instruments as a tribute to FLIP and an inspiration for innovation at Scripps Oceanography.
In a recent effort to combat sexual misconduct in the maritime industry, the U.S. Coast Guard has implemented new reporting requirements for incidents of harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault....
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has issued a 90-day ban to the Marshall Island-flagged containership Big Lilly over significant safety and maintenance problems. The Big Lilly was initially detained in Melbourne following an...
Belgian maritime services company Jan De Nul has announced the order of an extra-large cable-laying vessel at the CMHI Haimen shipyard. The vessel, named Fleeming Jenkin, will have an impressive...
17 hours ago
Total Views: 938
Let gCaptain be your compass for maritime news
The news that you need delivered every morning.
Sign Up Now for gCaptain Daily
We’ve got your daily industry news related to the global maritime and offshore industries.
OUT AT SEA?
We’ve got you covered with trusted maritime and offshore news from wherever you are.
OUT AT SEA?
We’ve got you covered with trusted maritime and offshore news from wherever you are.
JOIN OUR CREW
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 93,810 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.