The R/V "Helmer Hanssen" is a multipurpose vessel, designed for fishery and marine biological, geological and oceanographic surveys in open and ice covered waters (1-2 m drift ice). The range of investigations include fish resource assessments, hydrographic and trawl surveys, geological bottom sediment sampling and acoustic registrations of the sediment layers below the sea-bed. R/V "Helmer Hanssen " is equipped with modern instruments, and has especially designed features for improved acoustic surveying and bottom sediment sampling.