“With this boat, we can work more safely and efficiently year-round, regardless of weather or location,” says Jim Hansson, maritime archaeologist at the museum. “It has been specially designed to meet our needs, with a special focus on function and safety.”
Developed in collaboration with divers from the Swedish Maritime Police and made by the boatbuilder Arronet, the Disa boat is optimised for underwater archaeological work. It primarily be used for archaeological dives but will also play a key role in the museum’s efforts to protect and preserve cultural heritage beneath the surface, in co-operation with other authorities.
“We already have a well-established collaboration with the county administrative board, maritime police, navy, coast guard and several other authorities,” Hansson says. “With our new boat, this co-operation will become even more streamlined and effective.”
Disa also enables the museum’s archaeologists to undertake larger and more ambitious projects, helping to document and share maritime cultural heritage – even with those who don’t dive.
Disa will also be an integral part of the museum’s educational programmes and tours. It is equipped to remotely operate underwater robots (ROVs) and conduct live dives that can be streamed directly to classrooms.
“We mount a camera on the diver’s full-face mask so that students can see what’s happening on the seafloor in real time,” Hansson explains. “We also have technology that enables two-way communication, allowing the diver to speak with students, answer their questions and describe what’s being filmed at the wreck sites.”
Disa is equipped with twin engines, a folding bow ramp for easier water rescues, and radar for safe navigation even in darkness and dense fog. It also features an automatic identification system (AIS), allowing other boats and ships to detect its presence.
“We’ve fitted it with reflectors bearing the museum’s logo to ensure high visibility at sea – especially crucial when we have divers in the water,” Hansson explains.
“Above all, we have significantly enhanced safety while giving ourselves the ability to conduct exciting surveys year-round. With this boat, we’re opening new doors to discoveries that can reveal interesting results. And, I have to say – it looks pretty sleek too!”