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Sophisticated asset helps UMT’s research

Sophisticated asset helps UMT’s research

Saturday, 10/07/2021

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It has a speed of 12 knots, or 29 kilometres per hour, and it is the pride of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). Its name is RV Discovery.

RV Discovery is UMT’s own research vessel, used mostly in programmes related to marine science and research related to nautical science and maritime technology.

The idea of UMT having its own research vessel came from the former first rector of the then Science and Technology University College of Malaysia (now Universiti Malaysia Terengganu), Professor Dato’ Dr Mohamed Mahyuddin Mohd Dahan. He envisioned a training and research vessel for use in the university’s teaching and learning, and research.

RV Discovery is fitted with sophisticated scientific equipment and can be used in marine research activities on any parts of the oceans, including areas with a depth of 2,000 metres from the ocean floor.

Its captain is Amiruddin Sulong, assistant marine officer at the Centre for Research and Field Services. As captain, Amiruddin shoulders a few responsibilities, which include managing the registration and safety of expeditions, maritime technical training, and affairs relating to the ship’s crew and ports.

“A captain also helps coordinate development projects, and conduct studies and assessments on international conventions and marine legislations,” said Amiruddin, who has experience in leading several expeditions on commercial vessels owned by Malaysia International Shipping Company (MISC).

He added that although ship navigation skill can be learned from books, one can only become better at it through a hands-on experience. “It is personal experience that makes one qualified to be called a complete captain.”

Meanwhile, Professor Dr Mazlan Abd Ghaffar, Acting Vice Chancellor, said that the vessel is also used in students’ learning activities.

“A sophisticated asset such as RV Discovery is needed by a university like UMT as its focus is related to marine science,” he said. “With the vessel equipped with modern research tools, it allows students to gain first-hand experience and later become dynamic graduates that can keep in line with technological changes in the maritime industry.”

Befitting its purpose, RV Discovery has been involved in several important scientific expeditions on the South China Sea and Malacca Straits, ferrying local and international researchers.

Among local marine organisations that have acquired the service of RV Discovery are Department of Minerals and Geoscience, other public universities, and Petronas, and among overseas organisations are Marine Research Centre, China, and Department of National Heritage, Holland.

RV Discovery has also participated in a few series of Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in Langkawi.

The existence of RV Discovery, UMT’s research vessel fitted with modern and sophisticated equipment, has not only assisted the teaching and learning to a great effect, it has also taken UMT’s research to greater heights, allowing greater contributions to the nation.

RV Discovery is the pride of UMT indeed.

 

Original version in Malay by:

Tengku Nuriah Tengku Abdul Rahman

Centre for Research and Field Services

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Email : tgnuriah@umt.edu.my

 

Translated by:

Corporate Communication Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu