MV Fort Jefferson

The Fort Jefferson is here again. This is our ride back to Key West on October 1. It arrived Tuesday afternoon. After all the cargo and passengers were unloaded, we asked if we could look around. No problem, got a personal tour by the captain.

It's very impressive, 110 ft long with a crew of the captain and two deck hands. There are three levels. The highest is the bridge. It has a great view all around and all the latest electronics.

The main deck level contains the galley and seating for passengers. This is all air conditioned, of course. The galley contains all modern, full size appliances. There a couple of big tables for eating or writing or playing cards or whatever. There is other seating for those just wanting to read or sleep. (The trip takes 5 hours each way). This trip we counted 18 passengers - some staff, most here for a few days for special projects.

The aft part is where all cargo is stored. If it's water sensitive, it's put in big plastic bins. All is secured to the deck with straps. For loading and unloading there is a winch.

The next level down contains, forward, quarters for crew and temporary guests. They run a lot of research trips and can carry up to 8 guests for up to 2 weeks.

Aft of this is the engine room. There are 3 diesel engines, each of 925 hp and each with its own screw. (That's a propeller for you landlubbers.) We were at the dock so they were not running. Aft of that is another room containing two 65KW generators, a sewage treatment plant, and a reverse osmosis fresh water generator. Below decks are four diesel tanks - two for boat operation and two for cargo. Each trip the boat unloads about 4000 gallons of diesel for the generators at the fort. The final room aft contains electrical panels and distribution systems.

All the comforts of home. Not quite the QE2, but pretty close.