FROM defending the oceans from the armies of the world to the defence of the environment from polluters, the Peter W Anderson has had an impressive 36-year career.

The vessel originally used by the United States Navy for blockade, surveillance and related naval support missions, was converted in 1979 for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Described by her captain, Jeff Powell, as “a ship made up of many different parts”, the ‘Anderson’ is home to some of the most advanced equipment in navigation and research. These include a deep-water echo sounder, which allows the scientists to locate objects near the ocean’s floor, a dredge and trawl winch that pulls about 15,000 l pounds, as well as a telescopic crane, which can lift up to 4,000 pounds.

Renamed in honour of Peter W Anderson, a man who dedicated 10 years of his life to the research of oceans and waterways in the United States of America, the vessel’s primary function is to conduct offshore scientific data collection.

On several occasions she has been instrumental in the tracking and recovery of dangerous chemicals that have threatened the ocean.

Ken Potts, a research scientist as well as the ship’s manager, recounted an experience where the Anderson was responsible for locating several containers of pesticide that fell from a carrier off the coast of South America.

The Anderson arrived in Jamaica on Sunday, May 19, the second time that the vessel has ever visited a foreign port of call.

The two-week visit is part of a workshop put on by the Governments of Jamaica and the United States of America on the subject of how to prevent marine pollution in the ports of Caribbean nations.

In addition to a demonstration for workshop delegates and a two-day open house for school children, the crew of the Anderson will also conduct two overnight dive trips to measure currents, gauge water quality and assess the undersea environment.

At a press conference held on May 21, 2002, to introduce the Anderson, American Ambassador to Jamaica Sue Cobbs had nothing but praise.

“The Anderson has been a key EPA asset for over the past 20 years and has helped the United States government and academic community to better understand the environmental problems that affect our oceans, bay and estuaries.”

She also expressed confidence that the Anderson’s visit and the workshops will be of great benefit to Jamaica.

Also in attendance at Sunday’s press brief was transport and works minister, Robert Pickersgill, who thanked the United States government for making the ship’s visit and the workshop possible. He said he was confident that both would greatly help not only Jamaica but the Caribbean region on a whole achieve its goal of better protecting their marine environment.