The Argo is currently on a very exciting global expedition with National Geographic Pristine Seas! Therefore the Argo will not be available at Cocos Island for the foreseeable future.
A 130 ft vessel (40 meters) with full global reach, the Argo was conceived as the ultimate platform for our deep-diving submarine, the DeepSee (which was recently retired from service!). In addition to remote operating vehicle deployment (R.O.V.), Argo offers heavy lift capabilities, unparalleled stability, and ample deck space for any project. Extended, multi-task voyages are her specialty.
The Argo is a dream for photographers and cinematographers, with individual gear lockers, private camera/strobe storage bins with 110 & 220 ac power, dual camera rinsing tanks and even a drone takeoff/landing pad. It’s no surprise she has long been the preferred vessel for National Geographic’s Pristine Seas expeditions.
Two comfortable 24-foot skiffs serve as tenders to ferry divers to and from the dive sites. Powered by fumeless 4-cycle, 115 HP twin-outboard motors they will rapidly take up to 11 divers per skiff to any site within an extended radius of the mothership. Skiffs are fully equipped with VHF radios and portable GPS. A T-Roof and rigid bow cover is also mounted on these vessels for your comfort. They perform ship-to-shore transfers, shuttling divers to remote sites, and any other conceivable recreational or support duties.
Twelve extraordinary crew members are trained to go above and beyond to look after our guests’ every need – with an impressive staff-to-guest ratio.
Argo accommodates up to 18 passengers in 9 spacious, well appointed staterooms.
General specifications
- Length: 129 ft / 39 m
- Construction: Steel
- Displacement: 205 tons
- Engines: CAT D398TA; 634 kW (850 hp) @ 1225 rpm
- Cruising Speed: 10 knots
- Maximum Speed: 11 knots
- Range: 4000 Nautical Miles
Diving
- Tenders: Dive support: 3 x Privateer 24 ft. (with twin 115 HP outboards)
- Scuba Compressors: LP 280 Nitrox Membrane System 2 Bauer HP Compressors H13-E3
- Scuba Tanks: 30 tanks 80 cu.ft. Aluminum 100 cu.ft. Steel tanks (Advanced Reservations Required)
- Technical Diving: Full oxygen, nitrox and rebreather service, passengers must bring their own rebreathers
Each year our specialized crew devotes 4-6 weeks of dedicated maintenance to keep the Argo in tip-top shape. Everything is taken apart, the boat is repainted, all diving equipment is serviced. All safety drills are practiced and updated to ensure state-of-art performance in all areas. Along with its sister ship Sea Hunter, the Argo is truly the best Cocos Island liveaboard.
- 3 GPS (Global Positioning Systems)
- 2 Radars (48 mile)
- Radio Direction Finder
- 2 recording fathometers
- Auto pilot
- Two 25-person life rafts
- Complete boat, crew and passenger safety gear
- Extensive first aid kit
- 20 personal diver locator systems
- Fire Fighting system throughout vessel