The SARTI research group at Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya has recently incorporated a new semi-rigid vessel (RIB), Mar de Caroba, which will support both marine research activities and practical training for students of the Degree in Marine Sciences and Technology.

The addition of Mar de Caroba represents a significant enhancement of SARTI’s operational capabilities at sea. The vessel will enable more agile and efficient execution of coastal missions, facilitating rapid deployment and recovery of instruments, as well as direct access to observation sites.

From a research perspective, the new platform will support a wide range of activities, including:

• Deployment and maintenance of oceanographic sensors and observatory infrastructures
• Coastal monitoring campaigns and environmental data acquisition
• Testing and validation of new marine technologies
• Support for experimental operations linked to underwater observatories and robotic platforms

In particular, the vessel will play a key role in operations associated with the OBSEA Observatory, providing improved flexibility for maintenance tasks, sensor integration, and experimental deployments in the coastal environment.

Beyond research, Mar de Caroba will also be used as a training platform, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in real marine operations, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and field practice.

With this new addition, SARTI continues to strengthen its position as a leading group in the development and operation of marine observation technologies, reinforcing the connection between research, education, and innovation in ocean science.