Roebuck Class Inshore Survey Vessel
Constructed at Lowestoft by Brooke Marine, HMS Roebuck joined the survey fleet in 1986. Classified at a Coastal Survey Vessel (CSV) she is principally designed to survey the coastline of the United Kingdom, but is more than capable of operating overseas.
Roebuck is bigger than Bulldog and Beagle, measuring 1,477 tonnes in displacement with a length of 64 metres, a beam of 13 metres and a draught of 4 metres. She had a complement of 51 and is unarmed. Powered by two Mirrlees Blackstone diesels she has a speed of 14 knots. She carries two survey motor boats and a Land Rover.
In 1998 Roebuck's white hull was repainted grey while her pennant number changed from 'A130' to 'H130', furthur signifying the integration of the hydrographic flotilla into the front line surface fleet.
An order was expected in 1996 for two coastal survey vessels to replace Roebuck, Bulldog and Beagle but it wasn't until 2000 that Echo and Enterprise were finally ordered. Under existing plans Roebuck will be withdrawn from service in 2003.
Ship Details
| Ship | Pennant Number: | Builder | Laid Down | Launched | Commissioned |
| Roebuck | H130 | Brooke Marine (Lowestoft) | October 3rd 1986 |
Above: Roebuck in her white colour scheme.
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© Written and researched by Jeremy Olver. Last updated 29th October 2000. Disclaimer.