Get ready, everyone–OCEANUS is launching it’s pilot Aquaprenuership program!

Queen of the Fleet, the Fir, and her tender, the Robert Gray (both historic research vessels) are coming to the San Francisco Bay on Monday, June 22nd, 2015, where they will serve in a neoteric capacity as collaborative solution centers, social innovation hubs, oceanic research vessels (focused largely on environmental remediation), and so much more. Abundant with co-working spaces, maker labs, and social salons designed by some of the most creative minds in the bay area, these historic landmark vessels present the perfect opportunity to manifest our collective vision of a sustainable existence.

The Majestic Mother Fir

As the Fir is a national historic landmark vessel, it’s only right that we delve into that history a bit. She is the last lighthouse tender created for the now defunct United States Lighthouse Service. Less than a year after her launch in 1939, she was commissioned for the US Coast Guard and sent to the west coast for the majority of her service. The next half a century saw the Fir busy with her duties, which focused primarily on keeping the tens of thousands of navigational aids off the coast in working order. In addition to this, the Fir has saved lives and salvaged the wrecks of other vessels, helicopters, and even an airplane. Only a year before her decommissioning, the Fir extinguished a rapidly burning boat and saved the life of it’s trapped captain.

The Robert Gray

The Robert Gray, was fabricated in 1936 by the United States Corps of Engineers to serve as a research and surveying vessel on the open seas. Did we mention there’s a helipad (because there is)?

Both the Fir and the Robert Gray are perfect for conducting environmental research and development. Massive, at 174’ and 120’ respectively, there is more than enough space to provide for a novel, rich ecosystem. Imagine skipping your morning commute in favor of a stroll to the galley, where innovators break bread and share visions. Afterwards, you might head to work, which, on these vessels, is anywhere you feel inspired. With all that space, your options are broad, and all of them include waterfront property and conscientiously curated neighbors. It’s the ideal habitat for an incubator of ideas, technology, and culture–a dedicated, 24/7, nurturing space to harness collective vision and collaborative process.

At this moment, we are looking for a few things before these research vessels open up to the community here in the bay. We are now focused on berthing the vessels; we have several promising options available, but as always, welcome any input, suggestions, or contacts that any of you may have. We aim to work with top educational, humanitarian, and environmental organizations and thus will be able to be a steward to the bay and her communities. We have amalgamated forces with DRÆM VENTURES, BHuman Social Innovation Center, and other NGO’s, as well as local governments to curate this new research undertaking. This is no small feat but OCEANUS is of the opinion that if you’re not doing something big, you’re doing it wrong.

Our efforts here at OCEANUS have always been collaborative in both form and function. We believe strongly that a united and diverse population produces the best results, and that means drawing from a wide range of talents and backgrounds. It is of the highest importance that the barriers to participation in Oceanus be minimal, and we encourage you to test them. Are you interested in building a positive, dynamic environment with others like you? Perfect, let us know! Efforts, ideas, community support–all things we need from you amazing people here in the bay area, and even moreso, all who believe in the entirety of our initiative across the world.

Applications for both general occupancy will be opening next week; we are currently accepting applications for crew, though. Hit us up at [email protected] for inquiries, interests, or just to say hello! This is your chance to shape the foundation of a better and brighter future with us; your vision, your style, your touch molding the bricks of this future and the currents of its culture.

We are incredibly proud and excited to be embarking on this venture. The Fir and Robert Gray are themselves special vessels, steeped proudly in a tradition of service and pluck; the community nurtured on them will be just as distinguished.

Keep an eye out for more baysteading news from us in the near future: berth location, occupant application opportunities, and more are on the way!