The "Pourquoi pas ?" is a sophisticated oceanographic / hydrographic
research vessel built in 2004 as a joint venture between the French ministries of Defence and Research. Full Specifications of its equipment etc. can be found on this (English version) page which has been updated today.
A Navarea V Radio Navigation Warning to shipping is currently effective for the "Pourquoi pas ?" underwater operations -
1544/09 – NORTHWEST OF ARQUIPELAGO DE SAO PEDRO E SAO PAULO – CHART 10 (INT 216) - VESSEL POURQUOI PAS – CARRYING OUT OCEANOGRAPHIC RESEARCH IN CIRCULAR AREA WITH 70 NAUTICAL MILES RADIUS CENTERED IN POSITION: 03-00.00N 030-36.00W - UNDERWATER VEHICLE NEAR THE VESSEL - PERIOD: 26/JUL TO 16/AUG. BERTH REQUESTED. CANCEL THIS WARNING 170359Z/AUG/09.
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