returned from a $1.3 million refurbishment.

Weatherbird is now capable of more expansive studies of the ocean after extensive alterations in Louisiana.

In fact it has already been chartered until October this year, with more dates after that, and 270 days in 1994.

It is owned by the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and director Dr.

Tony Knap believes the grant given by the National Scientific Fund proves the esteem that is shown in scientific circles for Bermuda.

Dr. Knap said: "The fact that there is no federal money around and that we were the only recipients of a grant, out of all the ships in the US fleet, shows that the science we are doing here is important.

"It is proof of the work being done thanks to the residents and scientists who are here. They are almost all individuals getting large research grants.

"Ships have to be driven by science. The Weatherbird has to compete against many groups in the US. It is a statement of how much our scientists do.'' Many of the $1.3 million worth of changes are visible at the boat's usual berth in St. George's near to the Biological Station.

The entire roof of the boat was removed and replaced with an extended wheelhouse which is now the vital centre of all operations on board. The pilot and scientists on duty can keep a 24 hour-a-day watch on their operations.

According to Dr. Knap the whole wheelhouse was transported through the streets of Homer, Louisiana, to the dock where Weatherbird was under refurbishment.

There is also the $185,000 winch which carries the 24-piece rosette of test equipment worth $100,000. The winch carries a length of cable deeper than any part of the ocean. The rosette is believe to be unique on research vessels in the world and will scrutinise water as it is lowered to great ocean depths.

Generators and air conditioning systems have been renewed along with the inclusion of bow thrusters to help the boat manoeuvre.

Accommodation on board the Weatherbird has risen from 16 to 22 and is much more comfortable, with most of the cabins fitted with two bunks, than the ship before renovation.

But the important areas are those which can be fitted up to computers and used for vast amounts of scientific work which will be carried out there. The laboratory areas can be quickly altered for the needs of the scientists chartering the Weatherbird .

Dr. Knap said that the boat is much more seaworthy than previously thanks to the work.

It was watched over by chief engineer Mr. Tony Sherriff who helped to work on the original boat and on its most recent renovations.

Mr. Sherriff said: "It has been an interesting project in the shipyard in Louisiana. There have been major changes to the boat.'' Dr. Knap said: "Compared to what it was this is a Rolls Royce with a wheelhouse control system that is something out of the Jet Age.'' Over the next two weeks the boat will be involved in research into sediment and other interesting work trying to link living organisms to cloud cover and global warming.

The public can see Weatherbird at the Flagpole in Hamilton on July 2 and at the Biological Station's Marine Science Day on July 10.

Dr. Knap said that the public must see that their funds for everyday running of the station are needed. He said grants must be used in full.

VITAL CHECKS -- Chief engineer Mr. Tony Sherriff does final checks on the $100,000 rosette of deap-sea equipment on board Weatherbird .