KML maintains a variety of vessels for your education and research needs. All vessels are equipped with Garmin GPS Chartplotters, depth finders, VHF radios, and all US Coast Guard approved safety gear. Knowledgeable KML staff serve as experienced captains to navigate the marine habitats. The three Parkers can be trailered to multiple ramps in the Keys, extending their range to the entirety of the Florida Keys Reef Tract, Florida Bay, Everglades National Park and parts of South Florida. The 18ft Parker is available for self-captained use with proper credentials. Contact KML to see how we can facilitate your next project or class!
We encourage everyone to be familiar with the 2019 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Boater Education Course. and the 2023 Everglades National Park Boater Education Program .
Refer to FORMS page for KML Rate Sheet, Pricing Tool, and FURF to reserve space on a vessel and all necessary documents.
R/V Diodon (30’ Island Hopper): Named after the porcupine fish, with which it shares some resemblance, the R/V Diodon is the flagship of the KML Fleet. Powered by twin 225 hp Yamaha four-strokes, it has a covered forward cabin, spacious deck, center seating, tank racks, a large rear dive platform, sturdy dive ladder, and two large live-wells.
Capacity: 4480 pounds (2 captains plus 22 snorkelers or 10 divers including gear)
Cruising speed: 24 knots (20 gph)
Range: 100 miles
R/V Opah (25’ Parker): New to the KML Fleet and named after the large, deep-bodied pelagic ‘moonfish‘, the R/V Opah is sister ship to the R/V Mola Mola. She sports a center console, semi-V hull, and is powered by a 300hp Yamaha four-stroke engine. The Opah is equipped with racks for 8 SCUBA cylinders, a large dive platform, sturdy dive ladder, and 2 live wells on board.
Capacity: 1692 pounds (captain plus 9 snorkelers or 5 divers and gear)
Cruising speed: 25 knots (20 gph)
Range: 200 miles + Trailering; 150-gal fuel tank
R/V Mola Mola (25’ Parker): Named after the heaviest and perhaps strangest-looking fish in the ocean, the ocean sunfish, the Mola Mola is a center console, semi-V hull, powered by a 250 hp Yamaha four-stroke, with tank racks, a large dive platform, and sturdy dive ladder for easy access, and has live wells on board.
Capacity: 1830 pounds (captain plus 9 snorkelers or 5 divers & gear)
Cruising speed: 22 knots (15 gph)
Range: 250 miles + Trailering
R/V Nari Nari (18’ Parker): Named after the spotted eagle ray, the R/V Nari Nari is an 18′ Parker, and is perfect for smaller research groups. This center console is powered by a 115 hp Yamaha 4-stroke and has a semi-V with a relatively shallow draft. This vessel is available for self-captained use – please inquire for details and certification requirements
Capacity: 750 pounds (captain plus 3 snorkelers or 2 divers with gear)
Cruising speed: 20 mph (5 gph)
Range: 100 miles + Trailering (self-captained: ~7 mile radius of KML)
