Lake Michigan Research Vessel
Supporting Research and Exploration on Lake Michigan
The Molly V is available for research, filming, survey work, ROV operations, and underwater exploration projects on Lake Michigan. Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the vessel supports specialized fieldwork along the Wisconsin shoreline and the northern Illinois lakefront.
A Reliable Platform for Underwater Field Projects.
Get in touch to discuss project availability.
A Flexible Platform for Field Projects
The Molly V serves not only as a recreational dive charter boat but also as a practical platform for specialized underwater work. With an open working deck, enclosed cabin, and experience supporting technical diving operations, the vessel is well suited for teams conducting documentation, survey, or exploration projects on Lake Michigan.
The boat has supported a variety of field activities including ROV operations, sonar surveys, underwater filming, and scientific research.
Why the Molly V Works Well for Special Projects
- Stable working platform for field operations
- Open deck space for equipment staging
- Enclosed cabin for protection from weather
- Large swim platform for water access
- Experience supporting technical diving operations
- Suitable for underwater photography and filming
- Ideal for ROV deployment and sonar surveys
- Operates primarily from Wisconsin ports and northern Illinois harbors
Types of Projects Supported
- Shipwreck documentation
- Underwater photography and filming
- ROV operations Sonar and survey work
- Scientific research projects
- Exploration support
- Media and television productions
- Educational and robotics projects
Selected Projects
- Oct. 2025 – Documenting Prins Willem V using Wi-Fi technology
- July 2025 – Documenting Prins Willem V with an ROV
- 2022 – Lake Michigan crayfish research project conducted from Waukegan, Illinois
- 2020 – Underwater Wi-Fi technology test
- 2016 – Robotics exploration of the Rouse Simmons
- 2015 – Discovery of the schooner Alice E. Wilds
- 2015 – 12WISN television feature Milwaukee Car Ferry filmed aboard the Molly V ↗
- 2013 – Survey work on the A.A. Parker ↗
- 2010 – Discovery expedition of the L.R. Doty ↗
Primary Operating Area
The Molly V operates primarily from Milwaukee and other Wisconsin ports, with project support also available along the northern Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline, including locations such as Waukegan. Project logistics depend on launch location, vessel trailering needs, and the nature of the work being conducted.