CCGS W. E. Ricker

The CCGS W.E. Ricker is a Canadian Coast Guard offshore fisheries research vessel. The vessel was built in 1978 by Narasaki Senpakukogyo Limited of Muroran Hokkaido, Japan. . She previously sailed as the Callistratus. The ship sails with seven officers and a crew of 12.

The vessel has served on joint scientific voyages with US scientists. She is currently serving in the Pacific. Her home port is at the Pacific Biological Station Nanaimo B.C. On March 22, 2006, the W.E. Ricker was one of the ships that responded to the sinking of the BC Ferry Queen of the North in which 99 people were rescued, unfortunately 2 lives were lost.

It was named after the fisheries scientist, editor, taxonomist, and naturalist W.E. (Bill) Ricker.

She was built in 1978

In September 2009 the Department of Fisheries and Oceans announced invitations for contracts to replace several of the Coast Guards research vessels, including the W.E. Ricker. Her replacement will be larger, 67 metres in Length. She will be staffed by a crew of 25, and will be able to carry an additional staff of 18 scientists. She is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

CGS Base Patricia Bay
Most ships at this base are research vessels including:


 * CCGS Revisor - research vessel
 * CCGS Vector - survey ship
 * CCGS John P. Tully - research vessel
 * CCGS Gordon Reid - SAR