# Boaty McBoatface > autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) used for scientific research carried on the RRS Sir David Attenborough **Wikidata**: [Q27444460](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27444460) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boaty_McBoatface) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/boaty-mcboatface ## Summary Boaty McBoatface is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) used for scientific research aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, operated by the British Antarctic Survey. The name originated from an internet meme and was chosen through public voting in 2016. It is part of the United Kingdom's national Antarctic research efforts. ## Key Facts - **Instance of**: Autonomous underwater vehicle and research vessel - **Operator**: British Antarctic Survey (inception 1962, UK-based) - **Parent vessel**: RRS Sir David Attenborough (sitelink count 8) - **Named after**: Internet meme (popularized via public voting in 2016) - **Country of registry**: United Kingdom - **Wikipedia languages**: Available in English, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Swedish - **Wikidata description**: "Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) used for scientific research carried on the RRS Sir David Attenborough" - **Commons category**: Boaty McBoatface - **Sitelink count**: 6 - **Aliases**: Boaty - **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /g/11cs5v0lz6 - **WikiProject Climate Change**: Included in the focus list ## FAQs **What is Boaty McBoatface?** Boaty McBoatface is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) designed for scientific research, primarily deployed on the RRS Sir David Attenborough. Its name was chosen through a public vote in 2016, reflecting its origins as an internet meme. **Who operates Boaty McBoatface?** The British Antarctic Survey operates Boaty McBoatface, which is part of the United Kingdom's national Antarctic research efforts. The survey was established in 1962 and is headquartered in the UK. **Where is Boaty McBoatface used?** Boaty McBoatface is used aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a research vessel operated by the British Antarctic Survey. The vessel has a sitelink count of 8, indicating its significance in the research community. **How was Boaty McBoatface named?** The name Boaty McBoatface was chosen through a public vote in 2016, as part of a campaign that turned the selection into an internet meme. The name was officially adopted due to its popularity. **What is the significance of Boaty McBoatface?** Boaty McBoatface is notable for its role in scientific research, particularly in Antarctic studies. Its deployment on the RRS Sir David Attenborough highlights its importance in advancing underwater exploration and climate research. ## Why It Matters Boaty McBoatface plays a crucial role in scientific research, particularly in studying Antarctic environments. As an autonomous underwater vehicle, it enables detailed data collection without direct human intervention, making it a valuable tool for climate and oceanographic studies. Its deployment on the RRS Sir David Attenborough underscores its contribution to the UK's national Antarctic research efforts. Additionally, its name, which originated from an internet meme, reflects the public's engagement with scientific projects, demonstrating the broader impact of citizen science initiatives. ## Notable For - **Public Naming**: One of the first major scientific projects named through public voting, popularizing the term "Boaty McBoatface" as an internet meme. - **Autonomous Research**: Pioneers in using autonomous underwater vehicles for scientific research, particularly in Antarctic waters. - **Climate Research**: Contributes to understanding oceanic and climate phenomena through advanced data collection methods. - **UK Antarctic Efforts**: Supports the British Antarctic Survey's mission to advance Antarctic science and conservation. ## Body ### Overview Boaty McBoatface is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operated by the British Antarctic Survey, primarily used for scientific research aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The name was chosen through a public vote in 2016, reflecting its origins as an internet meme. The vehicle is part of the United Kingdom's national Antarctic research efforts, contributing to climate and oceanographic studies. ### Naming and Public Engagement The name Boaty McBoatface was selected through a public voting campaign in 2016, which turned the naming process into a widely discussed internet meme. The popularity of the name led to its official adoption, marking a significant moment in public engagement with scientific projects. This event highlighted the public's interest in naming scientific assets and the broader impact of citizen science initiatives. ### Operational Details Boaty McBoatface is an autonomous underwater vehicle, meaning it operates without direct input from human operators. It is deployed on the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a research vessel operated by the British Antarctic Survey. The vessel has a sitelink count of 8, indicating its relevance in the research community. The AUV is registered in the United Kingdom and is part of the British Antarctic Survey's efforts to advance Antarctic science. ### Scientific Contributions Boaty McBoatface is used for scientific research, particularly in studying Antarctic environments. Its autonomous capabilities allow for detailed data collection, contributing to climate and oceanographic research. The vehicle's deployment on the RRS Sir David Attenborough underscores its role in advancing underwater exploration and scientific discovery. ### Cultural Impact The naming of Boaty McBoatface through public voting and its subsequent internet fame have made it a notable cultural phenomenon. The name's popularity and the associated meme reflect the public's engagement with scientific projects, demonstrating the broader impact of citizen science initiatives. The event has been widely discussed and referenced in media, further cementing its cultural significance. ### Related Projects and Organizations Boaty McBoatface is operated by the British Antarctic Survey, which was established in 1962 and is headquartered in the UK. The survey's work includes various Antarctic research initiatives, with Boaty McBoatface playing a key role in these efforts. The vehicle is part of the RRS Sir David Attenborough, a research vessel that supports scientific exploration in Antarctic waters. ### Wikipedia and Digital Presence Boaty McBoatface has a significant digital presence, with Wikipedia articles available in multiple languages, including English, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Swedish. The vehicle's Wikipedia page has a sitelink count of 6, indicating its relevance in the digital information landscape. Additionally, it is included in the focus list of the WikiProject Climate Change, highlighting its importance in climate research. ### Technical Specifications Boaty McBoatface is an autonomous underwater vehicle, meaning it operates without direct human intervention. It is designed for scientific research, particularly in Antarctic environments. The vehicle's specifications and capabilities are tailored to the demands of underwater exploration and data collection. Its deployment on the RRS Sir David Attenborough underscores its role in advancing scientific research in challenging environments. ## References 1. Know Your Meme