This list includes all seagoing research ships owned/operated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Geologic Survey (USGS).
Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in italics. All classifications are purely unofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout all navies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations. Where two dates are given (i.e. 1965/82), the first is the date of initial completion, and the second is the date of acquisition, conversion, or transfer. Designations given in (parentheses) are assigned but not displayed on the ship's hull.
All ships on this list carry the "R/V" prefix with their names.
Lake Guardian pollution survey vessel
Notes: A former oilfield supply tug converted for Environmental Protection Agency service as a pollution survey/research vessel on the Great Lakes. Operated by a civilian contractor.
Builders: Halter Marine, Moss Point, MS; modifications by builder at Lockport, LA.
| Number | Name | Year | FLT | Homeport | Group | Notes |
| -- | Lake Guardian | 1980/90 | GL | Milwaukee, WI | EPA |
Peter W. Anderson pollution survey vessel Notes: A former US Navy gunboat modified as a pollution research/survey vessel for the EPA. The original gas turbine engine has been removed. Operated by a civilian contractor.
Builders: Tacoma Boatbuilding.
| Number | Name | Year | FLT | Homeport | Group | Notes |
| -- | Peter W. Anderson | 1967/78 | ATL | Annapolis, MD | EPA |
J.W. Powell coastal oceanographic research ship
Notes: A small oceanographic research ship owned by the US Geologic Survey and operated in the Gulf of Mexico by Texas A&M on permanent loan.
Builders: unknown.
| Number | Name | Year | FLT | Homeport | Group | Notes |
| -- | J.W. Powell | 1965 | ATL | TAMU |