Research vessels double as sampling platforms and laboratories. These vessels can remain for long periods at sea, during which access to information must be available to researchers whenever required, e.g., to communicate with other members of a project, acquire updated and near-real-time data, etc. Therefore, a global communications system is a capital expense for a research vessel. This article summarizes the communications system implemented in the Spanish RV García del Cid. The RV García del Cid is a multipurpose research vessel with a regional capacity that is part of the EuroFLEETS project aiming toward an alliance of European research fleets. It is managed by the Marine Technology Unit of the Spanish National Research Council (UTM-CSIC). The ship was built in 1979, and its characteristics are: a deadweight of 183 t, a length of 37.2 m, a breadth of 8.4 m, a draught of 3.50 m and a capacity for 26 people (14 crew and 12 scientists or technicians). [...]

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