A research vessel is like a big boat that scientists use to explore the ocean and learn new things. It's kind of like a big science lab that floats on the water!
The vessel usually has a crew of people who help the scientists use different tools and machines to collect information about the ocean. They might use nets to catch fish, or cameras to take pictures of the sea floor. They might even use robotic submarines to explore the depths of the ocean that humans can't go to.
Once they collect all this information, the scientists can then study it and learn new things about the ocean - like what kinds of creatures live there, how the water moves, and even how the ocean affects the climate.
So, in short, a research vessel is like a big floating laboratory that helps scientists explore and understand the ocean!