No expense was spared for HMS Challenger’s scientific equipment - Challenger was prepared for any problem her scientists might face. Space was dedicated to several laboratories, notably a large chemistry lab, several rooms for the examination of specimens that had been collected, and even a darkroom for developing photographs on glass plates.

Challenger supported a complex dredging system, much more than a simple net dragged along the bottom. Cutting edge technology (for its time) allowed for sampling water from different depths - measuring temperature as well as collecting for chemical analysis - while trailing hooks and nets brought in specimens of all manner of marine life.

Additionally, Challenger carried enough rope to measure ocean depth to at least 4,500 fathoms - 8,200 meters, or just over 5 miles.