The RV Sea Dawg started life as a Florida Keys lobster boat built by the Torres Boat Manufacturing Company of Key West, Florida.  The 43' boat was completed in June of 1980 with hull number TBP0037F080 and named the Marlen.

Shortly thereafter, U.S. Customs confiscated the Marlen and the General Services Commission transferred the confiscated boat to the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Sea Grant. NOAA in turn transferred the Marlen to the University of Georgia Sea Grant Program on October 28, 1981 to "be used in the marine education program and the research project to determine the feasibility of fin fishing in Georgia. Sea Grant No. NA80AAD00091." The University of Georgia renamed the vessel RV Sea Dawg and retrofitted an "A-frame" and winch to use otter trawl nets and other equipment.

In the late 1990's the RV Sea Dawg became an inspected vessel. In simple terms this means the U.S. Coast Guard determined that the RV Sea Dawg met rigorous construction and safety standards for the original documentation. Also, there are annual USCG inspections relating to construction, sea worthiness, safety plus personnel licensing and training. In 2002 the RV Sea Dawg went though a major overhaul that included all new wiring, hydraulics, safety features, rear decking plus re-engineered A-frame and winch equipment.