Appendices
INTRODUCTION - The UNOLS Council met in Room 1235 of the National Science Foundation on 17 September 1997. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Ken Johnson, UNOLS Chair. The items of the agenda, Appendix I, were addressed in the order as reported below. The participants of the meeting are listed in Appendix II.
ACCEPTING MINUTES - The minutes from the June 1997 Council meeting were accepted as amended (page 8 was corrected, replacing "PMEL" with "NOAA."
COMMITTEE REPORTS - The Committee Chairs submitted their written reports in advance of the meeting and are included as Appendix III. Each report was briefly summarized by Ken Johnson. The chairs provided any updates and additional information not included in the written reports.
Research Vessel Operators' Committee (RVOC): Paul Ljunggren reported that the RVOC meeting agenda has been changed. The three planned workshops will be replaced with a report from Bill Hurley of The Glosten Associates. His report will address the impact new regulatory changes may have on the current and future UNOLS Fleet operations.
Fleet Improvement Committee: Ken Johnson reported that Chris Mooers' term as FIC Chair is ending and Larry Atkinson will be the new FIC Chair. Chris distributed a draft Interim Fleet Improvement Plan along with a memorandum to the FIC and Council with his reflections regarding UNOLS.
DEep Submergence Science Committee: Mike Perfit reported that on September 16, SIO hosted a meeting to investigate the future of ATV as a science tool. The issue will be addressed by the Council later in the meeting.
Ship Scheduling Committee (SSC) - Ken Johnson provided a viewgraph, Appendix IV, with the statistics of ship usage from 1995 through 1998. The ship day totals are down almost 500 days from last year. The table also depicted the increase of ship time for the smaller ships with a decrease of large ship time. The agency summaries over the years reflected the reduction in ship use, primarily for NSF, over this period. Ken presented a ship cost summary for 1998, Appendix V. This summary was provided by the individual ship operators representing their anticipated costs based on the schedules presented at the 15 September Ship Scheduling Committee Meeting. In past years the total costs exceeded the anticipated funds available from $3M to $10M. This year the total was nearly $5M less than the anticipated funds available for 1998. There was a general discussion on ship use trends. It was noted that there are no large field programs on the horizon.
Ken concluded by noting that pressure for the use of ALVIN and the deep submersible tools is high in 1998. Scheduling of these assets has been a complex, iterative process. With the exception of the scheduling the deep submergence assets, the remainder of the scheduling meeting went smoothly with few issues to be resolved at the meeting. As a result, Ken suggested that the format of the scheduling meeting needs to be reviewed to determine its effectiveness.
Federal Agency Reports -
Department of State (DoS) - Tom Cocke reported that clearance difficulties remain with Mexico and Russia. There have been an increasing number of coastal states providing late responses to clearance requests. Additionally, jurisdictional disputes between countries have resulted in instances of delays in issuing clearances. Tom reported that a greater number of coastal states are requesting to participate in coastal science cruises. This often results in additional logistics and travel expenses for the PI and reduces the bunk space available for the science party.
Tom provided statistics reflecting the trend toward fewer clearance requests being submitted on time. In 1997 only 37% of the requests to date were submitted on time. These late requests could be impacting the problem for late coastal state responses. Ken Johnson suggested that a subcommittee be established to examine what is causing the late submissions and what can be done to alleviate the problem. It was suggested that a mechanism be integrated into the web-based ship time request form to electronically remind PIs that a clearance request is needed.
National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) - CDR Beth White provided the report for NOAA, see Appendix VI. She began by reporting that the Memorandum of Understanding between NOAA and UNOLS is scheduled to be signed by Jim Baker Ken Johnson immediately following the Council meeting. AQUARIUS, an underwater laboratory, has been reactivated and is located in the Florida Keys. Fisheries will have $2.1M in the 1998 budget for concept design of the next generation fisheries research vessel. NOAA expects to charter 285 ship days of UNOLS ships in 1998 costing approximately $2.8M. RON BROWN completed its first science program, a PACS cruise, from 21 July to 6 September. The ship is presently on the first leg of a Vents cruise off Oregon. KA'IMIMOANA continues its work in the Pacific with the TOGA TAO buoys. The A76 process is proceeding on schedule which will determine the most cost effective way that this ship should be operated. The conclusion and results of this process are expected by May 1998. Beth reported that a bill to disestablish the Corps has been introduced, but for the time being the Corp is still active.
National Science Foundation (NSF)- The NSF report was provided by Don Heinrichs. His viewgraphs are included as Appendix VII. Lisa Rom has returned to NSF and will be working half time as Assistant Program Director for the Oceanographic Technology and Interdisciplinary Coordination (OTIC) Program. Sandy Shor will continue on as Program Director for Instrumentation and Technical Services for the rest of the year. This position will be advertised in the near future. The 1998 NSF budget is still in Congress. An increase over 1997 of 2.1% is likely which would bring the Ocean Science budget to $206.2M. The Facilities budget would most likely remain level funded at $52.3M. Don reported that at least one UNOLS ship would be laid up in 1998. Additional or continuing lay-ups are anticipated for 1999.
The UN has designated 1998 as the Year of the Ocean. EXPO '98 will be held in Lisbon, Portugal. Mike Reeve has been designated as official coordinator for NSF. NSF will encourage "outreach" activities associated with this event.
Don provided the details of the Government Performance and Results Act (GRPA) as it relates to NSF Facilities, see Appendix VII. The NSF required documents for the GRPA will include 1) a Strategic Plan; 2) an Annual Performance Plan (goals and objectives) and 3) Documentation of Workforce Issues. Significant effort will be necessary to keep these plans current. Changes to the cruise reporting form may be necessary to assist in collecting the data. Don thanked Annette DeSilva for her work in providing statistics for the GPRA pilot review this year. An NSF Committee of Visitors (COV) will review the plans every three years.
Don announced that a new publication "Grant Proposal Guide" has been published. Copies were available for the Council with additional copies available upon request. Also available was the publication "Instruction for Preparation of Proposals".
Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) - CDR Jim Trees provided the NAVO report (see Appendix VIII). The first year of the NAVO/UNOLS partnership has been a success. Approximately $6.3M was provided for 432 UNOLS ship days and $769K for data processing. The planning went from concept to execution with few perturbations. The number one requirement of two fleet commanders were met. The UNOLS effort ensured an earlier forward deployment of two T-AGS-60 ships. Tactically significant data and Fleet requirements were accomplished.
Oceanographer of the Navy (OON) - Sujata Millick reported for the OON. She announced the U.S. Navy "Name This Ship" Contest for the T-AGS 64 and passed out the brochure, Appendix IX. The OON in partnership with the Navy League, National Geographic Society and the Navy Memorial are sponsoring this contest for school children K-12. The winner will be invited to attend the ship's christening and launch ceremonies.
Office of Naval Research (ONR) - Sujata continued with a report from ONR. Level funding is expected for the ONR Facility budget which should be approximately $5M. The ONR use of UNOLS ships has gone down in 1997 and 1998, however, is expected to grow in the out years. The Navy's inspection (INSURV) is being conducted on KNORR this week. THOMPSON is scheduled for an INSURV in October. The NAVSEA/SCN funding ends in September 1997 for REVELLE and May 1998 for ATLANTIS. A study by The Glosten Associates has been funded to evaluate the fuel efficiencies and propulsion problems experienced on the AGORs.
Sujata distributed a copy of the ONR "Commerce Business Daily Announcement for Operator Selection" for the newly funded AGOR 26 (see Appendix X). Interested parties are to request the RFP by 17 October 1997. Proposals are due 5 December and a decision is expected by January 1998. ONR is investigating the use of the CNR 804 process for the design and construction of this ship. Under this process the designing and construction of the ship is accelerated through the early participation of industry.
Frank Herr continued the ONR report by noting that within ONR the Ocean Science Division are held in high regard by Admiral Gaffney. The budget for ships and science are reasonably level and they are working to at least maintain the budget at a level state. Mike Craig along with John Orcutt have been awarded the Walter Munk Award - Congratulations. In other personnel announcements, Frank reported the need for IPA's to serve as program Officers. In particular they are seeking high-latitude expertise. Frank Herr concluded by announcing that ONR was pleased to present Sujata with a promotion.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) - CDR George Dupree who replaced CDR Rick Rooth in August as Chief, Ice Operations Division gave the USCG report. CDR Dupree explained that POLAR STAR has completed a ten-month overhaul and is now on a Deep Freeze deployment to Antarctica. POLAR SEA is entering a six month shipyard period and should be available for a Science of Opportunity cruise in the spring. A two month cruise is planned for equipment shakedown and crew training. The Coast Guard would like to allow four weeks for science. HEALY is scheduled for launch on 15 November 1997 with a delivery date scheduled for December 1998. Unrestricted operations are scheduled for 2000. The decision of homeport has yet to be made. The Coast Guard would like to increase training for their crew in preparation for science operations on HEALY. CDR Dupree requested any operators that may have openings on their ships for crew to contact him. CDR Dupree announced a GS-13 position vacancy in their Washington, DC Office. This person would be the civilian liaison with the community. They hope to have the position filled by the end of the year.
Consortium for Oceanographic Research
and Education (CORE) - Dan Schwartz presented the CORE report. CORE
has been selected as the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) program
office (see Appendix XI). Two
of the three NOPP Office positions have been filled as this office begins to
organize. They will be coordinating a "Virtual Ocean Data Center Workshop" which
will be a web-based forum. The NOPP Office is assisting in the development of
Terms of Reference for the National Oceanographic Research Leadership Council
(NORLC). They are helping to establish the Ocean Research Advisory Panel (ORAP)
charter and membership. The NOPP Office will prepare an annual report to congress
on the progress of NOPP. Dan reported that the 1998 program will have many of
the same elements as in 1997 and is expected to be funded at $28.5M with $7.5M
for the Navy use of UNOLS vessels. For FY99 the program should be included in
the various agency budgets. Ten agencies have expressed interest in supporting
the Partnership Program in out years.
NOAA/UNOLS Cooperation - RON BROWN was included in the 1998 UNOLS scheduling process as part of the cooperative efforts between NOAA and UNOLS. Brown's schedule for 1998 contains only NOAA funded science. However, in 1999 BROWN will likely be scheduled into the Indian Ocean and could accommodate programs of NSF, ONR and/or NAVO that would traditionally be the work for UNOLS ships. In return, NOAA programs in the Atlantic and Pacific would likely be scheduled on UNOLS ships. NOAA is planning approximately $2.8M for UNOLS ship time in 1998 which could increase in 1999.
UNCLOS Discussion - Dan Schwartz continued with a report on the status of the UNCLOS. Dan provided a copy of an article, "LOS and the Academic Research Scientist" by J. ASHLEY Roach, see Appendix XII. CORE recently conducted an abbreviated study of the effect on science of the U.S. not signing the Law of the Sea Treaty. Dan Schwartz reported that the premise of the study was that foreign coastal states may be less receptive to the U.S. clearance requests for work in their waters and that this may be a cause for the increase in delays and declines. CORE conducted a telephone survey, requesting facts and opinions regarding the U.S. position regarding the LOS. Dan noted that the survey was not scientific in nature. The preliminary findings of the survey indicated that there have been few actual sitings of problems related to the U.S. not signing the LOS. However, the consensus was that signing the treaty can only help with the process of gaining clearance responses. It was noted that one problem with the current situation is that the U.S. can not take part in conflict resolution and that the "implied consent" portion of the law can not be utilized. The Council agreed that CORE should continue to take the lead in this issue.
NOAA Fishery Needs - CDR Rick Brown from the NOAA Corps provided a summary of the ship requirements for NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service. NMFS is presently utilizing eight NOAA ships for 1700 days of in-house fish assessment and research. In addition they are chartering 400 days. Their plan is to build six new fishery research vessels to replace their aging fleet. These will be capable of both stock assessment and oceanographic research. They are looking to universities for cooperative efforts. The 1998 NOAA budget includes $2.1M for a concept design of the new fisheries vessels. Low acoustic signatures are considered very important for these vessels. NOAA will be working with the Navy for the newest quiet ship technology. NOAA is hopeful that the 1999 budget will contain construction money for the beginning of this new class of ships.
ENDEAVOR/OCEANUS Discussion - WHOI and URI submitted identical 1998 schedules for OCEANUS and ENDEAVOR realizing that one ship would be laid up. Neither institution volunteered their ship but instead asked that Ken Johnson mediate the decision. Ken received letters from the operators of both institutions as well as letters from scientists. It was noted that 13 of the scheduled cruises had WHOI PI's with associated ship loading and unloading requirements. Also, the ship characteristics of OCEANUS seemed to be better suited for the required field work. It was noted that OCEANUS had been the last ship to lay up. Ken's recommendation was that ENDEAVOR should lay up for 1998 but that a strong schedule should be developed for this ship in 1999. In the event of another year of low ship time requests, Ken recommended that all of the east coast intermediate ships be included into the lay-up rotation schedule including SEWARD JOHNSON. It was the consensus of the Council to endorse the sentiments of Ken's letter and forward it to NSF. The Council added that under the presumption that a similar scenario exists to some degree in 1999, the preference is to not lay-up ENDEAVOR.
Long Term Utilization of the UNOLS Fleet - The Council discussed at length the long term utilization of the UNOLS Fleet. It was suggested that the past may not be a guide for the future. There were concerns that there were no mega-programs such as WOCE and JGOFS on the horizon but we should not react on short term trends. The concern was that it is easy to retire a ship but it takes ten years to bring one on line. The science cycles are counted in years while ship cycles are in decadal time scales. This mismatch can be the cause of lean years.
Mike Purdy was asked about the long term prognosis of shipboard science. He indicated that the number of focused initiatives is constantly increasing. There are, however, no large programs on the table for the next two years. This period is a time of data interpretation and assimilation. NSF is reviewing the four disciplines as well as interdisciplinary science asking where the most exciting science opportunities may be in the next few years. The results of this inquiry will be shared. The Council agreed that a plan was necessary to deal with the lean years.
Application for UNOLS Membership - The Council briefly reviewed the request for membership by The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium. A subcommittee of Bob Knox, Rich Jahnke and Clare Reimer has been established to review the UNOLS Charter, including annexes, defining what an "Institution" is as used in the Charter, and how consortium fit into this definition. The membership request was deferred pending the outcome of this subcommittee.
SEA CLIFF Retirement - Mike Perfit's comments relating to SEA CLIFF are included in his written committee report, see Appendix III. He commented that to date, a decision has not been made by the Navy on the future use of SEA CLIFF after de-activation.
ATV Retirement - In the spring, the Navy announced the possible retirement of the ATV (Advanced Tethered Vehicle). Scripps indicated an interest in operating the ROV and hosted a meeting on 16 September to discuss with the community some of the options for use and operation of the vehicle. WHOI, DESSC and agency representatives attended this meeting. WHOI also expressed an interest in being the operator for ATV. DESSC recommended to the agencies that ATV should be made available to the academic community if it is retired from the Navy. DESSC requested additional information on the vehicle to determine its capabilities. Community input will be solicited at the San Francisco AGU Meeting. Costs for operation are of concern. DESSC, SIO, and WHOI will continue to assess the viability of operating this vehicle after receiving community input and evaluating its capability and operating costs.
Scheduling Improvements - Jack Bash provided a summary of the Ship Scheduling Procedure Review Committee efforts. This subcommittee, chaired by Rich Jahnke, was charged to look at perceived weakness in the ship scheduling process. A summary of Jack's remarks are included in the viewgraph included as Appendix XIII. The viewgraphs include the committee's recommendations along with the actions to date.
AGOR Z-drive Thruster Status - Dick Pittenger provided an update on the AGOR Z-drive thruster problems, see Appendix XIV. The Glosten Associates are presently studying the cause of these failures. It would appear that there have been several different causes for the various failures including defective manufacturing. Where no spares are available, as with the upper unit on THOMPSON, it takes 13 weeks for manufacture and delivery of replacement units. This presents an unacceptable situation. After receiving the results of the Glosten study a course of action will be recommended to ensure greater reliability.
Ship Inspection Program - Jack Bash reported that a contract has been let to Jamestown Marine Services to conduct the NSF inspection on the non-Navy vessels of the UNOLS Fleet. The first inspection has been completed on LAURENTIAN. This inspection went well. An aggressive inspection schedule is planned.
White Paper on Crewing Requirements - A contract was let to The Glosten Associates to study the impact of new regulations with respect to fleet operations and new ship construction. A preliminary presentation of this study is scheduled for the RVOC meeting in October.
Interim Fleet Improvement Plan - Chris Mooers provided the Council with a revised draft of the Fleet Improvement Committee Interim Fleet Improvement Plan. The Council was asked to review the document and provide feedback to Ken Johnson for finalization.
Long Range Issues - The Council opened discussion on long range issues that should be considered. These included the need to consider new construction, particularly with the intermediate ship class. This effort should get started after hearing the results of the Glosten study on crewing and admeasurement. There was expressed a need that our community become more pro-active on issues and take a greater advocacy role. It was also suggested that the community as a whole needs to get involved and have a greater understanding of the UNOLS activities. Forums at AGU and the Oceans Sciences meetings were suggested.
UNOLS Brochure - Plans to update the UNOLS brochure are in process. The format will be similar to the present format. Vicky Cullen, WHOI, who prepared the original brochure has agreed to put together the update. Suggestions for the update are welcome.
Dues - Jack Bash reported that the balance of UNOLS dues for 1996 was $3,603.86. A total of $1450.00 was collected for 1997. To date in 1997, $1,300.00 has been expended leaving a current balance of $3,753.86. The 1997 expenditures included $100.00 to Hospice in memory of Marcus Langseth, $1000.00 for a Marcus Langseth memorial and $200.00 deposit on the 16 September evening UNOLS reception.
UNOLS Council Slate - Dennis Hayes, chair of the nominating committee, presented a slate for the Council elections. This slate is included as Appendix XV.
Thanks to Out-going Council Members - Dennis Hayes, Cindy Lee and Chris Mooers were thanked for their efforts on the UNOLS Council.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
NOAA/UNOLS MOU Signed -
Immediately following the UNOLS Council Meeting, the NOAA/UNOLS MOU was signed
by NOAA Director, Dr. James Baker and UNOLS Chair, Dr. Kenneth Johnson.
Call the Meeting: Ken Johnson, UNOLS Chair, will call the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m., 17 September 1997.
Accept Minutes of June, 1997 Meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ken Johnson will provide a brief summary of the UNOLS Committee written reports and open the floor to a question/answer period. (Prior to the meeting, Committee Chairs submitted written reports for distribution to meeting participants.) Chairs will identify any important issues that need to be addressed further by the Council.
AGENCY and OTHER REPORTS: Reports from agency representatives on funding outlooks, facility updates, and special projects:
UNOLS ISSUES:
Science Mission Requirements for Central Pacific - Sujata Millick will provide the status on the Navy's plan for construction of a Central Pacific research vessel.
NOPA 2 - Dan Schwartz will give an update on plans and funding status for NOPA-2.
NOAA/UNOLS Cooperation - Ken Johnson will review the status of the NOAA-OAR/UNOLS Memorandum of Understanding.
UNCLOS Discussion - Tom Cocke will report on the potential impact of the U.S. decision not to ratify the United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Dan Schwartz will provide an update on CORE's study on this issue.
NOAA Fishery Needs - Ken Johnson will open a discussion on NOAA fishery needs.
ENDEAVOR/OCEANUS Discussion - Ken Johnson will open a discussion on his recent letter to Dolly Dieter regarding ENDEAVOR and OCEANUS in 1998, see Attachment 1.
Long Term Utilization of the UNOLS Fleet - Discussion on 1998 ship utilization and ship use projections for the future.
Consortia Membership Issue - Discussion on UNOLS Membership issues in relation to consortia.
Charter Review - Cindy Lee will report on the ad hoc committee plans to review the UNOLS Charter and Council structure.
SEA CLIFF Retirement - Sujata Millick will review plans for the future of DSV SEA CLIFF following its retirement from the Navy. Mike Perfit will review DESSC's recommendations regarding SEA CLIFF's future.
ATV Retirement - Bob Knox will summarize the ATV meeting discussions held on 16 September. Mike Perfit will report on DESSC's preliminary recommendations regarding the retirement plans for ATV.
Ship Scheduling Improvements - Jack Bash will report on the progress of the improvements to the UNOLS ship scheduling process.
AGOR Z-drive Thruster Status - Bob Knox and Dick Pittenger will review the latest status of any AGOR Z-drive issues.
Ship Inspection Program - Jack Bash will provide the status of the UNOLS Ship Inspection program.
White Paper on Crewing Requirements - Jack Bash will provide the status of the contract to The Glosten Associates for their efforts to address the impact of Coast Guard Regulations regarding crew size requirements.
Interim Fleet Improvement Plan (IFIP) - The revised Interim Fleet Improvement Plan as provided by Chris Mooers will be reviewed.
Long Range Issues - Identification of long range issues for UNOLS Council attention.
Application for UNOLS Membership - The New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium has applied for UNOLS Membership. A copy of their application along with information about their consortium is included as Attachment 2.
UNOLS Brochure - Annette DeSilva will provide an update on plans for updating the UNOLS brochure.
UNOLS Dues - Jack Bash will provide an accounting report of the UNOLS dues budget.
UNOLS Council Membership - Dennis Hayes, Nominating Committee Chair, will present the slate of candidates for replacement of those Council members completing terms. The terms of Dennis Hayes, Bob Knox, and Cindy Lee are expiring.
Calendar for UNOLS Meetings:
| MEETING | LOCATION | DATES |
| Ship Scheduling Committee | Arlington, VA | 15 September 1997 |
| Scheduling Review | Arlington, VA | 16 September 1997 |
| UNOLS Council | Arlington, VA | 17 September 1997 |
| UNOLS Annual | Arlington, VA | 18 September 1997 |
| RVOC | Woods Hole, MA | 21-23 October 1997 |
| RVTEC | Seattle, WA | 27-29 October 1997 |
| FIC | TBD | Fall, 1997 |
| DESSC | San Francisco, CA | 7 December 1997 |
| AICC | New Orleans, LA | Jan/Feb 1998 |
Adjournment
| Participant | Affiliation | Phone/fax/email |
| Tim Askew | HBOI | (561) 465-24OOx262/(561) 465-2116/taskew@hboi.edu |
| Larry Atkinson | ODU | (757) 683-4926/(757) 683-5550/atkinson@ccpo.odu.edu |
| John Bash | UNOLS | (401) 874-6825/(401) 874-6167/unols@gso.uri.edu |
| Rick Brown | NOAA | (301) 713-2367/ /rick.brown@noaa.gov |
| Tom Cocke | Department of State | (202) 647-0240/(202) 647-1106/tcocke@state.gov |
| Paul Dauphin | NSF/ODP | (703) 306-1581/jdauphin@nsf.gov |
| Annette DeSilva | UNOLS | (401) 874-6825/(401) 874-6167/unols@gso.uri.edu |
| Dolly Dieter | NSF/OCE | (703) 306-1577x7233/(703) 306-0390/edieter@nsf.gov |
| George DuPree | USCG | (202) 267-1456/(202) 267-4222/gdupree@comdt.uscg.mil |
| David Epp | NSF | (703) 306-1586/depp@nsf.gov |
| John Freitag | URI | (401) 874-6579/(401) 874-6578/jfreitag@gso.uri.edu |
| Dennis Hansell | BBSR | (441) 297-188Ox2lO/(441) 297-8143/dennis@bbsr.edu |
| Dennis Hayes | LDEO | (914) 365-8470/(914) 365-8156/deph@ldeo.columbia.edu |
| Don Heinrichs | NSF | (703) 306-1576/(703) 306-0390/heinr-ic@nsf.gov |
| Frank Herr | ONR | (703) 696-4125/herrf@onr.navy.mil |
| Eric Itsweire | NSF | (703) 306-1583/(703) 306-0390/eilsweire@nsf.gov |
| Ken Johnson | MLML | (408) 755-8657/(408) 753-2826/johnson@mlml.calstate.edu |
| Bob Knox | SIO/UCSD | (619) 534-4729/(619) 535-1817/rknox@ucsd.edu |
| Paul Ljunggren | LDEO | (914) 365-8845/(914) 359-6817/pwl@ldeo.columbia.edu |
| Sujata Millick | ONR | (703) 696-4530/(703) 696-2007/millics@onr.navy.mil |
| Don Moller | WHOI | (508) 289-2277/(508) 457-2185/dmoller@whoi.edu |
| Chris Mooers | RSMAS/U of Miami | (305) 361-4825/(305) 361-4797/cmooers@rsmas.mia@.edu |
| Mike Perfit | U of Miami | (352) 392-2128/(352) 392-9294/perfit@geology.ufl.edu |
| Tim Pfeiffer | U of Delaware | (302) 645-4341/pfeiffer@udel.edu |
| Dick Pittenger | WHOI | (508) 289-2597/(508) 457-2185/rpittenger@whoi.edu |
| Dave Powell | U of Miami/RSMAS | (305) 361-4832/(305) 361-4174/dpowell@rsmas.miami.edu |
| Mike Purdy | NSF/OCE | (703) 306-1580/mpurdy@nsf.gov |
| Steve Rabalais | LUMCON | (504) 851-2808/(504) 851-2874/srabalais@lumcon.edu |
| Michael Reeves | NSF | (703) 306-1577 |
| Claire Reimers | Rutgers University | (908) 932-6555x236/(908) 932-8578/reimer@ahab.rutgers.edu |
| Lisa Rom | NSF/OCE | (703) 306-1585x7225/(703) 306-0390/erom@nsf.gov |
| Tom Royer | ODU | (757) 683-5547/(757) 683-5550/royer@ccpo.odu.edu |
| Terry Schaff | CORE | (202) 232-39OOx2lO/(202) 797-5979/tschaff@brook.edu |
| Daniel Schwartz | CORE/NOPP | (202) 232-39OOx222/(202)986-5072/dschwartz@brook.edu |
| Alexander Shor | NSF | (703) 306-1578/ashor@nsf.gov |
| Brian Taylor | SOESTIU of Hawaii | (808) 956-6649/(808) 956-2538/taylor@soest.hawaii.edu |
| Alan Thomas | NOAA/OAR | |
| CDR. Jim Trees | Naval Oceanographic Off. | (601) 688-4370/(601) 688-5514/jtrees@navo.navy.mil |
| Robert Wall | U of Maine | (207) 799-7734 |
| Tom Weingartner | U of Alaska | (907) 474-7993/(907) 474-7204/weingart@ims.alaska.edu |
| Richard West | NSF | (703) 306-1579/(703) 306-0390/rwest@nsf.gov |
| CDR Beth White | NOAA/OAR | (301) 713-2465 x~l84/(301) 713-0158/Elizabeth.White@noaa.gov |
| Gordon Wilkes | NAVOCEANO | (601) 688-4376/(601) 688-5602/gwilkes@navo.navy.mil |
Research Vessel Operators' Committee:
The 1997 RVOC meeting is scheduled to be held at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Woods Hole, Massachusetts on 21, 22, 23 October 1997. We have a full agenda for this meeting. In order to keep to this schedule many of the first days reports, specifically the "Special Reports" will be submitted as written reports with the period previously devoted to presentation of these reports now primarily being devoted to questions and answers. Of note on the agenda is-
Introductory presentation by Jamestown Marine. Jamestown Marine has been awarded the contract for the NSF ship inspection. They will be on hand to meet the members of RVOC and introduce personnel who will be carrying out the inspections.
A presentation will be made on marine communications. Existing and new systems that permit more effective communication and can be used to extend the Internet to sea. In conjunction with this there will be a presentation by SeaNet on JOI's recently funded proposal to provide five Inmarsat B installations on R/V's.
Three workshops are presently being
planned to address the following topics:
Tech./Operator workshop - Invite reps.
from RVTEC to discuss their needs and what operators should do to increase
the technical viability of their platforms.
Medical standards workshop-Follow on
to last year's work group.
Workshop to identify and standardize
ancillary service and equipment costs normally charged to programs.
Other RVOC Activities Include:
The Safety Committee has assigned members to review and update of the various chapters of the RVOC Research Vessel Safety Standards. This revision is due in January 1999. Two new topics which need to be included in the Safety Standards are Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).
The proposal for a Safety Training Video was funded. A meeting of the Safety Committee to address the production of this video is scheduled for 1,2,3 October 1997 at URI - GSO. Jamestown Marine was selected to produce the video and will be present for the meeting. Items to be addressed include:
Selection of topics to be covered in
the video. These topics will be selected from Chapter I of the RVOC Safety
Training Manual. Chapter 1 is the Research Party Supplement.
Establish schedule for script preparation.
Establish review and control procedures.
Discussion of ideas for shooting video.
Ship availability for shooting.
Submitted by Paul Ljunggren
Fleet Improvement Committee:
1. The IFIP97 has been further revised into the (hopefully) final draft form for the Council's review.
2. Increments have been added to the draft FIP98 by various FIC members.
3. Activity associated with planning for the construction of a mid-Pacific R/V has been placed on hold by ONR.
4. With cancellation of the FIC summer meeting on short notice, FIC does not have its usual high level of activity to report.
5. A message has been prepared for the Council (w/cc to FIC) summarizing the accomplishments and shortfalls of FIC over the past three years, and providing several recommendations.
Submitted by Chris Mooers
DEep Submergence Science Committee:
DESSC's deliberations and planning with the Deep Submergence Facility (DSF) operator, WHOI, and national funding agencies have resulted in an upgraded and completely overhauled ALVIN which has successfully been merged with the new R/V ATLANTIS. In addition to the overhaul WHOI has been funded by the federal agencies to upgrade navigation, imaging and operational equipment. DESSC is continuing to work with WHOI-DSF to upgrade the capabilities and data products of the vehicles, and to work on a policy and plan for archiving data from all of the DSF vehicles. Last Fall, DESSC asked WHOI review its management and operations policies and at the December DESSC meeting they presented an Integrated Deep Submergence Plan that outlined the integrations of ALVIN and ROV programs and provided for shore based and shipboard operations that accommodates various operational scenarios. The plan also addressed management communications within DSOG and with PI's planning to utilize DSOG facilities.
In June, ALVIN engineering dives and recertification took place off Bermuda. ATLANTIS/ALVIN then completed two successful dive programs on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge; one that included filming by the British Broadcasting Corp and another that was in cooperation with U.K. BRIDGE scientists. ATLANTIS has also completed work off the California coast and is now on the Juan de Fuca Ridge completing several deep submergence research programs that were in serious jeopardy of being delayed for a year because of mechanical problems with R/V THOMPSON's Z-drive. The remainder of the year will see ALVIN/ATLANTIS on the northern EPR before ATLANTIS must undergo a NAVY Post Availability Shakedown (PSA) inspection in San Diego that will last until approximately April 1998. Jason, Argo-II and the DSL-120 sonar are working well and ready to be used on ATLANTIS and other UNOLS platforms in the coming year. DESSC and WHOI are working on methods to educate the community about Jason capabilities and the optimal operational approach for deep submergence field programs using the full suite of DSF vehicles. DESSC, UNOLS and WHOI have developed an on-line ÒUNOLS/National Deep Submergence Facility Vehicle Request Form - DSV ALVIN, ROV Jason, Argo-II, DSL-120 SonarÓ, that can now be accessed on the World Wide Web through the Deep Submergence Operations Group at WHOI and the DESSC homepage.
Scheduling problems have plagued us for the past few months and were hopefully resolved at this week's scheduling meeting. Deep submergence facilities scheduling problems were compounded by the fact that ALVIN was in overhaul and many scientists have been waiting for more than a year to use ATLANTIS, and by the addition of unscheduled programs on the Juan de Fuca Ridge. There is so much funded science in diverse field areas, that arranging a schedule that meets all of the PIÕs needs/schedules/desires, funding agencies priorities and fiscal constraints, as well as the requirements for the Navy inspection in early 1998, has been complex; requiring extensive communication and coordination between all parties. DESSC has worked to facilitate communication and spent a significant portion of the July 16-18 DESSC meeting working together with funding agency representatives and the facility operator to achieve a workable schedule for 1998. The scheduling procedure is becoming more complicated with many more time-series programs being funded, the ability to use the ROV and tethered vehicles in different areas on other large UNOLS ships, and our new global approach to deep submergence science. DESSC will continue to advocate for increased facilities support for the excellent scientific programs that are being funded.
At last years UNOLS meeting, ONR asked DESSC for input regarding the effective utilization of the SEACLIFF and the facility needs of the US academic, deep submergence community. A preliminary response to these issues was provided to ONR in December 1996, and a specially convened Working Group met in March, 1997 to deliberate on these issues. The SEACLIFF Working Group completed a report that summarizes the responses by scientists who filled out a DESSC questionnaire regarding the future of deep submergence science. This report provides ONR with recommendations pertaining to specific options regarding the disposition of Navy assets. The full report can be obtained from the DESSC web site. The SEACLIFF Working Group and DESSC strongly recommended that ONR fund an engineering study to be carried out by WHOI so that well-constrained estimates of costs for the effective utilization of SEACLIFF for academic science can been made within the next 12-18 months.
The federal funding agencies also recently asked DESSC for input regarding interest in the academic community for using the NavyÕs ATV (Advanced Tethered Vehicle) that will be retired in 1998. DESSC sent a memo to the agencies stating that there is community interest in ATV, and supported a meeting (held on Tuesday) at NSF to discuss the operational capabilities of ATV.
DESSC plans to focus on topics associated with future (10-20 year) facility needs (submersible, ROV, AUV) for deep submergence science, science justifications for the facilities, and the potential fiscal impacts of various options for providing adequate deep submergence facilities that would serve academic research and possible strategic needs into the future.
Submitted by Mike Perfit
Research Vessel Technical Enhancement Committee:
Since the last Council meeting in Grand Haven progress has been made toward the RVTEC Annual meeting scheduled for October 27 through 29 in Seattle. A meeting room has been scheduled on the University of Washington campus and rooms have been blocked for participants at the Meany Tower close by. The meeting is being hosted by Neil Bogue from University of Washington with assistance from Mike Webb from NOAA PMC.
The major presentation will be made by Mr. Bill Riffe, president of Marine Environmental Research, and will be on the subject of Marine Corrosion and its impact on shipboard systems and overboard instruments. Arrangements are also being made with Sea-Bird Corporation for a plant tour and evening presentation at their facility. Sea-Bird is a major supplier of instrumentation used on board UNOLS vessels.
Other agenda items will include discussion of continuing efforts toward updating the salary survey for technicians originally conducted in about 1988 by Bill Coste, a report from the cable subcommittee headed by Don Moller of WHOI and report from the data standards sub-committee headed by Steve Poulos from University of Hawaii.
The RVTEC chair will be attending the JOI SeaNet workshop in Washington on 29-30 September and participation by SeaNet principals is expected at the RVTEC meeting in Seattle.
Respectfully submitted,
John S. Freitag
Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee:
Report from the UNOLS Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee to the UNOLS Council - September 1997
The UNOLS Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee (AICC) provides scientific oversight of Arctic polar science support on US surface vessels, with primary focus on USCGC Polar Star, USCGC Polar Sea, and the new USCGC HEALY. The AICC consists of eight members from the US academic community, and is supported by NSF and the US Coast Guard. We try to maintain ties to other agencies and organizations concerned with marine research in the Arctic.
While there has been little new business since the last report in June 1997, the following updates the last AICC report:
With regards to ship scheduling, we have recommended that the Coast Guard take advantage of the on-line system provided by the UNOLS Office. To that end, the AICC has moved towards scheduling the USCG Arctic science missions within the UNOLS framework and the icebreakers are now on the UNOLS on-line ship-time request site. The AICC would like to see seamless incorporation of the icebreakers into the UNOLS scheduling, notification, and tracking system. Having said that, there will be only limited opportunities for scheduled USCG Arctic science missions (i.e. other than ship-of-opportunity) until January 2000 when USCGC HEALY becomes available.
Presently, the dominant mode of operation
for USCG Arctic science support is via the ship-of-opportunity (SOO) cruises.
These cruises receive no agency cost recovery because their primary mission
is to test the vessel(s) and to act as training missions for the USCG. The
AICC has been tasked with the responsibility of coordinating science participation
in the SOO cruises. Although the 1997 Arctic SOO program was canceled, we
feel that the AICC coordination of the science plan went well. All requests
were more or less feasible and we were able to put like-minded groups in contact
with one another so that they could maximize their planned science programs.
Each 1997 group will be contacted to see if they wish to participate in the
planned 1998 SOO cruise. Since there were a number of questions and concerns
from the community regarding the AICC's role in SOO cruise planning, we have
reformulated SOO guidelines for 1998 and have
posted them on the UNOLS web site. We
will also publicize them via electronic mailing lists and notices at appropriate
national meetings.
SOO cruises exploit a gray area in science
support, which has inevitably lead to some problems. Because such cruises
are seen by some as fiscally advantageous to funding agencies, and may even
be seen by some program managers as a preferred means of data acquisition
support, we would like to note that SOO cruises carry considerable risks.
Since there is no USCG commitment to science support for SOO cruises, when
schedule changes materialize, there has been considerable disappointment on
the part of investigators and their program managers, and as a result, image
problems for the USCG. We note that true dedicated science missions will put
the
responsibility for ship support squarely
upon the USCG. Such missions will test the USCG commitment to science missions
and its readiness for science support operations.
The AICC has recommended that the planned
field testing of USCGC HEALY in 1999 not be considered an SOO. We asked the
USCG to concentrate on tests and training without being constrained by accomplishing
"good science" on its maiden voyage at the expense of fully testing all systems.
UNOLS is assisting the Coast Guard with identification of science groups to
assist
with and monitor the science systems
tests. The AICC feels it is very important that procedures be worked out to
provide "corporate memory" for science systems support. During HEALY construction,
John Boaz, a senior technician at SIO, has been contracted by the USCG (through
NSF) for consultation on science systems. In the long-term, because of the
nature of USCG assignment rotation, the AICC felt it best to have some form
of civilian science support. This topic continues to be under discussion.
One issue of concern to the AICC - scientific clearance in foreign EEZs - has been largely laid to rest. The final step of having the Coast Guard play the same role as a UNOLS operator will probably be adopted following additional consultations between the Coast Guard and the UNOLS Office. AICC questions regarding HEALY's status under Canadian regulations appear to have been resolved satisfactorily.
The AICC continues to build liaisons, for example with RVTEC and the Antarctic Research Vessel Oversight Committee while the AICC e-mail list continues to expand. Progress on USCGC HEALY and work of the AICC was presented to the Arctic Research Commission at their meeting in Barrow, Alaska in August.
At present, USCGC HEALY brings no new dedicated ship/science funds from the federal funding agencies. The AICC hopes that via publicity of the new ship's capabilities and the ease of submitting shiptime requests through the UNOLS ship scheduling process, planned use of USCGC HEALY will generate the number and type of cutting edge proposals envisioned by planners. We feel that availability of HEALY on the UNOLS on-line request system is a first step in developing the proposal pressure that can help engender commitment of new science funds.
With respect to HEALY construction, progress has been good and launch is expected in late 1997. In exchange for a six-month delivery delay, the shipyard agreed to complete most of the "top 10" science-related modifications requested by the AICC. We regard this as a strongly positive move which will greatly benefit science support. Delivery is set for December 1998 with most of 1999 planned as shakedown and testing. We plan to tour HEALY at our next scheduled meeting in New Orleans, tentatively planned for January or February 1998.
| SHIP | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 |
| Atlantis | 319 | 93 | 185 | 272 |
| Ewing | 310 | 315 | 273 | 91 |
| Knorr | 350 | 279 | 293 | 257 |
| Melville | 297 | 297 | 308 | 179 |
| Revelle | 80 | 287 | 280 | |
| Thompson | 333 | 246 | 260 | 290 |
| CLASS I/II | 1609 | 1310 | 1606 | 1369 |
| AVERAGE | 268 | 218 | 268 | 228 |
| Edwin Link | 175 | 186 | 212 | 238 |
| Endeavor | 228 | 147 | 201 | 199 |
| Gyre | 122 | 219 | 148 | 18 |
| Moana Wave | 195 | 144 | 203 | 185 |
| New Horizon | 240 | 174 | 262 | 180 |
| Oceanus | 187 | 168 | 201 | 199 |
| Seward Johnson | 271 | 304 | 290 | 233 |
| Wecoma | 145 | 198 | 200 | 217 |
| CLASS III | 1563 | 1540 | 1717 | 1469 |
| AVERAGE | 195 | 193 | 215 | 184 |
| Alpha Helix | 144 | 73 | 120 | 180 |
| Cape Hatteras | 175 | 230 | 242 | |
| Cape Henlopen | 198 | 185 | 206 | 188 |
| Longhorn | 72 | 130 | 53 | 40 |
| Pelican | 182 | 201 | 211 | 192 |
| Point Sur | 164 | 118 | 197 | 195 |
| Sproul | 180 | 132 | 88 | 75 |
| Sea Diver | 145 | 155 | 185 | 168 |
| Weatherbird II | 154 | 167 | 150 | 154 |
| CLASS IV | 1414 | 1161 | 1440 | 1434 |
| AVERAGE | 157 | 145 | 160 | 159 |
| Barnes | 77 | 86 | 133 | 100 |
| Blue Fin | 75 | 96 | 105 | 146 |
| Calanus | 48 | 50 | 115 | 140 |
| Laurentian | 91 | 72 | 44 | 146 |
| Urraca | 173 | |||
| <CLASS IV | 291 | 304 | 397 | 705 |
| AVERAGE | 58 | 61 | 79 | 141 |
| FLEET TOTAL | 4877 | 4315 | 5160 | 4977 |
| AVERAGE | 174 | 154 | 184 | 178 |
| FLEET TOTAL (less <class IV) | 4586 | 4011 | 4763 | 4272 |
| **Endeavor or Oceanus wil not operate in 98 |
| 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | |
| NSF Days | 3249 | 2738 | 2965 | 2848 |
| % | 66.6 | 63.5 | 58.0 | 57.7 |
| ONR Days | 403 | 454 | 511 | 386 |
| % | 8.3 | 10.5 | 10.0 | 7.8 |
| NOAA Days | 354 | 145 | 366 | 330 |
| % | 7.3 | 3.4 | 7.2 | 6.7 |
| NAVO Days | 0 | 0 | 398 | 478 |
| % | 0 | 0 | 7.8 | 9.7 |
| Other Days | 872 | 978 | 872 | 891 |
| % | 17.9 | 22.6 | 17.1 | 18.1 |
| Total | 4877 | 4315 | 5112 | 4933 |
| NSF | NAVY | OTHER | TOTAL | DAILY RATE | |||||
| SHIP | DAYS | $ | DAYS | $ | DAYS | $ | DAYS | $ | |
| Revelle | 127 | 2,121 | 135 | 2,255 | 18 | 301 | 280 | 4,677 | 16,704 |
| Melville | 172 | 3,044 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 124 | 179 | 3,166 | 17,698 |
| Knorr | 185 | 3,034 | 53 | 869 | 19 | 312 | 257 | 4,215 | 16,400 |
| Atlantis | 223 | 3,524 | 11 | 174 | 38 | 600 | 272 | 4,296 | 15,801 |
| Ewing | 73 | 1,278 | 48 | 840 | 18 | 315 | 139 | 2,432 | 17,496 |
| Thompson | 112 | 1,773 | 76 | 1,204 | 34 | 4538 | 290 | 4,591 | 15,831 |
| Moana wave | 104 | 1,452 | 16 | 224 | 65 | 907 | 185 | 2,583 | 13,962 |
| Class I/II | 996 | 16,226 | 339 | 5,565 | 199 | 7,150 | 1602 | 25,964 | |
| Avg | 142 | 2,318 | 48 | 795 | 28 | 1,021 | 229 | 3,709 | |
| Edwin Link | 29 | 261 | 0 | 0 | 209 | 1,881 | 238 | 2,142 | 9,000 |
| Endeavor | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Oceanus | 152 | 1,611 | 40 | 424 | 7 | 74 | 199 | 2.109 | 10,600 |
| Gyre | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| New Horizon | 77 | 754 | 97 | 950 | 37 | 362 | 211 | 2,066 | 9,791 |
| Seward Johnson | 173 | 1,678 | 34 | 330 | 26 | 252 | 233 | 2,260 | 9,700 |
| Wecoma | 71 | 703 | 58 | 574 | 86 | 851 | 215 | 2,128 | 9,898 |
| Class III | 502 | 5,007 | 229 | 2,278 | 365 | 3,420 | 1,096 | 10,705 | |
| Avg | 63 | 626 | 29 | 285 | 46 | 428 | 137 | 1,338 | |
| Pelican | 62 | 233 | 25 | 94 | 105 | 394 | 192 | 721 | 3,755 |
| Longhorn | 54 | 216 | 0 | 0 | 30 | 120 | 84 | 336 | 4,000 |
| Point Sur | 121 | 762 | 28 | 176 | 46 | 290 | 195 | 1,228 | 6,297 |
| Cape Hatteras | 104 | 724 | 81 | 564 | 57 | 397 | 242 | 1,685 | 6,963 |
| Alpha Helix | 132 | 1,417 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 129 | 144 | 1,546 | 10,736 |
| Sproul | 81 | 482 | 44 | 262 | 20 | 119 | 145 | 863 | 5,952 |
| Cape Henlopen | 104 | 593 | 68 | 388 | 16 | 91 | 188 | 1,072 | 5,702 |
| Weatherbird | 139 | 1,043 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 139 | 1,043 | 7,504 |
| Sea Diver | 18 | 86 | 22 | 105 | 45 | 214 | 85 | 405 | 4,761 |
| Class IV | 815 | 5,556 | 268 | 1,589 | 331 | 1,754 | 1,414 | 8,899 | |
| Avg | 91 | 617 | 30 | 177 | 37 | 195 | 157 | 989 | |
| Blue Fin | 0 | 0 | 1,816 | ||||||
| Laurentian | 140 | 630 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 27 | 146 | 657 | 4,500 |
| Barnes | 65 | 99 | 17 | 26 | 18 | 27 | 100 | 152 | 1,520 |
| Calanus | 80 | 248 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 186 | 140 | 434 | 0 |
| Urraca | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| < Class IV | 285 | 977 | 17 | 26 | 84 | 240 | 386 | 1,243 | |
| Avg | 57 | 195 | 3 | 5 | 17 | 48 | 77 | 249 | |
| Fleet Totals | 2,598 | 27,766 | 853 | 9,458 | 2,560 | 12,564 | 4,498 | 46,811 | |
| Avg | 90 | 957 | 29 | 326 | 88 | 433 | 155 | 1,614 | |
Dear Students and Teachers:
On behalf of the Navy League of the United
States, I am pleased to invite you to participate in the "Name This Ship"
contest to choose the name for the U.S. Navy's newest oceanographic survey
ship (T-AGS 64). As an educational non-profit organization established almost
one hundred years ago with the help of President Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy
League is proud to provide this poster and play a key role in this historic
event.
The United Nations has declared 1998 as the Year of the Oceans. The Navy League, in partnership with many other national organizations such as the Navy, Coast Guard, the Maritime Admin