Attendees:
| Country | Representative | Organisation |
|---|
| Belgium | Mr. M. Andre Pollentier | MUMM, Oostende |
| Chile | Mr. Enrique Aranda | IFOP, Valparaíso |
| Ms. Catalina Gallardo | SdP, Valparaíso | |
| Denmark | Mr. Mogens Busse | DFU, Kopenhagen |
| EU | Mr. Gilles Ollier | DG XII, Brussels |
| France | Mr. Jean Xavier Castrec | IFREMER, Centre de Brest |
| Cpt. Armel Le Strat | GENAVIR, Paris | |
| Germany | Dr. Dieter Strohm | RFG, Bremen |
| Japan | Mr. Masato Chijiya | JAMSTEC, Yokosuka |
| Mr. Masami Nakano | JAMSTEC, Yokosuka | |
| Cpt. Masataka Zaitsu | NME, Yokosuka | |
| Cpt. Akio Nakagawa | GODI, Yokosuka | |
| Mr. Nori Kyo | JAMSTEC/SIO | |
| Netherlands | Mr. Cok N. van Bergen Henegouw | NIOZ, Texel - Secretary |
| Ms. Marieke J. Rietveld | NIOZ, Texel | |
| OCEANIC | Ms. Katherine A. Bouton | UD, Delaware |
| South-Africa | Mr. Pedro Goosen | SFRI, Cape Town |
| Spain | Mr. José I. Diaz | CSIC, Barcelona |
| UK | Dr. Charles W. Fay | NERC-RVS, Southampton |
| Ms. Caroline Harper | NERC-RVS, Southampton | |
| Mr. Robin A. Williams | Naval Consultant, Barry | |
| USA | Dr. Don F. Heinrichs | NSF, Arlington - Chairman |
| Ms. Dolly Dieter | NSF, Arlington | |
| Dr. Robert A. Knox | SIO, La Jolla | |
| Cpt. Warren K. Taguchi | NOAA, Seattle | |
| Ms. Sugata Millick | ONR, Arlington | |
| Prof. Dennis Nixon | URI, Kingston | |
| Mr. Jim Hughes | GSR, Houston | |
| Mr. Andy Bowen | Woods Hole | |
| Mr. Tom Althouse | SIO, San Diego | |
| Ms. Linda Eastman | SIO, La Jolla | |
| Mr. Woody Sutherland | SIO, La Jolla |
Apologies for absence:
| Country | Representative | Organisation |
|---|
| Australia | Dr. John Wallace | CSIRO, Hobart |
| Canada | Mr. Steve Peck | DFO-CCG, Ottawa |
| Finland | Ms. Eila Lahdes | FIMR, Helsinki |
| France | Mr. Allan Cressard | IFREMER, Paris |
| Mr. Laurent d'Ozouville | ESF, Strassbourg | |
| Germany | Prof.dr. Gerhard Kortum | IM, Kiel |
| Norway | Dr. Roald Vaage | IMR, Bergen |
| UK | Mr. Brian Kay | CEFAS, Lowestoft |
1. Welcome
Dr. Bob Knox, director Marine Operations of Scripps Institution
for Oceanography (SIO) and chairman of UNOLS, welcomed all 30
participants from 11 countries and 2 international organisations
to the twelfth ISO-Meeting hosted by SIO, NSF, ONR and NOAA. This
year's ISOM is chaired by Dr. Don Heinrichs of NSF, who
invited all participants to briefly introduce themselves.
2. Review of Minutes of Eleventh Meeting
The preliminary draft minutes were put on the ISOM Web site in
March for comments and corrections. The latest version is available
on the web site. (http://www.nioz.nl/isom/) The minutes were accepted
as a true record of the eleventh meeting held in Barcelona, Spain
on 6-8 October 1997.
3. Delegates Reports of Activities
3.1. Fleet Activities and Changes (incl. major facilities)
Dr. Fay (UK) reported. The United Kingdom has some eight
deep sea research ships operated by the public sector (i.e. Government
funded). The Natural Environment Research Council operates four
of these, namely: RRS DISCOVERY (3008 tonnes, 28 Scientists),
RRS CHARLES DARWIN(1936 tonnes,18 Scientists), RRS CHALLENGER
(1050 tonnes, 14 Scientists), and RRS JAMES CLARK ROSS (5732 tonnes,
24+ Scientists).
RRS JAMES CLARK ROSS is primarily used for the logistical and
scientific support of the British Antarctic Survey bases in Antarctica.
She does however conduct some scientific projects outside the
BAS programme, usually in transit between the UK and Antarctica.
RRS DISCOVERY has had a full year of research cruises in the North
Eastern Atlantic on behalf of a wide range of disciplines. The
full capacity of her seismic compressors with 16 airguns was used
in a seismic cruise utilising a new 96 channel Multi Channel Seismic
System. Other disciplines supported have been EC-funded biology
cruises, oceanography and chemistry/ atmospheric sampling. Although
now showing her age, she is functioning very effectively as the
UK's largest multi-role research ship.
RRS CHARLES DARWIN has also had nearly a full year of research
cruises, about half of which have been scientific charter cruises
(as opposed to directly NERC-funded cruises). She has been operating
in the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, again for a wide
variety of disciplines: marine biology, environmental impact
assessment, seismic surveying.
RRS CHALLENGER unlike her programme for 1997 has not been in such
demand. She has however been used for University post graduate
student training cruises, a coastal geophysical survey and a physics
cruise in the North Sea.
CHALLENGER is currently in major refit; DARWIN is shortly going
to major refit and DISCOVERY undergoes recertification shortly
(i.e. only minor refit).
Within the UK, the Scottish Office, Agriculture and Fisheries
Department (SOAFD) has just taken delivery of a new oceanography/fisheries
research vessel "RV SCOTIA". She is under trials at
present. She replaces the 27 year old SCOTIA. The Ministry of
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) of England have just been
allocated funding to replace their 28 year old RV CIROLANA fisheries
research ship.
As to plans for 1999 Ms Harper (UK) reported that RVS had
been asked not to release the 1999 NERC Research Ships Programme
until November 1998. This was because an NERC working group
was currently looking at future research ship time requirements,
and it was possible that their recommendations could impact significantly
on the shape of the 1999 programme. The study had been triggered
because one of the RVS ships, RRS CHALLENGER, was due to be replaced
in 2002, and because NERC funding for research ship time had effectively
declined in recent years. The situation was now that unless RVS
generated significant charter income, there were no funds for
capital expenditure.
There was demand for all three ships during the summer months,
but sometimes little demand at other times. This was not cost-effective,
and it inhibited RVS's ability to respond to charter opportunities,
which often required fine weather windows. However, there was
a need to keep three ships operational, to provide the geographical
and technical flexibility required by scientists, and to cope
with fluctuating seasonal and annual demand, depending on the
requirements of major research programmes. The ability to participate
in international joint programmes and ship time exchanges was
another important consideration. It had therefore been agreed
provisionally that RVS should reserve RRS CHARLES DARWIN primarily
for charter activities during 1999; expressions of interest were
invited. The NERC-funded science cruises would be moved where
possible onto the other two ships, with the agreement of the
Principal Scientists. If the working group recommendations did
not preclude this strategy, the 1999 programme would be released
in November. In future years the programme was expected to be
released as normal in August.
Dr. Strohm (Germany) reported on the activities of the
three big research ships RV POLARSTERN, METEOR, SONNE and the
middle sized ships that mostly worked in the N.E. Pacific and
N.E. Atlantic Ocean. In summer 1999 R/V VALDIVIA is 29 years old
and will be taken out of service.
Within the new organisational structure since January 1998, a
central ministerial committee handles the application procedure
for ship time according to standardised rules. However, the vessels
will continue to be affiliated to the institutions they belong
to.
Mr. Chijiya of JAMSTEC (Japan) reported the launch of two
new research vessels, the deep sea vessel KAIREI and the oceanographic
research vessel MIRAI. A total of five ships are operational at
the moment. Construction has also started on a drilling ship.
Mr. Nakano of JAMSTEC (Japan) reported on the fleet activities
in 1998 of the support vessel YOKOSUKA, carrying the research
submersible SHINKAI 6500. She is on a worldround cruise for the
Mid Ocean Ridge Diving Expedition (MODE) 98, a programme in which
Japan, the USA, the UK and France co-operate. The ship left port
in May and is expected to return home in December.
Mr. Zaitsu of NME (Japan) reported on the 1998 activities
and changes.
R/V KAIREI's main cruises are ROV KAIKO's diving research and
Multi Channel Survey System research. This year, she was engaged
in 4 KAIKO's cruises and 2 Multi Channel Survey cruises so far.
One of the KAIKO's cruises was carried out off of the Hawaii Islands,
and she made 3 port calls to Honolulu. This cruise was a cooperative
research with School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology
in University of Hawaii. (See hand-out for details)
At the first port call, she got a Port State Control inspection
of US Coast Guard. According to the US Coast Guard, they conduct
inspection once a year as an annual inspection for all vessels
which make port call to United States of America.
They checked fire and abandon ship drills, reviewed the documents,
and held an operational test of navigation equipements, steering
gear, fire pumps, oily water separator, emergency generator. Further
visual inspection of all lifesaving equipment, fire extinguishing
equipement and fire detection system, marine sanitation device
and overboard discharge valve. There was a tour check of deck
and engine room spaces . (see hand-out titled Foreign Freight
Vessel Examination by US Coast Guard in Honolulu).
At the 3rd port call to Honolulu, she had an open house
on the pier in front of the Aloha Tower, and 1,765 people came
to this open house.
Some alterations were made to the research ship KAIYO this year.
These comprised the removal of 2 A-frame cranes from center well
and starboard side, 2 cable winches for Submersible Decompression
Chamber, 2 big sheaves for umbilical cables, 40 big gas bottles
for saturation diving. As the 300m saturation diving project,
New Seatopia Project, for which KAIYO was built, was completed
in 1990, she has been used as an ocean research vessel. As a result
of the alterations she got a wider working deck and her weight
became lighter.
This year, on April 11th, SHINKAI 2000 achieved 1000
dives. Since the 1st dive in 1982, she has been engaged
in a lot of research activities for 17 years not only in Japanese
water but also in foreign water.
KAIREI and NATSUSHIMA are expected to be engaged in the research
activity in January-March 1999 at the seismic center of the earth
quake which caused the big Tsunami Wave that attacked north coast
of Papua New Guniea with severe damage. As the first phase, KAIREI
will conduct a reseach using Multi Narrow Beam and gravity meter
from January 2nd to January 13th.
The second phase, NATSUSHIMA will be engaged with ROV DOLPHINE-3K
from March 2nd to March 8th.
Mr. Nakagawa of GODI (Japan) reported on the new R/V MIRAI
that is managed by GODI. MIRAI is designed for operations in high
latitudes and polar seas under heavy weather conditions. She is
a large vessel of 8600 GRT, accommodating 80. She has ice class
of NK, is not an ice breaker, so operates mainly in summer in
the Arctic Ocean. (Specifications on ship and Arctic Ocean cruise
can be found in the hand-out and brochure).
Having completed this first operational year mainly on training
cruises, she will have her fist docking period, and afterwards
is commissioned for collaborative research activities in joint
cruises with several scientists from overseas universities and
research institutions. The schedule for 1998/1999 is already fixed
. (see hand-out)
Mr Castrec of Ifremer (France) reported on operations of
four multi-purpose research vessels - R/V's L'ATALANTE, NADIR,
LE SUROIT, and THALASSA.
There have been no changes in ships, but there have been improvements
to their capabilities. Generally speaking, the renewal of equipment
and facilities for oceanographic ships continued at the same pace
as during previous years, with particular emphasis on the development
of informatics technology systems.
R/V L'ATALANTE : An important multi-service network has been
installed, the real time version of new Caraïbes software
for processing echosounder and sonars dates and also the post
processing of the Caraïbes software. The ultra-short base
line positioning system Posidonia was put on the vessel.
R/V NADIR : A new echo-sounder and the ultra-short base line
positioning system Posidonia.
R/V LE SUROIT : The upgrading of the vessel is postponed to the
first semester of 1999. In view of her future modernisation a
mid-depth multibeam echo-sounder, of the EM 300 type, is ordered.
R/V THALASSA : The same Caraïbes system that has been installed
on R/V L'ATALANTE
The major change to the structure of Fleet Management has been
the retirement of the Director Dr. Dominique Girard. His successor
is Dr. Allan Ph. Cressard (PhD in Geology).
During 1998, IFREMER has run some 37 cruises on the four mentioned
high sea vessels with disciplines roughly divided as follows:
7 geology, 10 physic and biology, 5 fisheries campaigns, 7 technology
and equipment trials.
To these, 2 can be added for our Spanish partner of I.E.O. (Instituto
Espanol de Oceanografia), 1 can be defined as a "charter
cruise", 1 was for the government and 4 for scientific co-operation
of which 1 for NIOZ with shiptime exchange.
1998 has seen R/V L'ATALANTE operating for 11 months, R/V NADIR
for 9 months, R/V LE SUROIT for 6 months, R/V THALASSA for 11
months, in the North Atlantic (so far off the coast of Gabon)
and in the Mediterranean sea.
The big event of the 1998 year is the first scientific - technological
cruise of ROV VICTOR on the RV THALASSA in August (work of recognition,
observations, sampling and in situ measurements) on 3 spots
- an sedimentary area, off Brittany coast, of more than 2000 m
depth.
- a sedimentary area, off Portugal by 5 800 m
- an area of active hydrothermalism off the Azores (Lucky Strike
site on the triple point of the Azores).
Mr. Aranda (Chile) reported on the Chilean scientific ship
fleet composed of the vessels ABATE MOLINA, CARLOS PORTER and
AGOR VIDAL GORMAZ. These operated during the present year exclusively
along the extensive national coast.
The scientific ship ABATE MOLINA has developed 11 cruises which
represent a total of 164 effective days in the sea. These investigations
correspond to a contract financed by the Fund of Fishing Investigation
(FIP) and the National Commission of Scientific Investigation
and Technology (CONICYT).
The first organisation is aimed towards fishing investigation
and aquaculture projects necessary for the adoption of administrative
measures on the fisheries and aquaculture activities.
The cruises financed by the FIP during the year of 1998 correspond
to the Dynamic space batimetry of common hake, recruitment and
prospecting of anchovy, evaluation and prospecting of jack mackerel
over the 200 nautical miles off the coast and prospecting of the
orange roughy resource.
It is important to highlight that all the investigations noted
before have specially incorporated the study of bio-oceanographic
conditions with the purpose of monitoring the presence of the
"El Niño" phenomenon in the Chilean coast, in
consideration of the strong impact that "El Niño"
has on the fishing industry.
Meanwhile the CONICYT supports basic research work in oceanography
with the development of an advanced studies program on the system
of the Humbolt Current.
The modernisation of the scientific vessel ABATE MOLINA during
the present year has contemplated the incorporation of equipment
according to the norms established by the Global Maritime Distress
and Safety System (GMDSS) by means of the acquisition of EPIRB
Satellite, NAVTEK Receiver, VHF radio, Radar responder SART, Two-way
VHF radio, Plotter and radars (two units of 120 nm and 60 nm).
In the same way, it has been incorporated a CTD Mark III C in
accordance with the WOCE standard and a mid-water trawl of HERMAN/HENGEL
for the capture of anchovy and sardine recruits.
The scientific vessel CARLOS PORTER remains with port base on
the North zone of the country, developing the monitoring bio-oceanographic
conditions program and the mooring operations of the advanced
Studies program in the system of the Humbolt Current with a total
of 6 cruises which represent 52 days of operating for scientific
investigation. This vessel also maintains an co-operative agreement
with the Admiral Carlos Condell Foundation, directed to the training
of students.
During this year the scientific vessel AGOR VIDAL GORMAZ has executed
4 cruises of scientific investigation with a total of 97 days
of operation. These studies comprise the insular areas of Easter
island and Salas and Gomez island, CIMAR - Fiord IV, CIMAR - Fiord
III, and Drake Bransfield Strait.
Mr. Buse (Denmark) reported on the activities of R/V DANA.
DANA has 14 cruises in 1998. 12 cruises are carried out for DIFRES
and two cruises are chartered by Danish government institutions.
Two charter cruises in the North Atlantic Sea for the research
programme "Global Change" should have been carried out
with DANA this year. The programme will charter DANA for two cruises
in 1999. A different vessel will carry them out this year. The
total numbers of cruise days will be 179.
Three cruises in the North Sea and in the Baltic Sea are fish
stock assessment cruises, co-ordinated by ICES. Four cruises are
parts of EU-supported research programmes. The other cruises are
part of DIFRES own research programmes. DIFRES is not able to
make use of DANA's full cruise capacity and is thus very interested
in chartering it to others institutes, national and international.
As to the equipment a hull mounted ADCP has been installed.
A Web-project for information on vessels, cruise plans, cruise
reports, oceanography database etc. Has been initiated. The beginning
of this work can be seen on http://www.dfu.min.dk.
There will be more to come during next year.
Mr. Goosen (South Africa) reported that the three research
ships (AFRICANA, ALGOA and SARDINOPS) only operated along the
South African coast line and the Antarctic supply ship, AGULHAS,
undertook her routine cruises (relieve personnel, cargo and research)
to islands in the Southern Atlantic.
No major changes to facilities were made to any of the ships,
except the fitting of a Continues Underway Fish Egg Sampler (CUFES)
to the ALGOA. Currently an investigation is underway to look at
the pro's and con's of changing the bottom trawl gear (trawl warps,
net and doors) on AFRICANA.
South Africa are continuing to experience major problems with
keeping it's research ships in a reliable seaworthy condition
and to appoint permanent officers to get the ships to sea. Sea
Fisheries, that can only offer fixed government salary packages,
are unsuccessfully competing with the private sector that offers
remuneration packages in tax-free dollars. The salary related
constraints together with a bureaucratic work environment make
it impossible to recruit and retain ships officers. Over the last
18 months, for example, 12 chief engineers served on our three
ships and without continuity preventative maintenance is non-existent
and it is believed that this is the main reason for the breakdowns
on AFRICANA. We are preparing a final report on the future manning
and managing options for our fleet and are convinced that this
should resort outside the government framework.
Mr. Pollentier (Belgium) reported on the 1998 operations
of R/V BELGICA operated by MUMM - Ministry of Science Policy.
As in previous years the Belgica operates with one crew, and is
kept at sea for about 200 days per year. Mainly the ship operated
in the North Sea for national research programmes. In the North
East Atlantic the main activity was in the framework of the EU
sponsored OMEX programme.
The cruise schedule 1999 was distributed as a hand-out.
Mr. Diaz (Spain) presented the news about the R/V HESPERIDES.
A major change in the national science management structure has
been produced in march this year when the new Office for Science
and Technology ("Oficina de Ciencia y Tecnología"
-OCYT), a co-ordination office depending on the Prime Minister's
Office, was created. This office will co-ordinate all the efforts
and budgets for R&D, but also will be responsible for the
national large scale facilities, one of them is the R/V HESPERIDES.
During the past season, October 97 to September 98, the R/V HESPERIDES
allowed for the development of three multi-disciplinary cruises
supporting MAST-III projects (2 MATER and 1 CANIGO) in the western
Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, 2 cruises also developed in
Antarctica as well as providing logistic support for the two Spanish
and a Bulgarian bases in Livingstone and Deception Islands. Three
other cruises, for different national programmes, developed in
the Atlantic, one of them in collaboration with Uruguay. Cruise
disciplines has been 1 in Marine Geology, 2 multibeam mapping
and 5 in Marine Physics and Biology. 1999 activities are already
planned and will follow the same approach supporting both European
project and Antarctic activities.
Improvement in the scientific capabilities of the R/V HESPERIDES
have been achieved through the start in operation of the undulating
CTD "Nu-Shuttle" plus the installation of a high speed
data communication link through Inmarsat up to 64.000 bps. The
two permanent compressors for seismic operations has been replaced
for two new ones but increasing more than four times the air delivery
capability.
The "Unidad de Gestion de Buques Oceanograficos" -UGBO-
(research vessel department) has growth-up to more than 30 people
this year (only 3 in administration) although the consolidation
has not been achieved yet.
Research fleet in Spain may start to growth-up in coming years.
"Instituto Español de Oceanografía" (Fishery
Research Organisation) has planned to build-up a new vessel. Also
a multipurpose vessel, smaller than R/V Hesperides, may be scheduled
to start construction by the end of 1999; European funding for
the development may be used in this case.
Ms. Rietveld (Netherlands) reported on the 1998 operations
of the multi purpose R/V PELAGIA. Five-year maintenance was performed
beginning of 1998. Research cruises started in March and were
mainly in the North Sea and North Atlantic, West of Madeira, West
of Ireland, Bay of Biscay, Iberian Margin for the international
EU funded programmes PROVESS, MERLIM, OMEX, and ENAM, and for
the WOCE-related programmes TRIPLE-B and PROCS. The vessel was
also involved in training cruises for university students. For
chartering out she was commissioned for 11 weeks. These were for
the main part performed in co-operation with the NERC institutes
in Southampton (SOC) and Oban (DML). Chartering out activities
caused cancelling of ship-time for scientists up to 3 weeks (postponed
till 1999) and prohibited "Acte de presence" of R/V
PELAGIA at the Expo '98 in Lisbon. PELAGIA cruised for a period
of 10 month (41 weeks) in total. One week was dedicated to testing
new instrumentation, an undulating platform "Scanfish"
with CTD. At the end of the year a hull mounted ADCP will be installed.
For the Dutch-French co-operative programme MEDINAUT the French
R/V NADIR with submersible NAUTILE will operate for 40 days in
the Mediterranean starting November.
Captain Taguchi (USA - NOAA) gave a presentation regarding
the NOAA fleet organisation and activities.
He presented a briefing of the Department of Commerce, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's research fleet which
is managed and operated by the Office of NOAA Corps Operations.
The fleet is composed of 15 ships meeting NOAA's fishery, oceanographic
and hydrographic mission requirements. Each year, the NOAA Programs
meet to develop an annual fleet allocation plan which sets the
number of days at sea and periods for all research projects as
well as dockside repair. Specific highlights include the NOAA
Ship RONALD BROWN's around-the-world cruise, the new Sustainable
Seas Expedition program, and the potential for four new acoustically
quiet fishery research ships.
Ms Dieter (USA - NSF) reported on the UNOLS fleet for 1998.
The upgrade of the US University National Oceanographic Laboratory
System (UNOLS) fleet continues. The fleet is composed of 28 ships
operated by 20 institutions. Overall the fleet is doing well,
however, some of the ships are under utilised. In 1998 a large
and an intermediate ship were scheduled for lay-up. Both were
able to find charters resulting in half year schedules and partial
lay-ups. UNOLS is anticipating laying up one large ship in 1999.
Although the fleet is experiencing a decrease in days, new ships
continue to be brought on line. Shipyard bids are currently being
sought for two small ships (30 m), one catamaran and one conventional
hull. Construction is being funded by the operating institutions.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is supporting the design for
a large SWATH that will be operated by the University of Hawaii.
The US Coast Guard icebreaker HEALY is under construction and
expected to be delivered in late 1999 and ready for science operations
in 2001. A major mission for the vessel is the support of arctic
research.
The reduced requirements for sea time in support of the US oceanography
are primarily a result of level science funding, increased use
of remote data collection and investigators in the large global
programs such as WOCE and JGOFS, concentrating on processing data
and completing their scientific analyses. However, there is an
increase in requests for small ships in support of coastal programs
and for the large ship ATLANTIS which supports the DSV ALVIN.
The facility is over subscribed in 1998 and 1999. The combining
of the ALVIN and the ROV's on the ATLANTIS has been very popular.
The ROV's are also being maintained in a fly-away mode which has
helped to moderate the ALVIN/ATLANTIS schedule. An upgrade of
the ALVIN and ROV's are being considered.
An external review committee is reviewing the overall management,
operations and capability of the academic research fleet as a
whole. This is reported separately under heading 16.
Ms Millick (USA - ONR) reported on new developments of
the US fleet.
AGOR 26: The Navy conducted a competition to select an operator
for its newest oceanographic vessel, hull number AGOR 26. The
University of Hawaii was selected. The new vessel will replace
the R/V MOANA WAVE. The vessel will be a SWATH (Small Waterplane
Area Twin Hull). The Navy is currently doing the concept design
for the vessel. Some desired characteristics are: Speed: 15
knots, operational in Sea State: 5-6, Range: 10.000 nautical miles,
science berths 30, oceanographic equipment.
Primary contractor is Lockheed Martin. Anticipated delivery in
2001.
Other vessels' operating days in 1998 and 1999 respectively:
MELVILLE: 216, 252; THOMPSON: 277, 272 ; KNORR: 265, 0 (planned
for lay-up); REVELLE: 316, 277; EWING: 245, 324; MOANA WAVE: 169,
136; ATLANTIS: 273(156 dives), 339(211 dives); BROWN: 320, 298;
ALVIN, JASON, ARGO, 120KHz: 156, 211.
New equipment developments:
SEANET: Extending the Internet to the sea. The idea of SeaNet
originated from an initial effort to connect ships with an email
service in 1990. The SeaNet vision was expanded to include buoys
and other remote platforms as part of the network. The goal of
the effort is to demonstrate a cost effective use of INMARSAT
High-Speed Data for interconnectivity between ship and shore.
Preliminary results have shown a significant savings over INMARSAT
A technology to transfer data.
The SeaNet infrastructure includes building a land-based and shipboard
SeaNet Communications Node (SCN) and a "virtual mid-level"
network that connects ships and remote platforms to a gateway
Network Operating Center (NOC). The NOC will provide a gateway
to the Internet, billing, routing, and other value added services.
Multibeam: There are some processing and possible hardware/software
problems with the SEABEAM multibeam systems in the new ships.
Issues are in swath width and depth accuracy, among others.
Mr. Peck (Canada), who succeeded Mr. Elliott, who retired
this year, as an ISOM member could not attend the meeting, but
presented a written report that will be added as an annex to the
minutes.
Ms. Lahdes (Finland) could not attend the meeting but reported
in writing. The cruise schedule of R/V ARANDA included 14 cruises
- 11 of them had international connections serving more than national
interests. Activities included e.g. research on ice and atmosphere
(BASIS), biological and chemical processes in the sea bottom (BASYS),
biodiversity, turbulence and plankton dynamics (MITEC) and monitoring
of the Baltic Sea (BMP). Several of the projects had EU-funding.
Outside the purely scientific programme R/V ARANDA completed a
cruise called "Europe on Oceans" which was the European
contribution to the Year of the Oceans.
3.2. Ship Time Barter/Exchange
Dr. Fay (UK) reported on the Tripartite Agreement between NERC (UK), IFREMER (France) and BMBF (Germany), which has established an arrangement for the barter exchange of shiptime and major facilities between each country. In order to make it work in practice, the UK changed its programming year to accord with France, and Germany is doing likewise, namely January to December each year.
The Working Group on Shiptime Exchange of the Tripartite Accord
meets once a year in July-September to establish practical exchanges
for the next programming year.
During 1998, containerised compressors were loaned to IFREMER
and RV POSEIDON recovered moorings for the UK. IFREMER recovered
some UK moorings using L'ATALANTE. The UK hosted a successful
cruise for Germany on the DARWIN late last year.
Within the UK a new forum has been established, the UK Research
Vessel Operators' Forum. This is expected to meet annually to
co-ordinate activities of the 6-8 operators of research and survey
ships in the UK. Much like ISOM, but on a smaller national scale,
the issues of ISM, STCW95 and insurance were high on the agenda.
Mr. Nakano (Japan) told that in July 1998 JAMSTEC chartered
a Russian R/V PROFESSOR KHROMOV from Vladivostok for research
in Russian EEZ waters comprising CTD, water sampling and mooring
deployment. A cruise summary was made available as a hand-out.
Mr. Castrec (France) reported on shiptime exchange of IFREMER
with Netherlands, United-Kingdom, USA, and Spain.
- Netherlands : In November 98, R/V NADIR and submersible NAUTILE
will provide 24 days in Mediterranean sea for NIOZ.
- United-Kingdom : NERC loaned Ifremer a container of major seismic
equipment for 5 months (late 97/early 98). Ifremer recovered mooring
for NERC in August 98 with R/V L'ATALANTE south of Azores. This
recovery required one day on R/V L'ATALANTE.
- USA : In February 98 we have done the ODPNAUT cruise with NADIR
and NAUTILE.
- Spain : At the end of 1997, we have realised 2 days of coring
during the cruise CALMAR (Mediterranean sea) on the R/V L'ATALANTE.
Mr. Goosen (SA) reported that financial constraints forced
South Africa to limit sea time on its ships for 1997 to only the
absolutely essential cruises necessary for the setting of Total
Allowable Catch's for her commercially exploited marine resources.
Total sea time allocations for April 1998 to March 1999 were limited
to: AFRICANA 130 days, ALGOA 99 days and SARDINOPS 190 days. AFRICANA,
however, only did a 20 day cruise and are laid-up since December
1998 with a propulsion motors breakdown. Although requests were
received from several national and international research and
commercial institutions to charter the ships, all the requests
had to be turned down as a result of our financial constraints
(charter fees are not paid into the Sea Fisheries budget but
must be paid into central Treasury). At the end of 1997 the AGULHAS
did a Southern Oceans cruise as a joint venture with Sweden and
at the end of 1998 a similar cruise with New Zealand will take
place.
Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) reported on the agreement with
IFREMER, where the use of R/V NADIR with NAUTILE for a 40 day
cruise in the Mediterranean was partly in the form of a barter
with the exchange of 24 days of R/V PELAGIA shiptime.
Ms Dieter (USA - NSF) referred to the already mentioned
exchange with France in the framework of ODP, and reported the
use of the UK Antarctica ship "JAMES CLARK ROSS".
3.3. Staff Exchanges
Dr. Fay (UK) mentioned that there were no staff exchanges,
but that one of the RVS technical staff sailed on VALDIVIA to
provide mooring deployment support as part of the PROVESS project
in the North Sea.
Dr. Strohm (Germany) and Mr Castrec (France) reported
on staff exchanges between France and Germany.
Mr Soltwedel and Sablotny from Alfred Wegner Institute were on
board R/V THALASSA during the cruise "VICTOR PREMIERE"
(august 98) to see the ROV VICTOR with a view to prepare the cruise
99 with VICTOR on POLARSTERN.
Mr. Tomas Liebe from RF was on board THALASSA during a second
cruise in beginning October with VICTOR for the same aim (VICTOR
on POLARSTERN).
Mr. Zaitsu of NME (Japan) reported that Mr. Ishiwata who
is a chief officer of NME was on board the R/V ATLANTIS, which
is the mother ship of ALVIN of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,
from September 4th at San Diego to October 6th
at Easter Island. He joined this cruise as the adviser for recovery
work of a Mooring Buoy System in the East Pacific Rise, because
the R/V YOKOSUKA moored this system last year and he was the chief
mate of YOKOSUKA at that time.
Although we haven't seen his report about this cruise yet, we
believe this was good opportunity for him to learn not only the
operation of the R/V ATLANTIS but also a foreign country's ship's
life.
Mr. Goosen (SA) reported that the NORAD funded Nansen programme
provided regular opportunities to scientists of the SADC to participate
on research cruises in the waters of these countries. The Benguela
Environmental, Fishing, Interaction and Training (BENEFIT) programme
is providing ongoing opportunities for staff exchanges among the
SADC countries.
Mr. Diaz (Spain) reported that Jordi Sorribas, head of
the computer department in the UGBO visited the National Oceanographic
Data Center (NODC) in the Netherlands. Cruise support has also
been provided by UGBO to Spanish scientists on board the following
foreign vessels: CHARLES DARWIN, THALASSA and PROFESSOR STOCKMAN.
3.4. Equipment lost
Dr. Fay (UK) reported that the incidence of equipment being
lost has not been high during the year. The following major items
have been lost:
SOAFD ARIES on DARWIN 112
NIOZ Boxcorer on DISCOVERY 230
IFREMER Chalut … Perche Trawl on DISCOVERY 231
Mooring Rig on DISCOVERY 229.
Also lost was the Aberdeen University AUDOS benthic lander which
on the very last day was recovered by dragging with a long wire
on the seabed - so it did not join the "lost" statistics.
Mr. Nakano of JAMSTEC (Japan) reported 7 incidents as shown
in the hand-out. Three were CTD losses and four referred to other
equipment, mostly part of a mooring like an ADCP, a sea-bottom
seismograph, and acoustic release and accelerometer. In some cases
the transponder did not respond. Snapping of the main cramp was
the cause of most losses during retrieval. Inspection of one of
the 4 TRITON buoys revealed much corrosion and a missing shackle.
Subsequently it was decided to retrieve all four for inspection
and maintenance. Sea water corrosion of the antenna and galvanic
corrosion of the electronic system were obvious. Further inspection
is underway. The corrosion was beautifully shown on some very
clear pictures that were distributed as a hand-out.
Mr. Castrec of Ifremer (France) reported the loss of a
CTD and the loss of a small sonar, for the latter recovery was
planned today.
Mr. Buse (Denmark) mentioned the loss of a Seabird/Seacat
CTD and at the same time a Scanmar depth sensor. Both instruments
were mounted to at trawl, which got stuck to at shipwreck at 80-meter
depth. It was not possible to recover.
Mr. Goosen (South Africa) reported that in August 1997,
during a Hake Biomass cruise, the trawl winches
on Africana failed (mainly due to inexperienced crew and poor
maintenance due to a lack of funding) and all the trawl gear (doors,
net and 2 x 3200m warp) was lost in 200m of water. A successful
attempt to recover this gear was made in November and all gear
were retrieved.
Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) reported the retrieval of a 125
m mooring off the Spanish coast in the Bay of Biscay, which was
brought ashore by a fisherman.
Ms Dieter (USA - NSF) reported the loss and recovery of
an ADCP.
4. International Year of the Ocean
Mr. Van Bergen Henegouw (secretary ISOM) recalled the special
page on the ISOM Web site dedicated to the ships of ISOM members
visiting the Lisbon Expo-98 as a tribute to the International
Year of the Ocean.
He invited the attendees to report on their activities in the
framework of the IYO.
Dr. Fay (UK) reported that RVS has been involved in two
major projects, namely
a) the visit of RRS DISCOVERY to EXPO and
b) an EC-funded project to introduce new graduates of oceanography
to life on a research ship at sea under the "Europe on Oceans"
programme.
A highlight of the year was the presentation of RRS DISCOVERY
at EXPO '98 for five days in August when 10,749 visitors attended
the scientific displays on the ship. In addition a number of
receptions were held for various UK/Portuguese causes/organisations.
DISCOVERY was complemented by a shorter visit of RRS JAMES CLARK
ROSS in September, en route to the Antarctic.
"Europe on Oceans" as a pan-European project in which
students and journalists travelled on various European research
ships for their experience. At the end of August all attended
a "grand finale" meeting at which experiences were presented.
It was an excellent opportunity for students of different nations
but common interests to meet and exchange their experiences at
sea.
Dr. Strohm (Germany) reported the trip of a group of students
on board R/V POLARSTERN from Lisbon to Bremerhaven. The WALTHER
HERWIG III visited the Expo '98.
Mr. Zaitsu of NME (Japan) mentioned the Open House opportunities
on JAMSTEC ships. R/V MIRAI in Honolulu, Sydney and Seward with
over 4000 visitors. RV YOKOSUKA with the submersible SHINKAI 6500
in Lisbon at Expo '98 providing also an on board seminar, with
over 8000 visitors, and R/V KAIREI with almost 1800 visitors.
Mr. Castrec (France) mentioned the Acte de présence
of R/V THALASSA and L'EUROPE at Expo '98.
Mr. Aranda (Chile) reported that during the month of May
Chile participated as a whole with Colombia, Ecuador, Perú
in the regional cruise Group of Oceanographic Investigation in
the South Pacific Permanent Commission. This investigation counted
with the participation of the scientific ships CARLOS PORTER (belonging
to the Instituto de Fomento Pesquero) and AGOR VIDAL GORMAZ (of
the national Army).
Mr. Buse (Denmark) mentioned that Denmark did not contribute
to Expo '98, but to the National Science Festival, with an Open
House and exhibitions on R/V DANA for two days in Copenhagen.
Mr. Goosen (South Africa) told that South Africa was one
of the approximately 120 nations that had recently participated
in the LISBON EXPO 98 which ended on the 30 September 1998 in
Portugal. The Sea Fisheries Research Institute was one of the
many organisations in South Africa, dealing with the Ocean in
one way or another, that had a part in the South African Pavilion.
A representative of our Institute went for a few days to Lisbon
last month and reports that South Africa compared favourably with
most other developed nations with regard to the conceptualising
and design of exhibition stands and in fact was one of the pavilions
highly rated by the organisers of the Expo. The Expo itself was
beautifully laid out and that all services worked well. However,
one large fault he observed and confirmed by the South African
Project Manager was that of the enormous long queues outside most
pavilions due to the fact that inherent design faults of the many
stands prevented free-flow movement of people. The representative,
himself, could not visit a number of pavilions as the average
waiting period was between 1 to 2 hours at peak periods. The average
person pays about $30 (R200.00) per person for the day which is
a lot for most people and then having to spend most of the day
standing in queues!
Mr. Pollentier (Belgium) told that over 7000 visitors came
on board the R/V BELGICA that visited the Expo'98 for six days
in June.
Mr. Diaz (Spain) mentioned R/V HESPERIDES visiting Lisbon.
Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) mentioned the visit of the navy
vessel Hr.Ms. TYDEMAN visiting the Expo'98 during the national
days end of May. R/V PELAGIA had to withdrawn as a visiting ship
due to strongly conflicting interests with scientific cruises.
The reserved berth at the deepwater jetty could happily be swapped
with the Finnish R/V ARANDA, sailing from Helsinki to Lisbon for
the EU funded IYO project "Europe on Oceans". The participation
of R/V ARANDA was the contribution of Finland to IYO. R/V ARANDA
had over 5100 visitors.
Other activities were a public oriented scientific project together
with the ferry service to the island of Texel. A hull mounted
ADCP with on line display on screen on board the ferry and on
the NIOZ web site giving details on temperature, salinity, depth,
and current velocity every half hour during the day in the tide
swept Marsdiep strait between the mainland and the island.
A day-trip on the Wadden Sea for school children as a price for
a poetry contest regarding the sea on the small Wadden Sea R/V
NAVICULA, and last week Open House at the institute on National
Science Day, with over 1200 visitors.
Dr. Heinrichs (USA - NSF) reported on a variety of activities
ranging from high level government policy meetings to outreach
to the public took place. This report highlights a few of the
items.
National Oceans Conference, Monterey, California: US President
and Vice President attended and announced new initiatives for
ocean policy including increased support for environmental and
research activities for the nation.
Lisbon Exposition: R/V RON BROWN, NOAA, and USS PATHFINDER, Naval
Oceanographic Office, visited Expo and hosted receptions.
R/V ATLANTIS with submersible ALVIN, NSF, took Portuguese and
US flags on dive to honour Vasco de Gama with exchange in Lisbon.
Student outreach: National Ocean Science Bowl. Sixteen regional
meets involving about 200 teams or 1000 students were held to
recognise and reward excellence among students interested in ocean
sciences. Winners went to Expo.
National Ocean Partnership Program YOTO drifters. Interactive
web-based program set up to allow students and science classes
to "follow" series of ocean drifters in Atlantic and
use for different school level projects (ongoing).
Public outreach: Fifty Years of Ocean Discovery - Organised by
National Academy of Sciences and NSF. Three day symposium and
celebration will feature presentations on landmark discoveries
in ocean sciences, institutions and individuals that made the
achievements possible, and a glimpse into the future of the field.
This is not a comprehensive list as many regional institutional,
museum, aquarium and science association activities were held.
Identifies examples of major activities.
5. Insurance/liability of Research Ships
5.1. Update US developments
Prof. Nixon, the Risk Manager and Legal Advisor for the
US UNOLS fleet, gave a presentation on the development of the
group insurance program now available for research vessels. Developed
by Global Special Risks, a division of Willis-Corroon, the program
specifically addresses the needs of research vessels at a very
competitive price. A number of US vessels have entered their
program, and other operators have been able to seek rate reductions
based on the lower price GSR has made available. This so-called
"GSR Effect" has resulted in a significant decline in
premiums paid along with generally better coverage. The total
insurance premium for the US UNOLS fleet was approximately $1.6
million in 1991; it had fallen to just $1 million in 1998, despite
the fact that the fleet had grown in capacity and policy limits
were higher. The cumulative savings since the effort at cost
control began in 1991 is approximately $1.9 million.
Prof. Nixon then introduced Mr. Jim Hughes of Global Special
Risks who discussed the world insurance market and the response
of the insurance industry to the Y2K problem.
Mr. Hughes (GSR) gave a clarification on the profound changes
in the insurance market and the foreseen developments with respect
to the Y2k issue. The premiums are the lowest ever, and for the
insurance market they have reached an unacceptable low level.
So the time is approaching that rates are going up to correct
the situation. The soft market can be contributed mainly to the
absence of major losses (so far), excess capacity, globalisation
of insurance, change in buying patterns and development of new
methods of risk transfer via the financial markets.
As to the Y2k/Millenium issue and the insurance market it can
be stated that the P&I Clubs, with their character of being
mutual organisations, have a positive attitude, provided good
and prudent husbandry is evident. More businesslike the H&M
market has several types of exclusion clauses, arguing that Y2k
is a foreseeable event. Some suggestions to come to a good premium
under acceptable conditions is to have a consultant, broker or
expert involved. If the budget is restrictive, increasing the
own risk and various deductibles might help. Where charterers
require H&M insurance such can be for a special fixed period
(short term policy) on a value agreed premium.
Dr. Fay (UK) told that RVS has taken a number of actions
to ensure that the possibility of problems with the potential
Year 2000 computer processor problem should be minimised:
a) Establish a Project Team to identify and rectify potential
problems;
b) Keep the ships in port during the roll-over from 1999 to
2000;
c) Set aside funding to replace equipment which cannot be "fixed".
The assessment is that most problems or pieces of equipment have
been covered. Those items known not to conform with the Y2K roll-over
will be scrapped or replaced.
In relation to several questions on the Y2k issue in respect of
insurance and shipping Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) referred
to several specific websites addressing the issue. She promised
to distribute a summary of key issues with references to relevant
web sites to ISOM members shortly.
5.2. EU developments
Ms. Rietveld (Netherlands) had pursued the issue in Europe
and had put on trial that GSR could produce a more favourable
rate for vessels operating outside the notorious US liability
law system. In a fair competition with European insurers for H&M
and equipment insurance renewal the European market offered the
most favourable premium and conditions, resulting in a 45% saving
on premium. The European market has offered to study the possibility
of a group insurance for research vessels in Europe, provided
sufficient participation.
Still the European R/V insurance situation is such that most vessels
are under a so-called self insurance regime. Notwithstanding the
problems this causes when trying to charter out for commercial
purposes.
Not much has changed since last year as shown on the updated inventory
that was distributed as a hand-out. Of the 41 European R/V's only
7 have H&M insurance, 6 have equipment insurance and 16 have
P&I insurance. 25 vessels are under self - insurance policy.
Nevertheless 33 are available for charter.
6. ISM Code update
Dr. Fay (UK) gave a presentation on the implementation
of the ISM Code and Revised STCW 1995 within RVS. He introduced
the RVS Scientific Safety Management System, a risk assessment
system for sea-going activities. The presentation and subsequent
discussion was seen as very useful to enhance discussions on a
national level. Copies of the presented sheets were distributed
as a hand out.
7. Clearance Issues
Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) presented the issue on diplomatic
clearance from a European perspective. The overall goal to explore
possibilities to come to more simple and flexible procedures.
She gave an overview on what has came out so far of the activities
of different international organisations. That the just issued
IWCO report " The Ocean ........Our Future" could offer
a starting point, seemed to be a false hope. Two subsequent initiatives
from the European Union failed. The only recipe for success offers
a start on bilateral or trilateral basis, combined with procurement
of as much political will as possible on sufficient high level.
The bilateral and may be trilateral co-operation on oceanography
between Germany, The Netherlands and possibly United Kingdom supported
on a Governmental level might offer such an opportunity. ISOM
welcomed the initiative, but expressed its doubts on the outcome
given the experiences from the past.
The presented sheets were distributed as a hand out.
8. Oceanic Database Update and SEMRIS proposal
Ms. Bouton (OCEANIC) distributed the status of OCEANIC
Ship Schedule and Information as of 10.10.98.
Not all schedules could be updated. She asked ISOM members to
provide the information, or let her know where to find the renewed
schedules if they are available in electronic format.
Mr. Van Bergen Henegouw (Netherlands - ISOM secretary)
presented the SEMRIS project. A proposal on the Shared use of
European Marine Research Instruments and Ships. The proposal aims
to initiate and operate a co-operative network of managers and
operators of marine research vessels and marine equipment in Europe
to encourage the shared use of instruments and vessels on a national
and international level. A 'virtual pool" will be developed
on the Internet, and there will be exchange of experience and
development of common practices regarding handling equipment,
calibration, deployment procedures etc. Close co-operation with
OCEANIC is foreseen. The proposal is submitted to the EMaPS (European
Marine and Polar Sciences Board) of the ESF and discussed at the
Lisbon Conference end of May. The review time was very short and
EMaPS needed more time to comment on and review the proposal.
When supported by ESF the proposal will be submitted to the EU
Fifth Framework for financial support. ISOM will await the developments
with interest.
9. Fifth Framework Programme of the European Union
Mr. Ollier (EU-CEC, Brussels) gave a presentation on the
Fifth Framework Programme of the EU and the foreseen support for
research infrastructure. As a part of the infrastructure a budget
of 70 million ECU is planned for marine research facilities. These
comprise databases, sampling methods, taxonomy support, test basins,
research vessels, platforms, manned and unmanned observing systems.
The aim is to encourage the transnational use of public or private
facilities trough transnational co-ordination, networking and
increase of compatibility.
The call for proposals is foreseen starting March 1999. A 50 percent
matching is needed. Partners from outside the EU are welcome.
With this new possibility to obtain funds for infrastructure from
the EU it also is evident that the right procedures should be
followed, and 'pushing the right buttons' is needed to be successful.
Mr. Ollier offered his assistance. The sheets presented were copied
and distributed as a hand-out.
10. International Marine Technicians Workshop 1998 Update
The chairman introduced Dr. Woody Sutherland, who is member
of the Steering Committee that organises the 1998 INMARTECH Workshop.
Dr. Sutherland presented the programme for the INMARTECH 98, that
will be held on 20-22 October at SIO La Jolla. There will be parallel
sessions with workshops on geophysical technologies, ROV and towed
vehicles, bottom sampling techniques, ADCP and CTD packages, deck
operations and onboard safety and shipboard networking and SeaNet.
Demonstrations on underway sampling system and multibeam processing
will be held on R/V MELVILLE. There are 154 participants from
12 countries. As in 1996 an evaluation will be held at the end
of the workshop based on a questionnaire to be filled in by all
participants.
11. Chartering-out of Research Vessels
Ms Rietveld (Netherlands) gave a presentation in which
she discussed her experiences with chartering-out R/V PELAGIA.
Chartering out has become a necessity because of the tight financial
situation of the institute. Preferably chartering out takes place
without interfering with the own scientific cruise schedule, or
fitting in smoothly because of research aim and/or cruise area.
This mainly is the case when chartering out to scientific organisations
either for their own research (in a more or less co-operative
setting) or for more commercially oriented research. In the first
case the own regime as to planning procedures and standard C/P
can be imposed with mutual agreement. In the second case the planning
procedure may suffer intrusion. Pitfalls can be encountered in
case the chartering out is for commercial organisation(s) for
commercial research. These relate to uncertainty in planning,
with last minute rescheduling and extension options, tough contract
negotiations with excessive requirements as to insurance, liabilities
and indemnities, y2k compatibility, confidentiality, safety and
health regulations and offshore survey practices. To resolve these
pitfalls it is wise to make absolutely clear from the beginning
that you are a scientific organisation where other rules prevail
than in the commercial world. Always set a fixed date for redelivery
of the ship, always set a penalty clause for late payment, avoid
subcontractorship and subsequent rider clauses, stick to your
standard C/P as much as possible and keep continuous feed-back
with your insurance broker, P&I insurer and/or legal advisor
on insurance and liabilities. Evaluate the use of a simple Data
Exchange Agreement. If the scientific work to perform does not
deviate from your usual practice: stick to your prevailing rules
and safety regulations and scientific survey practices. Never
sign a contract that contains issues you cannot live-up to or
that you do not understand completely.
Prof. Nixon (USA - UNOLS) presented some recent cases encountered
when chartering-out UNOLS vessels. One concerns the R/V MAURICE
EWING, where in the charter negotiations the Lamont University
the US Government and the oil company were involved. The charter
agreement became enormously complex, as well as the insurance
requirements. All in all, it was a three ring circus, with lawyers
for the oil company, Lamont, and NSF-UNOLS struggling with the
final terms. All agreed on one thing: the simple idea to keep
an unused ship busy was much more complicated than anyone had
anticipated.
Another case concerns the R/V SEWARD JOHNSON chartered out to
Discovery Channel, where the ship became involved in the search
for a disappeared helicopter, with a subsequent fight over the
question who should pay for the extra ship days.
12. Research Vessel Lay-up Procedures
Ms Dieter (USA - NSF) introduced the issue. With the present
overcapacity about 2-2.5 "ships" needed to be laid-up.
Under the "UNOLS-Charter" two-third of the crew is permanent
and one-third on a 1-year rolling term contract. The problem "How
to keep the crew busy" is partly solved with chartering-out,
where NSF would be satisfied with a 70% performance. She would
like to learn how others dealt with the problem.
Dr. Strohm (Germany) told that most crew was on a contractual
basis, and not linked to a specific ship, but rotating over the
vessels. Lay-up was mainly only in winter. The number of crew
was not maximised, some were hired additionally on time-contract.
To a certain extent holidays were to be taken "in advance".
Mr. Van Bergen Henegouw (Netherlands) told that with the
former R/V TYRO, that was only used for approx. 100-150 days per
year, the lay-up was done as a bare ship, under the supervision
of a shipping company. This means mostly only one watchman on
board. The scientific winches/cables and other gear remained under
maintenance on shore by the technical support staff.
Mr. Zaitsu of NME (Japan) mentioned a similar case of lay-up
with just one watch officer.
Mr. Williams (Naval consultant) reminded that there are
specific lay-up procedures for ships, but that the problem can
be the scientific systems.
Mr. Goosen (South Africa) added that lay-up can have disastrous
effects when lay-up is done for a long period.
Mr. Castrec (France) admitted that for the ships it takes
about a week to get all things going, but this is not a real problem.
The problem is the computerised instrumentation, because of the
too high humidity during lay-up.
13. Derbyshire Project UK/US
Mr. Williams (Naval consultant - UK) presented the Derbyshire
Project.
In September 1980 the 200.000 tons UK bulk carrier Derbyshire
vanished without a trace during a typhoon SW of Japan. In 1995
she was found by sonar. The subsequent investigation was aimed
at reconstructing what could have caused the loss and how the
typhoon contributed to that loss. For the specific requirements
of the investigation the specific expertise of the Deep Submergence
Facility of Woods Hole was the only that could do such a job.
The UK ministry of Transport and Environment signed a MOU with
NSF. The work was performed by the UNOLS Deep Submergence Science
Community (DSSC) represented by Mr. Bowen.
In a mesmerising slide presentation with subsequent video animation
Mr Williams and Mr. Bowen showed the unravelling
of drama:
By ALVIN DSL 120 - an unmanned system for wide area high resolution
search and battymetric mapping.
By ARGO - large area visual search augmented by sonar.
By JASON - a light work ROV with robot arm, for close inspection
and close view, with various mapping functions and equipped with
special imaging devices, and high definition video camera.
All systems work on fibre-optic cable that also handles data management.
All are portable, containerised in standard 20 foot ISO containers.
The search was performed in 1997 and revealed with detailed images
of over 2000 pieces of wreckage, and tracks of cargo disposition,
the most likely series, combination and sequence of events.
14. Submersible/ROV and AUV usage/status
Ms. Millick (USA - ONR) gave a presentation on the Navy
use of submersibles & ROV's:
In September 1997 the Navy decommissioned the DSV TURTLE. In September
of 1998, the Navy decommissioned DSV SEACLIFF. Both assets were
offered to the academic community. SEACLIFF, the deeper-diving
of the two was transferred to WHOI. The US agencies are funding
an engineering study to determine integration of systems and subsystems
between ALVIN and SEACLIFF. There is strong support for ROV capability
to 6000m.
The DSV's were decommissioned because the Navy has higher priority
requirements that must be funded. Focus of Navy is on submarine
escape and rescue with a reduced manned search and salvage capability.
The Navy can execute this with Submarine Rescue Chambers, DSRV's
- Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles-, and Atmospheric Dive Suits.
They will rely on currently acquired systems, manned/ROV's.
NSF discusses the interest in ROV's - based on Derbyshire project
and scientific needs evolving from this US/UK ROV project.
The Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) program has been developed
primarily through ONR's Ocean Modelling and Prediction group.
There is a budget commitment of 37.4 million USD. The goal of
the program is to develop accurate representations of the ocean
system as it evolves in time and space. The program focuses on
enhanced predictability through better dynamical formulations,
improved numerical methods and optimal data assimilation through
adaptive sampling. In summary, better, on-time, accurate data
for the naval fleet.
Development and application of sensing systems and unmanned underwater
vehicles for land margin continental shelf oceanographic and environmental
measurements for mine countermeasures and other applications.
This capability is to be achieved through the deployment and real-time
control of a distributed mobile network of sensors onboard small
AUV's operating in the littoral ocean.
The overall goal of this capability is to significantly improve
the mapping of geophysical fields by reducing temporal and spatial
aliasing and the forecast skill of ocean variability by feedback
adaptive sampling.
Essential components of this AUV-based sampling system are
* cost-effective platforms capable of autonomous energy re-supply,
* low power and weight oceanographic sensors,
* precise underwater navigation,
* reliable subsurface acoustic communication and over-the-horizon
radio link for control and data telemetry, and
* network management software for adaptive reconfiguration to
achieve mission objectives most efficiently.
The liability consequences of the use of these AUV's is not yet
studied.
Mr. Chijiya of JAMSTEC (Japan) informed the meeting on
the just started 4.8 billion Yen (approx. 40 million USD) project
by JAMSTEC on AUV's with a 300 km range and at 3500 m depth, to
be ready in 2003. The power source will be a Polymer Electrolyte
Fuel Cell (PEFC). and a lithium Ion battery. After this first
phase a longer range AUV will be constructed up to 2000 km and
6000 m depth. Detailed specifications could be found in the distributed
hand-out.
15. US/NSF Academic Fleet Review
Dr. Heinrichs (USA-NSF) gave a presentation on the on going
review of the Academic Research Fleet. The review concerns the
total UNOLS fleet of 28 R/V's. The aim is the most cost effective
operating and managing of ships, whereas the questions have been
posed whether the present capacity meets the requirements, and
whether the advisory, funding and management structures are adequate.
The review should start from the requirements of the research
sponsored by NSF in a national framework, also including ONR,
and private companies assessing the demand for ship time with
a projection to the future. Whereas the USA strives for maintaining
world leadership in ocean and environmental scientific research.
The recommendations should include actions for improvement of
organisation, management and cost-effective operations. In the
present time schedule the committee will have its last meeting
in December 1998, and is expected to present its report in February
next year. The report will be made public. Copies of the presented
sheets were distributed as a hand-out.
16. Other Business.
Mr. Chijiya of JAMSTEC (Japan) presented the plans for
the building of a new drilling ship, for which the designing will
start next year. In five years - May 2003 - the ship will be completed.
The ship will be 190 m long, 32 m wide, GRT 31.000. There will
be accommodation for 150. Construction costs are estimated at
57 billion Yen (over 500 million USD). In December this year the
decision will be taken, that will be final in March 1999. Mr.
Chijiya expressed his optimism towards the outcome of the decisions
including the budget.
Mr. Chijiya presented another highlight, which is the started
sea trials this September of the offshore wave-powered device
"MIGHTY WHALE". While absorbing the energy from ocean
waves and dissipate the wave height behind the device, thus protecting
against typhoon damage, and generating a relatively calm coastal
zone sea area, MIGHTY WHALE at the same time supplies electric
energy.
Mr. Althouse (USA - SIO) announced that the video will
be shown as an entremet during the Bar-B-Que lunch at the Marine
Facility in San Diego and the visit to view Scripps' ships MELVILLE,
REVELLE and the FLIP.
17. Date and Place of Next Meeting
All ISOM members present were in favour of continuation of ISOM.
Mr. Chijiya of JAMSTEC (Japan) announced that JAMSTEC together
with NME and GODI will have the pleasure of hosting ISOM in 1999
at the home port of the new R/V MIRAI in Mutsu City on the Shimokita
peninsula in Northern Japan. The dates will be 12 - 14 October
1999. All members acclaimed to this proposition.
Ms. Rietveld (Netherlands) reconfirmed last year's announcement
that the Netherlands would be happy to host ISOM in
2000. The Netherlands would be happy also to host the third INMARTECH
Workshop in 2000.