Sixth International Ship Operators Meeting

26 October 1992, Yokohama, Japan Summary notes

Country     	Representative    	Organisation

Australia   	Mr. R.J. Edwards  	CSIRO
CEC     	Dr. M. Weydert    	EC, DG VII, Brussels
France      	Dr. D. Girard     	IFREMER, Paris
Germany     	Dr. D. Kohnke     	BSH, Hamburg
Italy  		Mr. E.J. de Boer  	FAO, fisheries division
Japan  		Prof. K. Kobayashi     	Univ. of Tokyo
       		Prof. K. Taira    	Univ. of Tokyo
       		Mr. J. Oyama      	JMA
	       	Mr. H. Nakato     	JAMSTEC     Chairman
       		Mr. K. Omori      	JAMSTEC
	       	Mr. M. Nishida    	JAMSTEC
       		Mr. S. Takagawa   	JAMSTEC
 	      	Mr. K. Sakakura   	JAMSTEC
       		Mr. M. Ida   		JAMSTEC
  	     	Mr. K. Otsuka     	JAMSTEC
       		Mr. K. Kitagawa   	JAMSTEC
   	    	Mr. M. Kato      	JAMSTEC
       		Mr. T. Sonoda     	JAMSTEC
   	    	Mr. M. Ogawara    	JAMSTEC
       		Mr. K. Ando  		JAMSTEC
   		Mr. T. Matsunaga 	JAMSTEC
   		Mr. T. Chiba  		NME
   		Mr. K. Matsubara 	NME
   		Mr. A. Aoki      	NME
   		Mr. W. Nakamoto  	NME
Netherlands  	Mr. C. van Bergen Henegouw 	NMRF     Secretary
USA     	Dr. D. Heinrichs 	NSF
   		Ms. D. Dieter    	NSF
UK      	Dr. S. White     	NERC
   		Dr. C.W. Fay     	NERC-RVS

Apologies for absence

received from Belgium (Mr. M.A. Pollentier), Canada (Mr. J.E. Elliot), OCEANIC (Ms. K. Bouton and Mr. J. Crease), UK (Dr. J. Ramster, MAFF)

1. INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME

The chairman Mr. Hiroyuki Nakato welcomed the participants on behalf of the Japan Marine Science and Technology. He summarised the history of ISOM and presented his views on the future role of ISOM by focusing on effective use of marine research resources on a international scale to address the worlds growing concern over global warming.

The participants introduced themselves. Apologies for absence were received from Canada, UK and Oceanic.

The meeting accepted the concept-agenda.

2. MINUTES OF THE FIFTH MEETING

The minutes were discussed. Dr. D. Heinrichs (NSF) indicated that Oceanic was funded through ISOM, but that the NSF provided the necessary funds this time.

The minutes were accepted as a true record of the fifth meeting held in Paris on 9 October 1991.

3. RESEARCH COORDINATION

Dr. M. Weydert presented the launch of the EC initiative to co-ordinate large marine research equipment including large "blue ocean" research vessels to stimulate its efficient use in global research programmes. The "common input form" for ship details and ship programmes is now available and is used by EC, FAO and Oceanic database. He explained the principles of the EC database as well as the procedure to file and change the data. The use of the common input form is supported by the International Oceanographic Committee (10C). The information on ships details is a static database. For the information on ships schedules this is not the case. The latter information will be used by scientist to obtain an overview of the research activities. For the exchange of ship time the use of the database is likely to be minimal as this is a matter handled by bi-lateral agreements between operators. It is important that the operational use of the database should be simple and effective. The common input form can be changed easily to assist the users giving information to the different databases. Mr. de Boer (FAO) mentioned that at this moment the FAO is not able to use the common input form, because of internal problems. The FAO will have to continue with the printed input format for some time. Linking the different databases electronically will allow scientists and operators to use the information more effectively. The chairman concluded that the development towards an increased effectiveness of the databases will stimulate the use of it by scientist and operators. Concerning the lay-out of the common input form the chairman asked the different organisations with databases to keep the discussion open to improve the input form for its users.

4. LOST EQUIPMENT FILE

The secretary introduced this agenda item. He said that last year it was felt that ISOM had to play a practical role in recovering lost equipment. Mr. Girard offered to prepare a draft form for reporting lost equipment, and Ms. Bouton offered OCEANlC's assistance for setting up a catastrophe notice board. The chairman thanked Mr. Girard for his work on the "Notification of Equipment Lost at Sea". The d raft form, its purpose and use was discussed. The meeting indicated that only the operators who could recover lost equipment (operators of deep sea submersibles) were the only ones who really needed the information. So, if equipment was lost contact is needed between the country who lost equipment and the operator who is able to recover the equipment. The idea of establishing an electronic notice board was considered to be too complicated. Dr. Fay offered to revise the form and it was agreed that additional remarks should be given to him within the next three months. A list of operators who can assist to recover lost equipment will be presented with telex, fax and e-mail numbers.

Several examples of lost equipment were discussed in order to learn from each other misfortune. Mr. Kato of the Japanese delegation presented three cases of lost equipment. Moorings were lost mostly by transponder response failure and buoyancy problems. The buoyancy was decreased by implosion of a glass ball causing a chain reaction for others to implode. The Netherlands reported on their loss of a CTD-Rossette sampler system in the Red Sea through cable failure.

5. RESEARCH FLEET CHANGES

Dr. Fay (UK) presented a video about the rebuilding of RRS Discovery. Dr. White mentioned that the new Antarctic icebreaker, RRS James Clark Ross, finished her first Antarctic trip successfully. Dr. Takagawa (Japan) followed with a presentation of JAMSTEC's new 10,000 meter underwater systems, large research vessel and deep sea drilling vessel.

Mr. Chiba (Japan) contributed with a proposal to exchange research vessel officers to learn from each other capabilities, especially in different research fields. Or. Fay remarked that the UK and France already had such an exchange. So the proposal for an exchange at a larger international scale should be considered very seriously. In the following discussion the exchange of marine technicians was also mentioned. Ms Dieter indicated that a rotation of officers and technicians on US ship already exists. She expressed the opinion that exchange between countries should be feasible.

The chairman concluded that exchange of officer/technician would primarily be for observation purposes. Details of the exchange should be discussed bi-laterally.

Professor Taira (Japan) presented the capabilities and plans of the Ocean Research Institute of the University of Tokyo. Mr. Oyama concluded the Japanese contribution by a presentation of JMA's long term weather forecast and warning system.

Dr. Weydert (EC) asked the meeting about future marine research plans. With these plans the EC would like to upgrade their marine scientific questions about the development of marine technologies, for instance Nereis and deep sea laboratories.

Mr. de Boer (FAO) remarked that in contrast with the EC plans the FAO interests are toward low cost and low maintenance equipment for developing countries.

Dr. Girard (France) remarked that 1992 for the French was a normal year, with the Nautile and Atalante fully operational. He mentioned the plans of building two fisheries research ships, one of 30 and one of 70 meters length.

Ms. Dieter (USA) gave an extensive overview of the development. The preparations for the Mid-life refit of the Oceanus Class is underway. The three vessels were constructed in 1974-75 and are 54m long. The estimated cost of overhaul/refit is $2M per ship. The refits will begin with the Endeavor in early 1993 and the Oceanus and Wecoma will be late 1993 and early 1994. The basic design is the same for the three vessels with slight modifications to fit the operating institutions requirements. The new Agor 23 (Thomas G. Thompson) went into operation in August of 1991. AII users of the vessel have been very pleased with the ship. The Thompson will spend most of 1993 in the Pacific on WOCE and JGOFS cruises with a total schedule of approximately 300 days. The US had anticipated the new Agor 24 and 25 would come on-line in 1994 and 1996 respectively. These projections now look like they may slip slightly. Scripps Institution of Oceanography will operate the 24 and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will operate the 25. The plans for an Arctic Research Vessel are in the design stage. The length of the ship has grown with time. The plan is to have it in operation in 1996, however the funds have not yet been secured from Congress.

Mr. Edwards (Australia) sketched the Australian plans. The Franklin was operational in the Tasman Sea during 1993 and 1994. The Australian Navy plan to build three ships. He expressed Australia's interest for marine research in the Indian Ocean in the upcoming years.

Prof. Kohnke (Germany) reported the problems in his country as a result of the reunification of East and West Germany. Because of this process research funds have been used for the rebuilding of the former Eastern Germany. Nevertheless, one of the fisheries vessels (Welda Heltig) will be replaced and two of the DDR vessels will be replaced by one small surveying vessel.

Mr. van Bergen Henegouw reported that plans are under consideration to replace Tyro and Tydeman for a multi-purpose research vessel around the year 2000.

6. STATUS OF MAJOR CAMPAIGNS FOR GLOBAL CHANGES

The chairman gave the floor to Dr. Heinrichs. Dr. Heinrichs presented the Global Change Research Program (GCRP) in general and the Inter Ridge programme in particular. Inter Ridge focuses on the understanding of global ridge systems. To accomplice a Global change Research Program internationally Dr. Heinrich mentioned again the exchange of ship time and other facilities. NSF's goal is to improve international co-ordination/planning and sharing facilities. Mr. Omori explained the philosophy of JAMSTEC towards international co-operation, also as a result of the political awareness of marine research in global environmental changes. Japan would like to contribute to the international marine science and technology development.

Dr. White reported the UK plans towards WOCE and JGOFS for the Southern Ocean and the Indian Ocean and towards RIDGE for the North Atlantic.

Dr. Weydert made some remarks about OMEX (Ocean Margin EXchange) programme under the EC.

Mr. Edwards reported on the Australian plans for a WOCE programme in 1994 in the Indian Ocean. Concerning the future international planning of the Indian Ocean Programme the secretary asked whether this group can assist the scientific community. Dr. Heinrich answered that the scientists involved seemed to manage the programme all right. At this moment no direct assistance of ISOM seems necessary.

Prof. Kohnke mentioned the WMO/IGOS programme and gave an outline of the problems this programme will meet now that the Russian fleet becomes less and less operational. A discussion followed how to fill in the gaps logistically and technically. The chairman concluded that all participants should take note of the need to assist the WMO/IGOS programme to make up for the lost data of the Russian fleet.

7. VESSEL EXCHANGE / BARTER ARRANGEMENT

This agenda item was discussed during the other agenda items. No remarks were added.

8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Dr. Weydert asked if there is any study done on standardisation of oceanographic equipment such as winches, laboratories, etc. The secretary mentioned MOSES for containerised laboratories and gave an idea of the problems encountered to standardise these lab's because of the different laws in the different countries. Dr. Heinrich mentioned the importance of standard measurements procedures, which will become increasingly important in Global Change research programmes. The chairman concluded that standardisation of measurements procedure in international research programmes will be of major importance.

9. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The chairman thanked all participants for their constructive contribution to this meeting and introduced Dr. Weydert as representative of the organisation who will chair the meeting in 1993. Again it was suggested to plan the meeting dates in relation with other international meeting, such as exhibitions in marine research related area's. The provisional date for the next meeting is October 11 and 12 in Antwerp, Belgium. The secretary will inform the participants as soon as possible on the exact date's and other detail of the meeting in 1993.