RESEARCH VESSEL OPERATOR’S COMMITTEE

A. PURPOSE

1. The purpose of the Research Vessel Operator’s Committee shall be to promote cooperation, fleet standards, marine safety, efficiency, and quality of service among marine science research and educational institutions. The RVOC provides members a forum to address issues of interest such as federal regulations, security, technology, procedures, and public relations as those affect their research fleets.

B. MEMBERSHIP

1. Membership in the RVOC shall be based on representation from UNOLS Operator Institutions. Membership shall also be open to all UNOLS institutions or non-UNOLS institutions that operate research vessels for purposes similar to UNOLS.

C. REPRESENTATION

1. The RVOC shall hold at least one general Annual Meeting, each calendar year. Each UNOLS Operator Institution shall designate a representative to RVOC. Institutions other than operators may send observers to RVOC meetings. All member institutions shall be entitled to send as many individuals as desired to the Annual Meeting. RVOC sub-committees may hold meetings or teleconferences as required for the accomplishment of their missions.

2. Each member institution shall be notified of the Annual Meeting by the Vice Chair/Chair Elect of the Committee at least one month prior to the Annual Meeting.

3. UNOLS Operator Institutions shall be entitled one vote on matters at the Annual Meeting. In extraordinary circumstances, matters may be submitted for vote by the Chair, at times other than the Annual Meeting. These matters will be voted on by mail or electronic mail. Matters voted on will be decided by a simple majority of UNOLS Operator Institutions casting votes. Two-thirds of the UNOLS Operator Institutions must be represented to establish a quorum.

4. A UNOLS Operator Institution, which is temporarily without a vessel due to replacement through construction, new acquisition, major refit, or in lay-up, may continue to have a voting representative on the RVOC, as long as that institution is actively engaged in resuming operational status.

D. OFFICERS

1. The Research Vessel Operator’s Committee shall have a Chair and Vice Chair/ Chair Elect. The Vice Chair/ Chair Elect will be elected by a majority vote at the Annual Meeting for a three year term not to exceed six years total as Vice Chair / Chair Elect and Chair. Date of office shall commence at the close of the Annual Meeting.

2. The Chair shall represent the Committee in all matters stipulated in the purpose of these bylaws and in all matters deemed necessary in the interest of the Committee. The Chair shall implement the programs enumerated by the Committee and shall conduct the Annual Meeting and whatever special meetings are deemed necessary by the Chair or the members.

3. The Vice Chair / Chair Elect shall be responsible for recording the business of the Committee and for dissemination of information through a newsletter or other media to all members of the Committee.

4. If the Chair or Vice Chair / Chair Elect are unable to fulfill their duties of office, the Chair shall appoint a successor to act with authority until the succeeding Annual Meeting.

E. WORKING GROUPS AND PANELS

1. Upon the recommendation of the Chair, and with a majority vote of the Committee at the Annual Meeting, various working groups, subcommittees, or panels, as necessary to the work of the Committee, may be constituted. The duration of action of such working groups and panels shall be stipulated at the time of inception.

2. Special working groups or panels may be established if required between the Annual Meetings, but they must be confirmed by vote.

F. ANNUAL MEETING AND OTHER MEETINGS

1. A general meeting of the Committee shall be held at least once yearly. The Chair shall preside over this Annual Meeting. The business of this meeting shall encompass reports of any active working groups and panels, and discussions of projects and actions of the Committee. Speakers from the Federal Agencies and the marine community may also be included on the agenda. Workshops for projects of general concern are encouraged.

2. Passage of projects and actions shall be by vote, in accordance with the voting procedures set forth in Section C. REPRESENTATION, paragraph 3.

3. The various working groups and panels shall each meet at least once yearly, at the Annual Meeting.

G. FINANCES

1. UNOLS will provide limited funding when approved as part of the UNOLS budget for the Committee to include the following:
2. a.Travel expenses for the Chair and Vice Chair/Chair Elect to RVOC Meetings.
b.Travel expenses for the Chair to attend UNOLS Meetings.
c.Meeting facilities, when required.
d.Travel and meeting expenses for panels, workshops or the Annual Meeting when appropriate.

Approved and adopted at the RVOC Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on 9 October 1990-
As amended, 15 January 2004.