Commandant
United States Coast Guard
2100 West Second Street S.W.
Washington, DC 20593-0001
Staff Symbol (G-NIO)
Phone (202) 297-1468
1600
JUN 30 1995
Dr. Christopher N.K. Mooers
Professor and Director
Ocean Pollution Research Center
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, Florida 33149-1098
Dear Dr. Mooers:
Thank you for your letter of June 7, 1995 which addressed the issue of an "Icebreaker Users Advisory Group." During the last UNOLS council meeting in Monterey the council recommended that a permanent Advisory Group be established vice an "ad hoc" group which has been used in the past. As I stated at the council meeting, I concur with that recommendation and would like to see the formation of an Advisory Group as soon as possible. I believe it is in the best interests of all concerned that such an Advisory Group be established.
In your letter you asked for my input on the "terms of reference" for the Advisory Group. The following represents my views on the appropriate size, membership, support, and scope of work for the Advisory Group.
The group should be kept relatively small, 10 to 15 members, with the majority of members being designated by UNOLS. I would expect the group to have representatives from the Fleet Improvement, Research Vessel Technical Enhancement, and Research Vessel Operators subcommittees of UNOLS. In addition, there should also be representatives from the National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Geological Survey, and Coast Guard. Once the size and membership of the Advisory Group is established I would expect the UNOLS council chairman to designate UNOLS representatives, in writing, and be responsible for ensuring subsequent vacancies are filled.
The Advisory Group should represent a broad spectrum of Polar science disciplines such as ice studies, oceanography, geology, and biology. I believe recent, or near recent, experience aboard U.S. or foreign icebreakers should be a prerequisite, however, members should have permanent association or extremely close ties with science organizations having strong interests in Polar research.
I do not believe the Advisory Group should be limited to issues concerning the construction of HEALY. I have two other icebreakers too. Therefore, I would expect the Advisory Group to play an integral role in providing assistance, guidance, advice on a broad range of topics concerning Coast Guard icebreakers. Members should expect to deal with a variety of issues including outfitting, staffing standards, scheduling, training, funding and design, modifications, and future operations.
The UNOLS council should understand that the Ice Operations Division cannot expend funds for member's travel or per diem for meetings. Consequently, formal meetings should be held in conjunction with established UNOLS council meetings. I would hope, however, that Advisory Group members would have the flexibility to respond to issues informally as the need arises. Documentation of the Issue and correspondence would be provided to the UNOLS council at the next formal meeting.
I hope I have provided you with enough information to help define the Advisory Group. If I can be of any further assistance or you require additional information, please call me at the above number.
Sincerely,
R. A. ROOTH
Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
Acting Chief, Ice Operations Division
By direction of the Commandant
Copy:
Dr. Kenneth Johnson, UNOLS Chair
Mr. Jack Bash, UNOLS Secretary