1. INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Coast Guard, NSF and UNOLS have agreed to establish a UNOLS Committee that will address research support for U.S. academic science investigators carrying out Arctic research aboard U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers. Particular concerns of this Committee are the USCG icebreakers POLAR SEA, POLAR STAR and HEALY. It is envisioned that these vessels will represent the major focus of the Committee.
The Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee shall operate pursuant to appointment by UNOLS and in accordance with the UNOLS Charter. This annex will be incorporated as Annex VI to the Charter.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the AICC is to provide polar science projects with planning and scheduling assistance, facilitate communications between scientists, science funders and facility providers. It is to provide oversight and advice to the U.S. Coast Guard for the purpose of enhancing facilities and science aboard their icebreaker fleet. Incumbent in this is fulfilling an ombudsman role for the arctic science community, insuring efficient and effective utilization of U.S. icebreakers. It is also the responsibility of the AICC to promote new technology for arctic assets and to maintain cutting edge capability for these facilities.
The Charter is intended to promote the best utilization of arctic facilities on a global scale. Past methods of planning had the effect of discouraging scientific expeditions because they did not provide sufficient lead time for planning purposes, nor did they provide incentives for the scientific community to organize the needed critical mass of research projects. The AICC will work with the user community, Federal sponsors and the operators of other polar facilities to encourage expeditions using U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers in a phased manner that meets the needs of a wide spectrum of arctic scientists. Additionally, the AICC will encourage the advancement of cooperative international programs for the enhancement of multidisciplinary arctic science throughout the academic community.
3. MEMBERSHIP
The Committee will include seven arctic scientists with diverse disciplines serving three year-terms (except for the make up of the original committee whose term will be staggered with two one-year members, two two-year members and three three-year members). Individuals may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Representatives from the USCG, NSF, ONR, NOAA and the Arctic Research Commission will be expected to participate in the committee's meetings and activities. The Chair of this Committee will be an ex-officio member of the UNOLS Council and will keep the Council and the UNOLS membership informed of its activities.
4. SPECIFIC TASKS FOR THE AICC
5. MEETINGS
The AICC will meet no less than twice annually to discuss issues within its charge. Funding for these meetings will be administered similar to that of other UNOLS standing committees.
6. COORDINATION
The AICC will include the UNOLS Fleet Improvement Committee, the UNOLS Research Technical Enhancement Committee and the UNOLS Research Vessel Operators' Committee on issues appropriate to these committees.