UNOLS COUNCIL MEETING
Thursday-Friday,
February 22-23, 2001
University
of Miami
Rosenstiel
School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Miami, Florida
Wednesday, February 21, 2001, 5:00 pm
Tour of WALTON SMITH - FIC and Council Meeting Participants were provided a tour of University of Miami’s new catamaran, WALTON SMITH.
Appendices
Thursday, February 22, 2001 – RSMAS Auditorium
Call the Meeting: Bob Knox, UNOLS Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:30 am and welcomed everyone to the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). Bob asked that a moment of silence be observed in remembrance of Joe Mayes, KNORR crewmember, and others who have passed away in the line of duty.
Bob reported that the morning session would be a joint meeting of the UNOLS Council, Fleet Improvement Committee, and Federal Agency Representatives. The meeting agenda is included as Appendix I. Introductions were made around the room and a list of attendees is included as Appendix II.
Accept Minutes: The minutes of September 2000 Council meeting were approved as written.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Bob Knox provided a brief summary of the UNOLS Committee written reports and opened the floor to a question/answer period. Chairs were offered an opportunity to identify any important issues that need to be addressed further by the Council. The reports are contained in Appendix III.
Deep Submergence Science Committee (DESSC) – The report focused on the publication of the descend brochure (this is also addressed later in the meeting). The full proceedings of the 1999 DESCEND Workshop have been posted on the UNOLS website. The brochure represents an 8-page executive summary of the workshop. The brochure is being widely distributed throughout the science community and federal agencies.
Ship Scheduling Committee (SSC) – The report discussed the difficulties in establishing the 2001 ship schedules. Everyone was thanked for his/her patience throughout the process. Comparisons in utilization between this year and last are provided in the report. The days requested for 2001 are up from 2000 and are spread across all of the ship classes. The Letter of Intent process is being adopted by SSC as their standard practice.
Research Vessel Operator Committee (RVOC) – The RVOC report provided a summary of the committee’s 2000 annual meeting. Steve Rabalais added that a major current focus of RVOC is ISM and compliance issues.
Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee (AICC) – Lisa Clough has replaced Jim Swift as the new AICC Chair. The US Coast Guard (USCG) presented Jim with the Civilian Metal of Service for his efforts over the past 4.5 years as Chair of the committee. A highlight of the past year has been bringing HEALY on line. The science systems testing conducted with the assistance of AICC and RVTEC has gone well. The ship promises to be a significant research asset. The AICC will be transitioning in its role from science systems testing of HEALY to science planning and operations. A final shakedown cruise of the ship is planned on April 23-May 2. Winch operation is a major concern and will be studied carefully during the cruise. The ship will travel from Seattle to San Francisco. This cruise will be a good opportunity to prepare for operations in the Gackle Ridge. The focus of the AICC has broadened to science operation planning for the USCG’s other Polar Class vessels.
Research Vessel Technical Enhancement Committee (RVTEC) – The report provided information about the 2000 Committee meeting. The meeting included three breakout hands-on sessions that were favorably viewed by the participants. Dale reported that he is actively soliciting ideas for the 2001 meeting hands-on session. Steve Rabalais recommended that the RVTEC/RVOC 2001 meeting include a focused discussion on ISM. The new ISM regulations will impact all personnel associated with ship operations, including crew, technicians, shore support, and the science party. The new regulations come into effect in July 2002.
The Council discussed the potential implications of the new ISM regulations. Bob Knox reported that the new ISM regulations require that operators document any planned operation, then carry out the operations according to the documentation. The University of Washington has begun preparing their documentation. Scientists will be required to submit their cruise plans and procedures prior to the cruise. It is uncertain if the plans will need to be certified. It is also unclear at this time if scientists will be required to go through the three-day STCW training. In the United Kingdom scientists are required to go through the training because they are considered part of the mission of the ship. This is a SOLAS requirement. U.S. scientists who have used the NERC vessels have had to go through the STCW training.
The UNOLS procedures that are being developed are being kept simple.
It was recommended that the procedures be generic and be posted on the
web so the scientists can be very familiar with the procedures. Only the
large ships (>500 GT) are required to comply by July 2002, but the RVOC
has decided that the smaller UNOLS ships should also consider compliance.
NOAA is not legally required to comply with the ISM regulations, but they
are working to comply. They have developed a plan and their scientists
are being trained. An article concerning the new ISM regulations is planned
for the next UNOLS Newsletter. Additionally, there will be a site on the
UNOLS page that will provide information. Operators who already comply
(NERC, etc.) with the ISM regulations will be invited to the RVOC meeting
to tell of their experiences.
FEDERAL AGENCY REPORTS:
Office of Naval Research (ONR) – Sujata Millick provided the ONR report. There was difficulty in scheduling the 2001 Navy funded programs due to logistical constraints and the high demand for large ships. The Navy’s LWAD program contributed to about 30 percent of the Navy’s funded programs. This year the total Navy funding for ship operations is $14.5M to $15M. Of this total, approximately $9M represents the ONR portion. In ship replacement news, the University of Delaware has been in touch with ONR’s Research and Development program to seek support for fuel cell development. Delaware is considering fuel cells as a propulsion source for CAPE HENLOPEN’s replacement. NAVSEA, USCG, and ONR are looking at five ships as potential test platforms for their fuel cell technology. They will select a ship in the next four to five months.
Sujata gave an update on the construction status of AGOR 26. The ship is scheduled to be launched in October 2001. The ship is currently under construction at the American Marine Inc. Photos of the vessel are posted on the ship’s website <http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/agor26/>. February 9th was the ship’s keel laying.
Oceanographer Of the Navy – Rich Hayes reported that the Oceanographer of the Navy has been named the "Navigator of the Ocean." This has expanded the mission of the Oceanographer. The Navigator of the Navy will establish standards for navigation used by all navy units with a goal of improving safety, efficiency, and interoperability with other DOD systems, allies and the international maritime industry.
Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) – In 2001, NAVO is planning 295 ship days. The work is distributed geographically in the Gulf of Mexico, South Florida, Onslow Bay, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. Support for this work is approximately $5M. In 2002, approximately 305 ship days are planned in the same geographical locations. The viewgraphs are included in Appendix IV.
National Science Foundation (NSF) - Dolly Dieter provided the NSF report. The solicitation for the UNOLS ship inspection program has been advertised. They hope to be able resume the inspections in May. The inspections would begin with the ships that have gone without an inspection the longest. The inspection cycle will be every four years (as opposed to five years). Dolly thanked Fred Rossmann for his efforts in getting the inspection project out to bid. Sujata Millick reported that ONR has been using the Navy’s INSURV group for inspection of their AGOR vessels. They would like to explore using the NSF inspection program for the science portion of the ship’s inspection.
Linda Goad is now onboard at NSF. She is very busy getting the ship operations proposals processed for 2001. When she completes the proposals, she will turn her attention to the 2002 schedules. Linda will handle the 2002 scheduling and proposals in its entirety. Dolly will work on many of Dick West’s projects – ship inspections, equipment proposals, MOSA, etc.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – Beth White provided the NOAA report. The agency has been dealing with the transition of a new Secretary of Commerce. Budget planning has not begun. Beth introduced Paul Moen from NOAA/NOS. In ship news, NOAA recently bought a Navy torpedo vessel to use for coastal work and hydrographic surveys. This vessel may become a replacement for the FERREL. NOAA is studying their smaller vessel operations, after the sinking of one of their small vessels in the Channel Islands. They have inventoried 50 ships over 26 feet. They are taking a hard look at training and safety. They want to make sure that these vessels are operated safely. Lastly, Scott Gudes has been acting as the new Director of NOAA.
Department of State (DOS) – Tom Cocke reported that Liz Tirpak is working to develop an on-line clearance request system. They hope that some day PIs will be able to check on the status of their clearances on-line. Tom also reported that this year there are requests for work in both Cuba and Russia. They will be watching their status.
United States Coast Guard (USCG) – A written report was provided by the Coast Guard prior to the meeting. It is included as Appendix V.
Long-Range Planning for the UNOLS Fleet - Bob Knox introduced a discussion on long-range planning for the UNOLS Fleet. The Academic Fleet Review recommended that the agencies develop a long-range plan. The Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee (FOFC) working group has drafted a discussion paper. The paper, Charting the Future for the National Academic Research Fleet, <http://www.unols.org/committees/fic/renewal/fltdisc/> was released in December 2000 for community response. UNOLS distributed the draft document and solicited comments through an on-line survey. A healthy response of well over 100 surveys was received. These comments offered interesting perspectives. FIC spent much of their meeting (yesterday) examining the surveys and developing a response. The community responses were posted on the UNOLS website at, http://www.unols.org/committees/fic/renewal/fltdisc/responses.html. Mike Prince reviewed his viewgraphs that summarize the community survey responses to the FOFC paper. They are included as Appendix VI and also posted at <http://www.unols.org/committees/fic/renewal/fltdisc/surveyresults/surveyppt/>. Most responding to the survey were not satisfied with the draft plan. The major points of the summary are as follows:
They looked at major science themes. They selected a few diverse themes to examine: better observations in selected environments, interdisciplinary studies, perturbation experiments, and fixed location observations/experiments. Six science needs were identified:
Tim opened the floor to questions:
(Q) When will the new observational techniques take place? (A) It is predicted that in about five years the gliders will be in place. In ten years time AUVs will be routine. The AUV experts at the OSU meeting were strong proponents for continued ship use with perhaps increased needs. (Q) How do you build in the ability to respond to events? (A) This is a struggle dealing with the mechanisms and it comes with a cost. Excess capacity is needed. Placement of the ships is something to consider. This is a non-trivial matter.
The Neptune Project and Its Implications on Ship Support - John Delaney provided a report on the Neptune Project, see <http://www.neptune.washington.edu/>. Both non-traditional as well as traditional funding will be sought to support a program of this magnitude. If all goes as planned, the NEPTUNE network should be operational in ten years.
John began with a background on the project and its relationship to the study of outer space. The discovery of EUROPA and ice surface has excited NASA with the potential that there may be another ocean in the solar system. NASA has a probe launch planned in 2010. How does this link/relate to oceanography? NASA needs the ability to make remote observations in harsh environments. Remote observation in underwater environments such as plate tectonics can help in the technological developments required by NASA. The Juan de Fuca plate offers a convenient study area with its relatively close proximity to the U.S. John showed a figure of the proposed cable system for interactive observation. He also showed an example of what a node might look like.
The goal of the NEPTUNE project is to establish a network of underwater observatories within the depths of the northeastern Pacific Ocean. NEPTUNE proposes real-time, long-term ocean and earth studies at the scale of a tectonic plate. A feasibility study of the project has been conducted. The study was funded by National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) and the NEPTUNE Phase I partners. The proposal calls for laying out 3000 km of cable and 31 nodes on the plate. Some of the characteristics of NEPTUNE include:
John reviewed the benefits of plate scale interactive earth-ocean scale studies. Whenever new technologies have become available for research, new discoveries were made. Some of the benefits and capabilities offered by NEPTUNE will include:
The installation of NEPTUNE is estimated at approximately $200M.
FIC Fleet Renewal Activities - Larry Atkinson thanked the UNOLS Office and FIC’s efforts in seeking community response to the draft Long-Range Plan. The FIC’s role has been evolving. The committee has been working to send the message out to the community regarding the urgency to begin the Fleet renewal process. Articles have been included in EOS and in Sea Technology’s Soapbox. An MTS Journal article is planned in the next issue. FIC spent the previous day reviewing the community comments to the agency draft long-range fleet plan.
Larry reviewed the fleet utilization chart that shows total ship days used from 1990 to 2001 by year. See Appendix VIII. In general, the use is showing a trend upwards with 2001 estimating a significant increase in requested ship time. Tim Cowles’ summary of the workshop indicated that there will be exciting new science questions that need to be answered. John Delaney’s report re-emphasizes this.
The FIC reviewed the FOFC report in detail during their meeting and recorded their comments into the draft. He asked the Council meeting participants how should UNOLS and FIC proceed. In general, the committee felt that the tone of the draft is negative. Also, the paper did not identify science directions and their associated ship needs. There are two options for FIC: 1) they can provide their comments to the draft plan to the FOFC working group, or 2) the FIC to proceed with the development of their own plan.
Bob Knox asked the agency representatives if there would be another draft of the FOFC fleet paper. Can UNOLS contribute? There are some major differences between the view of the community and that of the agencies. Bob reiterated Barry Raleigh’s comment that overly conservative planning may be self-fulfilling. Mike Reeve reported that the paper will need to be submitted to NORLC and that it needs to be approved by the agency heads. It would be beneficial if the draft could include the future science directions but also include the budgetary concerns of the agency representatives. There are areas that can be compromised such as retirement/construction timelines. He reminded us that the plan would be continuously reviewed. The number of future ships must be scientifically justified. Mike Reeve and Steve Ramberg both agree that that it would be best if there was one Fleet long-range plan instead of two, one from the agencies and one from UNOLS.
A discussion followed and comments are reported below:
Quality of Service Initiative (QSI) - Mike Prince reported on the research proposal submitted by Drs. Grabowski and Roberts to study UNOLS in regard to QSI. He began with a little background. UNOLS has been wrestling with ways to implement a quality program. At the June 2000 Council meeting there was a presentation on this topic by Dr. Sam Jelinek, NSF program manager for their Innovation and Organizational Change program. She pointed out that UNOLS is a difficult organization to study in terms of quality improvement. Following the meeting, Sam introduced Mike to Drs. Grabowski and Roberts who were interested in studying UNOLS. Mike reviewed the backgrounds of Drs. Grabowski and Roberts. They have submitted a proposal titled "Collaborative Research on High Reliability Virtual Organizations" to NSF that will be peer reviewed. It is a three-year research proposal to study UNOLS. In January, the Council reviewed the proposal and agreed to serve as a collaborator. Mike briefly reviewed the proposal. Year 1 would be spent on development of a conceptual model. Year 2 would be for data analysis and benchmarking and Year 3 would be to design a quality program.
Mike noted that if the proposal is not awarded, the UNOLS Office as part of their cooperative agreement is still required to implement a quality program. If you look at UNOLS from a single operator perspective, there is a quality program in place. The post cruise assessment process provides a feedback cycle between the operator and the science user. However, there is always room for improvement. We also need to consider how compliance with ISO9000 will factor into the quality program. Mike reported that UNOLS as a whole is a quality improvement program. Every element: ship, shore, science, committees, Council and UNOLS Office is looking at ways to improve. We need to examine how to make this work better.
Statement in Favor of Future NAVO/UNOLS Work - Bob Knox read the UNOLS motion regarding NAVO ship use. The motion is included as Appendix IX. The Council vote to approve the motion in favor of future NAVO/UNOLS work.
DESCEND Follow-on Activities - Annette DeSilva reported on plans for follow-on activities for the DEveloping Submergence SCiencE into the Next Decade, (DESCEND) workshop. The entire proceedings of the DESCEND workshop have been posted on the UNOLS website along with the executive summary at <http://www.unols.org/meetings/1999/199910dcd/199910dcdmi.htm>. Additionally, the executive summary of the workshop has been published as an eight-page brochure. The full proceedings report is approximately 100 pages long and printing and postage costs would have been very high. Additionally, it was felt that a relatively small brochure would be an effective way to summarize the results and recommendations of the workshop. 4000 copies of the brochure were printed. The brochure was released days before the December DESSC meeting and was available at the Fall AGU meeting.
The workshop makes six recommendations:
As a preliminary step for a follow-on technology workshop, plans are underway to hold an evening "brainstorming" session at the Oceanology Conference in April. The conference is expected to be attended by technology experts as well as scientists. Jim Bellingham has agreed to chair the session. It will provide an opportunity to get input from both the users and designers of systems. [Note: The meeting was held on April 4, 2001. The meeting summary report is posted on the UNOLS website at: http://www.unols.org/meetings/2001/200104dcd/200104dcdmi.htm.] Planning for a full multi-day technology workshop will continue. Once a plan is developed, a proposal to support the technology workshop will be submitted.
Outreach Programs from UNOLS Vessels - Mike Prince reported on the recently created UNOLS webpage that provides a listing of outreach programs, http://www.unols.org/info/outreach.html. The webpage provides links to various outreach programs that take place on UNOLS ships. On a related topic, it was reported that there are plans to increase the number of UNOLS ships equipped SeaNet. SeaNet is a useful tool in establishing real time links between ship and shore for outreach activities. A SeaNet on-line newsletter is now available.
Permit and Permission Resources- Bob Knox opened a discussion on the role of UNOLS in obtaining permits for research aboard UNOLS vessels. The UNOLS website now includes a page listing permit and permission resources: <http://www.unols.org/committees/ssc/permits/permits.html>. Uses of acoustic equipment from ships now often require special permits. NSF has indicated that it is the responsibility of the operators and PI to obtain required permits for certain types of operations. Steve Ramberg indicated that ONR feels that the responsibility ultimately resides with the sponsoring agency. Of particular concern are acoustic operations that are restricted by the Marine Mammal Act and others. The Acts are poorly written, making it difficult for the regulators to enforce and interpret. The Navy is exploring the feasibility of obtaining some kind or kinds of "blanket" permits that would cover certain types of acoustic operations. The status of this effort is unknown. A blanket permission of some sort is desired so that individual PIs and operators will not have to apply on a case-by-case instance. To obtain permission, it must be proved that the operations will not cause harm to mammals. NOAA needs to get permits to go into their own sanctuaries. There is concern that the acoustic restrictions may some day impact XBT operations and ADCP use. Inside sanctuaries these types of operations are not permitted. Paul Moen also noted that the sanctuary requirements change from site to site. Paul Taylor also noted that each state has their individual requirements.
Mike Prince reported that the Permits web page is a series of links to information about the various Acts, but it would be beneficial if the page could also provide guidance on how to determine when a permit is required. Any suggestions on how to improve that page would be helpful. Tom Cocke stated that he couldn’t find anything on the web page that shows the Navy areas where collection of multibeam data is restricted. Paul Taylor offered to provide some information on these links.
UNOLS/NOAA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) – The draft MOU between NOAA and UNOLS has been in review at NOAA. The draft was intended to combine the OAR MOU with the NMFS MOU. The NOAA lawyers have not been able to approve the draft that they currently hold. Beth White indicated that it appears that the draft may need to be rewritten from scratch.
ALPHA HELIX Replacement Plans – Terry Whitledge provided a report on the ALPHA HELIX replacement plans. The concept design for the vessel is 80 percent complete. They are ready for an advisory meeting to obtain outside feedback. The Glosten Associates has been hired as the Naval architect. The design length is 210 feet and is being designed as a general-purpose vessel. It will be acoustically quiet and have a fishing capability. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) has joined as a partner in the design process. They hope to make this a generic design.
Terry presented the ship’s design characteristics. His viewgraphs are included as Appendix X. The maximum speed is 14 knots. The ice capability is .9m of icebreaking at 2 knots. This represents the marginal ice zone. Operational areas include year round operations south of the Bering Straight, limited Chukchi Sea operations depending on the time of year, and severely limited operations north of Alaska and Beaufort Sea. Terry presented the conceptual general arrangements and hull wire frame models. Joe Coburn added that WHOI is very pleased to be working with Alaska and Glosten on this project. They feel that they will be able to get a good general-purpose vessel design that will be able to work in the eastern high latitude.
Discussion of the design followed:
Application for UNOLS membership - The Caribbean Marine Research Center (CMRC), National Undersea Research Center http://www.cmrc.org, has applied for UNOLS Membership. Their application is attached as Appendix XII. Their membership application was reviewed and discussed. Bob Knox raised the issue of whether or not CMRC meets the membership criteria of UNOLS. As a NURP center, they fund and support research. They provide a field laboratory for students. The Council was interested in additional information about the center and the role of their 12 scientists. Mike indicated that he will obtain additional information and that we can readdress this topic tomorrow.
On a related issue, it was suggested that the UNOLS membership application form might need to be revised to request additional information. It was also suggested that the membership criteria be tightened before the membership application is revised.
Recommendations for Changes to the Nomination Process - Bob Knox reviewed the proposed changes to the UNOLS Charter (See Appendix XIII). The revision contains recommended changes to accomplish the goal of creating a rotation from Vice-Chair to Chair to Immediate Past Chair (IPC). It is hoped that the revision will enhance our ability to recruit good candidates for Vice-Chair and Chair in the future. The terms of each position would be three years. The revision is in response to the difficulty in recruiting candidates for the Chair position in the last election. In the last election, there were good candidates, but they had no experience on the Council. The other proposed revision is to clearly define the procedure for run-off elections.
General discussion followed regarding the Chair election process. There was some concern that the terms for each position (V-Chair, Chair, IPC) were too long and that perhaps the terms should each be two years long. It was suggested that the role of the Past Chair be clearly defined. It was suggested that the Past Chair is a good position for assigning special projects. The issue of impeachment procedures was also raised. Brad Mooney recommended that we look at the charter of the National Academy of Engineers. They added impeachment procedures to their charter. The discussion was tabled and will be readdressed during tomorrow’s session.
A motion was made and seconded to accept the method of run-off
voting as drafted in the revised charter. The Council voted in favor of
the motion. The proposed revision will go before the membership at the
Annual Meeting.
Appointments to the Nominating Committee - The first terms of Tom Lee and Charlie Flagg are expiring in 2001. Bob will appoint a committee for this year’s nominating process.
Council Member Nominations - Dennis Hansell has moved from Bermuda Biological Research Station to the University of Miami. The UNOLS Charter states that there can only be one elected Council member per institution. Tom Lee of the University of Miami currently holds a seat on the Council. Tom has agreed to step down, allowing Dennis to remain on the Council. A motion was made and seconded to leave Tom Lee’s Council position open until the Annual Meeting in September at which time the membership will vote on a replacement. The Council voted in favor of the motion.
Before closing the meeting for the day, Tom Lee made a final remark regarding the draft long-range plan. He recommended that the long-range plan address all UNOLS vessels including the smaller UNOLS ships. They play an important role in local and coastal research.
Day One - Adjourn
Friday, February 23, 2001 - Map Room
Appointments to the Executive Committee - Bob Knox appointed Wilf Gardner to the UNOLS Executive Committee. He replaces Paul Ljunggren, past RVOC Chair. Wilf has agreed to serve.
Nominating committee – Bob nominated the following individuals to serve on the 2001 Nominating Committee: Denis Wiesenburg, Chair; Dennis Hansell, and Curt Collins.
CMRC Membership Application (revisited) - Mike Prince provided additional information on CMRC. They have a total staff of nine in their Florida center, five Bahamian laborers, and additional staff in the Caribbean. The center funds and reviews research. They maintain a field station. The Council still felt that additional information was needed to review the CMRC application. It was suggested that specific questions be asked:
Long-Range Fleet Planning – The long-range fleet planning discussion from Day One was revisited. John Delaney suggested that in the next nine months, UNOLS convene a group to address what is needed in terms of facilities. The group should address future science plans and the facilities needed to carry out these plans. There is a need for intellectual planning. There are many factors to consider; such as, new technologies, support for observatories, moorings, etc. There will always be a tension between the dreamers and the practical people. This opened the group to a lively discussion. The following text reflects the questions, comments and suggestions made:
Charter Revision – The discussion on the Charter revision regarding Chair elections was revisited. A motion was made and seconded to change the term-lengths of the Vice-Chair, Chair and IPC positions from three years each to two years each. The motion passed. There was a brief discussion on the addition of an impeachment clause. All agreed that it doesn’t seem to be needed. Instead, a statement will be added indicating that the Council will review and re-affirm the position of the Vice-Chair and Chair. It was also recommended that the "Vice-Chair" be retitled as the "Chair-Elect." Mike Prince will recirculate a final draft with the recommended revisions. The proposed changes will be sent to the membership for endorsement at the September Annual Meeting.
Discussion on any Ship Scheduling Issues – Bob Knox reported on the efforts to produce a letter explaining the problems associated with the ship scheduling process in 2001. There will be a long version of the letter and a short version for distribution. The letter has gone through a number of iterations. The agencies are not able to sign on to the letter as a result of legal issues. The latest revision of the letter is almost ready. The short version will be published in the UNOLS newsletter. It explains the difficulties trying to accommodate things like the LWAD program, ROV logistical constraints, and weather windows.
Clearance Issues - Bob Knox reported that there are no major clearance issues. Problems with operations in the Sea of Japan have been resolved. KNORR operations are going well at the entrance of the Red Sea. They are working around heavy shipping lines. Piracy concerns are also an issue, but the operations are going well.
Winch and Wire Update - Mike Prince reported on follow-on activities from the Winch and Wire symposium. Jack Bash has been working on the update to the Winch and Wire handbook (yellow book) and hopes to have it ready by late spring. There have been some roadblocks in getting the electronic version of the original manual. Jack is still trying to get updates to some of the chapters from the authors.
The wire subcommittee looking at safe working loads is making some progress. They have been in touch with NERC. NERC has provided them with information on the safe working loads that they are using, as well as a copy of their request to Lloyds of London regarding safe working loads. This information will feed into the efforts of Jon Alberts to develop a next generation cable. Jon will need other information such as the types of equipment that will be put over the ship’s side. Can this equipment be supported by the UNOLS .322 wire? Is a different type of wire needed and preferred? Representatives from the wire industry will need to be consulted. Ultimately, the wire information and safe working loads will need to be put into the cruise planning manuals.
Seismic Acquisition Issues and UNOLS Fleet Capabilities - The US academic MCS community has recommended that the EWING's MCS capability be enhanced in several ways. Information on the recommendations can be found at: <http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu /Ewing/3dmcs/3dmcs.html> (see Appendix XIV). There was nothing further to report at this time.
New Ship Construction – Written reports for ship upgrades, construction projects, and mid-life refit plans were submitted for THOMPSON, URI and OSU, AGOR 26, PELICAN, CAPE HENLOPEN, and EWING. These reports are included as Appendix XV. Additionally, some ship reports were provided during the meeting:
Review Action Items – The UNOLS Office will circulate any actions
to the appropriate people. Mike asked that if anyone has suggestions for
the summer agenda to please contact the UNOLS Office. We will circulate
the meeting dates by e-mail.