Meeting Minutes
DEep Submergence Science
Committee
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Carriage House
Woods Hole, MA
May 30-31, 2007
A pdf version of these minutes can be
downloaded by clicking: <200705desmi.pdf>.
Executive Summary:
The Deep Submergence Science Committee (DESSC) met on May 30-31, 2007 at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). The meeting included agency reports from NSF, Navy, and NOAA. Representatives of the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) provided reports on:
· Vehicle operation summaries
· NDSF data and archives
· Ship maintenance updates and vehicle improvements
· Navigation and imaging upgrades
· Deep submergence scheduling in 2008 and beyond
Summaries
of the NDSF user debrief interviews were reported. WHOI summarized proposed corrective actions
to the issues raised by the users.
The meeting included status
reports on new vehicle design efforts at WHOI.
The design and construction of the replacement Human Occupied Vehicle
(HOV) is moving forward and if all goes on schedule the sub would be ready for
service in 2010. Meeting participants toured the WHOI deep submergence facilities
including the development labs for AUV Sentry, the replacement HOV, and
the hybrid ROV, Nereus.
Action Items:
Tasks from the May 2007 Meeting:
1. NOAA Request for DESSC Input – DESSC will contact Barbara Moore and request a written task statement that will explain the NOAA’s request for community feedback regarding future deep submergence facility and technology needs.
2. New Control Van – Bill Chadwick will work with Chris German to develop a community survey on the design for a new ROV control van. DESSC recommends that WHOI create a full-scale mock-up van that will allow DESSC members to walk through and experience design options. WHOI is also requested to provide on-line schematic drawings of van lay-out options that could accompany the survey.
3. DESSC Biology Meeting – Deb Kelley, Craig Young, and Chris German will contact Phil Taylor (NSF) to discuss options for future DESSC/Biology meeting venues.
4. Pilot Retention and Career Advancement – DESSC recommends that WHOI prepare a document that addresses the institution’s strategies for pilot retention as well as the procedures for implementing exit interviews for those pilots who resign. DESSC recommends that WHOI management promote learning opportunities and career advancement opportunities for pilots.
5. DESSC Membership – Solicit nominations for a microbiologist to fill one DESSC member position. (Annette/DESSC)
6. Data Management – DESSC recommends that WHOI fill their NDSF data manager position as soon as possible.
7. Mode of Operation for Jason Watches – DESSC recommends that WHOI explore options for staggering the start and end times for Jason watches with the goal of achieving better continuity of the watches through a dive cycle.
8. OOI/DESSC Liaison – Deb Kelley will contact Holly Givens in the OOI office to establish a liaison process between OOI and DESSC.
9. Camera System – DESSC endorses WHOI’s Hybrid Imager/Sensor approach (see details on page 16 of these minutes).
Continuing Tasks:
10. NDSF Vehicle
Debrief Interviews – In order to better track the status of vehicle and system
performance, DESSC will conduct debrief interviews of PIs who use Jason,
a. Jason
– Bill Chadwick
b.
c. ABE/Sentry – Hedy Edmonds
11. Science Outfitting Survey for the Replacement HOV – A community on-line survey has been drafted. Annette will incorporate any changes. The survey will be available to the community in the fall. A summary of responses will be provided at the fall DESSC meeting.
12. Science Training Opportunities for Pilots – DESSC will formulate suggestions on workshop/training science sessions for pilots. The session(s) should demonstrate how the data from the vehicles are used for different research disciplines. DESSC will prepare an outline for different disciplines (e.g., geology, biology, chemistry) to indicate what elements of these programs would be beneficial to the pilots.
13. R2K Lectureship program – DESSC recommends that the R2K Lectureship program include an Alvin or ROV pilot as a distinguished lecturer. (Kelley)
Appendices
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I |
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II |
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III |
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IV |
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V |
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VI |
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VII |
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VIII |
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IX |
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X |
Update of the Alvin FrameGrabber & Jason Virtual Van (1.3 MB) |
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XI |
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XII |
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XIII |
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XIV |
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XV |
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XVI |
NDSF Navigation Update (1.2 MB) |
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XVII |
NDSF Imaging Update (1.2 MB) |
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XVIII |
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XIX |
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XX |
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XXI |
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XXII |
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XXIII |
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XXIV |
AUV Sentry Update (3.8 MB) |
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XXV |
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XXVI |
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XXVII |
Transition of DSL-120 out of NDSF (1.1 MB) |
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XXVIII |
Alvin Video Mosaicking (2.6 MB) |
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XXIX |
Benchmarks at the Ridge 2000 EPR ISS (3.1 MB) |
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XXX |
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XXXI |
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XXXII |
Meeting Summary:
Introductory Remarks, Meeting
Logistics, and Introductions - Deborah Kelley, Deep Submergence Science
Committee (DESSC) Chair, called the meeting to order at 0830 on Wednesday, May
30, 2007. The meeting was held at Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Carriage House. The agenda for the meeting is included as Appendix
I. The items of the agenda are
reported in the order addressed. Meeting
participants introduced themselves. The
list of attendees is included as Appendix II.
Accept minutes –The minutes of the November 2006 DESSC Meeting were accepted.
Agency and UNOLS Reports:
National Science Foundation (NSF) - Dolly Dieter provided the report for NSF and provided information about the NSF budget and personnel changes. In mid May, NSF received their FY2007 budget. The Ocean Sciences budget had a 0.7% increase for facilities.
Margaret Leinen, Assistant Director for Geosciences, left NSF in January 2007. Subsequently, there have been 32 applicants for that position. NSF is forming a short list for interviews. Larry Clark, Ocean Section Head, retired in May 2007. His position will be advertised. Currently, Eric Itsweire is the Acting Section Head. Dolly is the Acting Section Head for the Integrative Programs. NSF has interviewed four people for this position.
National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Barbara Moore provided the report for NOAA. Her report covered three major topics:
1)
There have been three organizations within NOAA (NURP, Ocean Exploration, and
PMEL) that have used NDSF. Their budget
was low in 2006 and 2007, and the budget for 2008 is not likely to improve. Any budget increase would likely be
redirected into new facilities (i.e., R/V Okeanos Explorer). In FY07, three NOAA programs are scheduled to
use NDSF vehicles, i.e., Jason in the
2) Major
changes are planned for the support of NOAA's undersea programs. The Ocean Exploration and the National
Undersea Research Program (NURP) will be consolidated and called the Ocean
Exploration and Research (OER) program.
The east coast regional NURP centers will restructure into a research
institute(s) under this new organization.
The new OER will focus on exploration and technology research. The west coast NURP centers will continue to
operate as usual.
3) Lastly, Barbara requested DESSC to seek advice from the scientific community at-large on the appropriate role of the NOAA centers and OER. NOAA has made a similar request to the Interagency Working Group on Facilities (IWGF). Barbara indicated that she is seeking input on priorities in terms of facilities; similar to what was provided by the UNOLS DESCEND workshops in the past. The committee should consider what facilities are needed and what is currently provided by the NDSF.
Discussion:
·
Deb
Kelley – What is the timing for the recommendation from DESSC/community? Barbara – Six months to a year.
·
Deb –
Are you requesting for a workshop?
Barbara – Yes, a workshop funded through UNOLS.
Office
of Naval Research (ONR) – Bob Houtman
reported on personnel changes at ONR.
Mel Briscoe retired and D. Vincent is Acting in his place. Dr Bob Gilco is moving from the Marine
Life Sciences program to the Marine Mammal
Commission. Jim Eckman is now Acting as
program officer.
The ONR
facilities budget in FY07 is about level the FY06 allocation. The FY08 budget is expected to be level. ONR
shifted to a new accounting system in FY07 and as a result, processing grants
has been slower than usual.
Bob
reported that the Navy has been involved in the
In ship
renewal efforts, ONR is moving forward with efforts to acquire two new Ocean
Class ships. Construction for the first
ship could begin in FY2011, with the second ship construction to follow in
FY2012. ONR is using research funds to
begin the ship design effort. Ship
Construction Navy (SCN) funding will be used for construction of the
ships. In order, to get approval for the
funding, ONR will go through a milestone process that requires justification
for the new ships at various phases. The
first milestone is planned for October 2007.
UNOLS Report – Vernon Asper, UNOLS Vice-Chair, provided the report for UNOLS. His slides are contained in Appendix III. He discussed the following topics:
·
2007 Fleet Operations and 2008 Projections
·
2008 Non-operational periods in the UNOLS
Fleet.
·
Best Practices for the Collection of Data
and Metadata at Sea to Promote Public Dissemination
·
UNOLS Committee Activities
2008
Fleet Projections – The UNOLS ship schedulers are working to create draft
schedules for 2008. The plan is to form
a subcommittee that will seek input from UNOLS ship operators, the Council, and
any other interested parties regarding recommendations for the 2008 Fleet
operations.
Data
Best Practices - UNOLS will form a subcommittee to report on best practices for
the collection of data and metadata at sea to promote public dissemination. UNOLS announced a call for volunteers to
serve on the subcommittee and many people responded. The subcommittee will be asked to provide the
UNOLS Council with a brief White Paper on data management best practices within
one year’s time.
UNOLS Committee activities were reported and details can be
found in Vernon
Vernon
Lastly, Vernon
National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) Operator’s Report – Bob Detrick opened the NDSF Operator’s report and Andy Bowen presented developments with the NDSF. Andy is the new Director of DSG/NDSF.
Introduce new structure and staff – Appendix IV contains the new NDSF organization chart. Barrie Walden has retired. The reorganization details under the DSG/NDSF Director are as follows:
·
· ROV Operations manager – Matt Heintz
· AUV Operations manager – Dana Yoerger (transitioning to Rod Catanach)
· Deep Submergence Engineering Manager – C. Taylor
· NDSF Data manager - TBD
WHOI hopes that the new administrative structure will make operations more efficient.
The at-sea organization hasn’t changed much. Bruce Strickrott will serve as a relief Expedition Leader.
In other activities, the NDSF web pages are currently under revision.
Discussion followed:
· Jennifer Reynolds – In regard to the desire to reduce the amount of time for pilot training, is the plan to conduct some of the training at WHOI? Bob Brown – Yes. They will not reduce the amount of training dives conducted during science cruises.
· Jeff Karson – What is the optimal number of pilots? Bob Brown – That will depend on rotations, retention plans, time at sea, etc. There are a lot of variables. He cannot guess the optimal number.
· Catalina Martinez – Can simulators be used for training? Bob Brown – WHOI is looking into this.
· Jeff Karson – What sort of things are being looked into for retention? Bob Brown – Pay scales, time at sea, time and rotations. They would like to have more pilots qualified as Expedition Leader.
· Marsh Youngbluth – What is the Pilot turn over rate? Bob Brown – About seven years.
· Marsh – Why haven’t they trained more pilots for the Expedition Leader role? Bob Brown – It was the WHOI policy to have just two. They are now changing that.
· Marsh – At Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI) they do a lot of cross training so that more people can fill various positions (in the event of sicknesses and other absences). Does NDSF have people available for cross training? Pat Hickey – Yes.
· Deb Kelley – Pilot retention has been an on-going problem. What tracking method will WHOI use to assess pilot retention? Bob Brown – Pat Hickey will keep track of the pilots in training. Deb – Will there be exit interviews for pilots leaving the program? Bob Brown – They did one.
· Bob – WHOI’s goal is to improve pilot retention so that NDSF can provide a better service to the community.
· Matt Heintz - In the Jason group they face similar problems with retention. The problem is largely due to budget constraints.
· Deb Kelley – Will it be standard practice to do exit interviews? Bob Brown – Yes.
· Bob Brown – In the past, once a person became a pilot, there were no steps for future advancement – WHOI would like to provide the pilots with a next step for advancement.
· Bob Houtman – What is the optimum number of pilots? Bob Brown – NDSF would like to have a team of 11 pilots.
· Pat Hickey - Many of the people that are hired as pilots never make it through the training program to the pilot stage. It turns out that it isn’t what they expected. Quite a bit of attrition is due to the fact that they often hire engineers as pilots, and once the pilots are at sea, they don’t do much engineering work. The engineers want to practice engineering that they were educated in. WHOI would like to be able to increase the pilot team size so that when the pilots are on shore they can be involved with engineering projects.
· Two months ago, NDSF posted a job advertisement. They received a good response from mechanical engineers, but not good from electrical engineers.
· Marsh Youngbluth – Is salary level a problem when hiring? Bob Brown – Yes. Matt Heintz added that this factor is also a problem with Jason pilots. New hires can get more money from industry.
· Chris German – As part of the NDSF restructuring of the facility, WHOI will be vigilant about pilot retention issues.
NDSF Vehicle Operations Summary - Rick Chandler provided a summary of NDSF vehicle operations (Appendix VI).
Regular
Jason – Jason operations included work off
NDSF Support Ships:
Atlantis - Al Suchy reported on
Projects underway during the May/June
2007 ship maintenance period include:
· Dynamic positioning system replacement
· Switchboard overhauls
· Engine control and safety shutdown wiring replacement
· Engine overhauls (#2 and #4)
· #1 generator exciter installation
· Wet Lab deck replacement
· Winch monitoring system replacement
· Crane monitoring system replacement
· Work and rescue boat replacement
The
switchboard overhauls included a new voltage regulator installation. The installation wasn’t planned for this
overhaul, but during Emily Klein’s cruise a failure was experienced, so it was
decided to include the new regulator installation in the shipyard period. To accomplish the installation more time than
originally planned will be needed for the ship maintenance period.
The
#2 and #4 engine overhauls were needed because of a catastrophic failure. WHOI is trying to determine the cause(s). The #1 generator exciter also experienced a
catastrophic failure and they think this breakdown was linked to the engine
failure.
Other
Support Ships - Andy Bowen reported
on the other ships that have been used to support NDSF operations (Appendix
VIII).
In October/November 2006, ROV Jason
was deployed from Melville off
Next,
Jason dove off of
Question
– Was the height from the deck to the water an issue during Jason operations
from Kilo Moana? Matt Heintz –
Not really, the increased distance from the water was about 7.5 ft more than on
other ships. Andy added that the unique
features of the SWATH vessel (Kilo
Moana) must be considered when operating Jason, but there are no
limitations. Working from a SWATH vessel
might open weather windows for Jason operations. However, during their test cruise, they
didn’t experience any major seas or weather.
In January 2007, Jason was
operated off the RV Merian, a new Class 3 ice-strengthened German
vessel. These deployments represented the
first use of the Jason system on a European research vessel. A 60Hz dedicated generator was required and
this gear posed some challenges. The SIO
winch and cable was used. The ship’s
crane was utilized for ROV launch/retrieval.
Dynamic positioning, navigation, and elevator operations were
satisfactory.
NDSF
Data Management:
Status of Data Management Position - Andy Bowen reported that there is a position open in the NDSF for a data manager. Andy’s slides are in Appendix IX. With Vicki Ferrini’s departure, WHOI is looking for a replacement; however, funding will only allow half-time support. NDSF will seek additional support for data management through WHOI’s Shipboard Scientific Services Group (SSSG). NDSF/SSSG posted a job opening in April and this opportunity remains active. Several well-qualified applicants (both internal and external) are presently being interviewed. They hope to have the position filled by August.
Vicki Ferrini left WHOI for Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) in the fall 2006, but remains a key player with NDSF and is under sub-contract for 2007. Vicki’s ongoing involvement will provide continuity and direction for future data activities.
Update of the Alvin FrameGrabber & Jason Virtual Van - Chris German provided a brief overview of the systems, the current status, recent updates, and future plans (Appendix X).
The virtual van was developed and built by Steven Lerner, Andrew Maffei, and Danielle Fino in September 2000 (Keck Foundation funded). The goal of the system is to snapshot all the information happening in the control van in real-time and provide easy web browser access to the integrated information on ship and on shore (for post-cruise work). The system consists of an acquisition system, video capture system, 4dGeoBrowser server, web-based user-interface, and web-based event logger. This system runs on Linux. The user interface can capture video displays, navigation, vehicle telemetry, science instruments, and user events.
The FrameGrabber was developed by Steven Lerner, Barrie Walden, and Dan Fornari. The Windows’ production system was built and installed in April 2003 (NDSF funded). The goal of the FrameGrabber is to snapshot all the information in the submarine in real-time and give easy web browser access to the integrated information on ship for pre- and post-dive synopsis and for onshore post-cruise work. The system consists of an acquisition system, video capture system, web-based user-interface and the capability to process historical cruises. User features of the FrameGrabber include: a scrolling/clickable map, image highlight/annotation, interactive time-bar, summary icons (proof-sheets, time-series plots), and VCR-style navigation buttons.
The Jason virtual van has been operational since September 2000 and has been used on 33 cruises. 2,369,738 images have been collected. The Alvin FrameGrabber has been operational since April 2003 on 51 cruises (518 dives). 647,486 images have been collected.
The renav capability for the Jason
virtual van is operational. There are
four Jason cruises (39 lowerings) of renavigated data in the
database. The Alvin FrameGrabber
renav capability is in the test phase.
Ten
The fundamental difference between the virtual van and the FrameGrabber is that the virtual van data are available on the internet (password protected) for up to two years. On the Alvin FrameGrabber, the data have to be uploaded after each cruise. The Jason data are available on the internet, but are not available by CD. WHOI is considering the best way to move forward with this technology.
Update
on the new NDSF event logger - Vicki
Ferrini provided an update on the NDSF event logger (Appendix XI).
The new event logger was funded through
MGDS. The goals are to improve the ease
with which digital metadata are captured and to improve the functionality of
NDSF event loggers. The system has been
compatibility beta-tested. Events and
configuration files are emailed to LDEO after each dive. The metadata are extracted on shore and
transmitted back to the ship. Future plans for the new NDSF event logger
include continued beta-testing during the upcoming Fisher cruise. They anticipate a modified interface for Jason
operations this year and will explore options for an
Vicki reported on the Alvin Alvin
NDSF navigation and sonar software tools were discussed. At-sea processing during the Atlantis
cruise (T15-17) was successful. At-sea
renav data was ingestion into the virtual van and high resolution SM2K maps
were generated. NDSF dive renav data is
currently available through MGDS and includes 136 Alvin
Vicki discussed at-sea Quality Control (QC). For Jason data, there is navigation QC
via trained Jason data processors.
Additional QC script development and DVD write error checking is planned
during the summer 2007. For Alvin , the potential for SSSG to implement
comparable QC functionality for Alvin
Discussion:
· Marsh Youngbluth – Can other parameters be displayed (Vicki had showed temperature)? Vicki – basically anything that is logged can be displayed.
· Marsh – Can voice recognition be added? Vicki – A user can type things in. They have looked into voice recognition, but with accents, etc. it is too challenging.
· Marsh – Can live video be added? Vicki – It is doable, but would be a big undertaking. They are looking into this option.
· Catalina – Is this QC planned for all cruises? Vicki –RIDGE would like to do this QC for all cruises.
· Bill Chadwick – Does the long-range Doppler work? Andy – they just went through a $12k overhaul and it should work. Dana – the Doppler 300 had a hardware problem, but is now working.
Archiving Status – Chris
German reported that there have been numerous requests for visual NDSF
materials for publications and exhibits (Appendix XII). Journalists visiting WHOI and NDSF vehicles during
the past year included representatives from the WHOI & MIT Journalism
Fellowship, USA Today, Boston Globe, Monterey Times, Science Daily, and The
Times of India.
Income for 2006-07 is $24,338. The support needed for managing and distribution of the archive material is approximately 25-30 hours per week.
Upgrades to
National Deep Submergence Facility
Overview of Vehicle Upgrades being undertaken in 2007:
Near term (June 2007)
· Install Adept / Lotus Notes
·
Provide Network Time Protocol
(NTP) to
·
Provide timing signals to
·
Allow for synchronized LBL
navigation with Atlantis
· Install Frangibolt release devices
·
Install
RTD temperature instrument designed by Lane
Abrahms
· Test LED lighting - 3,000 to 4,000 lumens as compared to 2800 lumens
Test new LBL data acquisition system /
· trigger system
·
Install Precision time standard –
The Precision time standard provides timing signals to
Upgrades planned later in 2007 include:
·
Install
PHINS (inertial navigation) - They have one on hand, but PHINS has too many
serial ports for use on
·
Test
rate-controlled hydraulic control system for starboard manipulator
·
Test
digital still camera controller – WHOI is working with Jim Varnum for
development of a digital still camera.
Jason - Matt Heintz reported on Jason upgrades (Appendix XIV).
Upgrades include:
· Imaging and lighting upgrades - On the upcoming Chuck Fisher cruise; the data will be sent ashore for second level processing. NDSF hopes that the need to send data ashore will be reduced in the future.
·
Sonar and data upgrades
·
New LBL navigation, USBL tests
· Address payload issues that include effer crane modifications and identifying places for incremental gains in payload via redesign – Over time the air weight of the vehicle has increased as instruments have been added. Adding flotation to the vehicle would help with buoyancy, but then the crane will not be able to lift the vehicle because of the extra foam weight. This payload issue has been a difficult problem. Five vans are now required for shipping the vehicle and associated equipment.
·
Motor controller pod modifications to
address corrosion issues
·
Manipulator upgrade and/or spares
·
Development of a preventative maintenance
program due to lack of overhaul time
·
Organizational procedures for documenting
failures and repairs, and better spares management
·
Longer tethers to increase transit and
operational speed
·
The Jason control vans must be replaced at the end
of the 2007 season due to age. WHOI
would like input from DESSC on the redesign.
Input is needed soon. WHOI would
like to have the funds in hand by end of the year.
Prioritization of key items identified in Bill Chadwick’s 2006 letter on Jason operations - Chris German provided the report (Appendix XV).
Bill Chadwick’s letter addressed nine key issues regarding Jason operations:
1) Long Baseline Navigation
2) Video Imaging
3) Digital Still Imaging
4) Audio Recording
5) Suction Sampling
6) Virtual Van/Event Logging
7) Payload
8) Medea Maneuverability
9) Control Van Layout/Ergonomics
The first three items were the highest priority and the status is reported later in the minutes. Items 4 and 5 have been addressed and are running well. Vicki reported on item 6, the event logging. Matt reported on the payload issues (item 7) and what is being considered. As for item 8, Medea maneuverability, the thrusters on Medea haven’t worked well, so a longer tether between Jason and Medea will be tried.
Item 9, the Jason control van layout/ergonomics is the area that WHOI has requested DESSC’s input. WHOI plans to transfer to the new Jason control vans in the Winter 2007/208. Updating equipment is preferred over cross-decking from the old van. Chris recommended that a van questionnaire be circulated via the UNOLS/DESSC mailing list. Chris could work with Bill Chadwick to draft the questionnaire. Jennifer suggested sending a direct email message to the past Jason users. Marsh Youngbluth suggested that figures/schematics of proposed van lay-outs be developed and accompany the questionnaire. Matt Heintz indicated that feedback is needed over the next few months.
NDSF
Navigation Update - Chris Taylor provided
the navigation update (Appendix XVI).
The
plan for upgrading navigation included replacement of the acoustic signal
processor and replacement of the software.
Since the November DESSC meeting, the prototype ship box has been
built. Its test on Melville;
however, was unsuccessful due to hardware problems. Tests were then carried out on Kilo Moana and
were successful. Two transponders
surveyed in deep (5km) water.
The
PRV box has been developed and includes two DR boards in a single rack mount
chassis. One board (Medea)
triggers the other, as well as a subsea trigger. The Benthos 455 emulation software has been
developed.
Next the ship box was tested on Atlantis/ROV. It was the same box that was successful in
the Kilo Moana test surveying transponders. In port, the ship box and DSL Benthos 455
worked. At sea, the box and Benthos were
unsuccessful at obtaining travel times using Atlantis Straza ducers with
either the ship box or DSL Benthos 455.
The cause of failures was not determined but believed to be electrical
noise related to the use of the transducer junction box in the computer room
aboard Atlantis. The same
ship box, when returned to Woods Hole and used with a spare Straza transducer,
worked fine. Additional testing had
mixed results. Troubleshooting in Woods
Hole then revealed an intermittent failure in a Jason board. The board was replaced and the system continues
to operate satisfactorily.
Future plans call for both boxes to be sent
to R/V Ron Brown for more testing.
NDSF is also building a new ship box to take to Atlantis for Alvin
Lastly, Chris reported on implementation plans. The
Benthos 455 will be replaced as soon as feasible/practical in 2007 (ROV and Atlantis). The DR boards are compatible with
NDSF-wide imaging update - Bill Lange gave a review of NDSF imaging and a preview of possible future directions (Appendix XVII). He started by describing the NDSF Underwater Imaging Program. The Advanced Imaging and Visualization Laboratory at WHOI has developed imaging systems for scientific and filmmaking projects; specializing in high resolution imaging for underwater, aerial, 3D, and spacecraft/monitoring applications. Since 1995 the lab has been working with HDTV ITU 709 format imaging. Deep submergence underwater imaging is very complex and differs greatly from other imaging environments. Deep submergence imaging platforms can be broken down into two main categories: AUVs and HOV-ROVs.
AUV imaging platforms use fixed lighting with still image-based data collection. HOV-ROV imaging platforms have lighting systems that are variable: intensity, position, number, color temperature, and beam patterns. The cameras can move independent of lights; lights can move independent of the cameras. Cameras typically have variable focal length lenses.
There are three main categories of underwater imagers: motion cameras, still cameras, and hybrid cameras.
Bill presented the current state
of high resolution motion imaging sensors on Alvin and Jason and
the overall camera complement on Alvin and Jason.
The 3CCD Cameras on Alvin and Jason are complicated and are designed to be used by operators who have experience with camera operations. Basic video guides and fundamental training should be provided to improve the skill levels of both NDSF operators and scientific users. Some controls should be disabled to discourage untrained tweaking of the control options.
One display in the Jason
control van was converted to Y/C in 2007.
This conversion was done to improve the quality of monitoring for the
camera operators and the scientific users.
The Jason van has video test equipment. When used with the Y/C monitor, with the
control knobs defeated, the video test equipment should provide proper
indication to the user of the true recorded signal.
Both Jason and
Bill made the recommendation that NDSF develop and distribute lighting configuration information to DESSC, Chief Scientists and operations personnel and through the web user manual. Included in this information will be impacts on time, payload and dive time/power. Both vehicles have lighting “booms”, which can greatly improve survey style imaging. Users need to be made aware of these options.
Bill discussed lighting geometries. Greater light to camera separation reduces back-scatter and improves the illumination field for underwater imaging. Geometries on Alvin and Jason are optimized for vehicle operations, not for imaging applications. Scientific users can find themselves attempting to conduct imaging operations in areas around the vehicle where insufficient lighting is available. Bill’s lighting recommendations are that for the short term, better communication and exchange between operations groups and the scientific users, perhaps through meetings at WHOI with an imaging specialist involved at the pre-cruise planning stage, may contribute to improved and more efficient use of the vehicles and ship-personnel time at sea.
Current NDSF digital still cameras are mostly modified, re-packaged consumer grade still cameras. Common factors limiting image quality are complicated user menus. Short-term recommendations for obtaining better digital still images include:
Conduct image/data collection logistics meetings with operators and develop camera simulators for pre-dive training
·
design lighting and user
configuration guides for Alvin and Jason.
Long-term recommendations for digital still imaging include incorporation of hybrid, still-motion imagers and using HDTV and hyper definition imaging systems. Hybrid sensors can acquire motion and still images of sufficient quality suitable for scientific exploitation, publication and documentary/ broadcast distribution.
There are currently more than 38 HDTV standards and formats. There are more than seven consumer and HDV standards and formats; in other word, there are many choices.
Bill explained that HDV is not HDTV. HDV data rate is equal to DVCam. HDTV systems use intra-frame compression at low loss levels. NDSF supports ITU-709 HDTV format, and has successfully deployed HDTV camera systems on deep submergence vehicles for over a decade. They currently have two HDTV camera systems that are Alvin-friendly (arm mountable), and numerous other HDTV and hyper definition camera systems for use by the scientific and documentary community, including macro and 3D cameras.
The Lab has a number of hyper definition motion and still cameras currently under development and testing.
Bill presented the hybrid imager concept. The hybrid sensor approach has many benefits:
· Allows for high quality stills to be acquired simultaneously with high quality video
· Improves the resolution of the existing video cameras
· Does not require an immediate change to the motion recording infrastructure
· Allows for wide dynamic still images to be collected and processed post collection
· Provides an upgrade path to HDV or HDTV systems while minimizing the effects of the compression schemes
· Alvin and Jason could be converted without immediately changing the motion video infrastructure on both platforms
· A majority of this work has already been developed at the Advanced Imaging and Visualization Lab for Navy programs.
In the next 1-2 years, optical technology may offer NDSF a cost effective manner to record HDTV signals at costs more in line with DVCam rates. Currently, NDSF is limited to $60/hr or greater tape costs for recording HDTV video. In the next few years the optical HDTV rates are expected to decrease to about $25/hr.
NDSF Vehicle
Debrief Interviews:
Update on new procedures implemented in 2007 - Chris German reported on the new procedure in 2007 for conducting NDSF user debriefs (Appendix XVIII).
In November 2006 DESSC agreed
that DESSC should conduct debrief interviews with the NDSF Chief
Scientists. Standardized questions would
be used for objectivity between the vehicles. The interviews would include the DESSC ‘best
friends’, the NDSF Chief Scientist (Chris) and the Chief Scientist for the
cruise.
The
debrief topics include:
1. Pre-cruise planning
2.
Mobilization
3.
Operations
- Vehicle
4.
Operations
- NDSF provided equipment
5.
Operations
- User provided equipment
6. NDSF Personnel - Expedition Leader
7.
NDSF
Personnel - Team as a whole
8.
Data
hand-over
9.
Demobilization
10. Recommendations
Four
debrief interviews have been performed.
After each interview, Chris has prepared a written summary report that
he shares with either Bill Chadwick (for Jason) or Mike Tryon (for
The
issue of confidentiality of the PI’s comments was discussed. Confidentiality is a sensitive issue and a
policy is needed.
Summary of debrief interviews conducted to date:
Jason – Bill
Chadwick provided a summary of the Jason debrief interviews (Appendix
XIX). User de-brief
interviews were conducted for four cruises between July 2006 and April
2007. Bill summarized the user comments
according to the following systems/topics:
1) Navigation (LBL)
2) Video Imaging
3) Digital Still Imaging
4) Audio Recording
5) Suction Sampling
6) Virtual Van/Event Logging
7) Payload
8) Medea Maneuverability
9) Control Van Layout/Ergonomics
10) Overall / other issues
NDSF Response to Jason Debrief
Interviews - Matt Heintz reviewed the proposed corrective actions in
response to the Jason debrief interviews (Appendix XX).
Proposed actions include:
· 600W strobes lights have been rented for testing improved lighting (some users commented on darkness issues). All lights and cameras were sent out for repair during the recent maintenance period.
· NDSF is evaluating grip versus speed tradeoffs for the manipulator arms.
· The virtual van will be left up and running during transits until the end of the cruise (this practice is in response to a comment that the system was shut down before arriving in port).
· NDSF will also look into SM2K processing improvements.
· Tradeoffs for Medea are being evaluated. The system is slow because of the tether between Jason and Medea. A longer tether will allow Jason more time to sample on the bottom. The control system for the Schilling manipulator arm allows good grip. There is another manipulator available that will work with a long tether and allow quicker transit speeds.
Deb Kelley asked what will be the
upgrade priorities for the future. Matt
replied that the cameras are in good shape with no major reliability
issues. There are plenty of spares. The LED lights use less power (useful for Alvin
and the HROV). There was discussion on the HDTV system. If funds are available, the HDTV system will
be tested on Bill Chadwick’s summer cruise.
Each manipulator arm is different. The Schilling and Kraft arms make a nice
complement. Pat Hickey commented that the Schilling T4 has a better range of
motion and now has a longer reach. There
were grounding problems with
LUNCH BREAK
·
Slurp gun - Particular success
with the implementation of a slurp gun using it for catching fish (not a normal
requirement) using spare
· Mobilization - More disruption in shipping gear (to/from container port) than usual.
Operations - NDSF provided equipment:
-
CTD on
- Magnetometer, slurp, Imagenex (incl. timing) all worked well.
- DSC image quality not as good without lighting booms from Multidisciplinary Instrumentation in Support of Oceanography (MISO) facility.
- Software problems in the sub that crashed the system.
· Operations - User provided equipment:
- New sensors & HD cameras all interfaced extremely well and with great success. The Alvin Group worked hard to implement multiple changes in basket configuration.
-
A big key to success was the ability to have an in depth pre-dive
meeting with the entire
· Data hand-over:
-
The pre-cruise briefing left confusion over how many blank DVDs
the science party should have brought on the cruise. There needs to be greater clarity over what
should be expected at the cruise end.
-
Key issues identified included:
§
Lack of quality assurance conducted by the Shipboard
Scientific Services Group (SSSG)
routinely at sea
§
Data need to be accessible at sea for scientists wanting to do quality
assurance checks.
Final Recommendations -
Deb Kelley added that after Marv
Lilley’s cruise, he lost samples while shipping them back to the States. Other samples have been lost in
NDSF Response to Alvin Debrief
Interviews – Bob Brown reviewed the proposed corrective actions in response
to the
Proposed actions:
·
The
· Dive science requirements will be included in the “night before” pre-dive meetings and dive loading suggestions will be included in pre-cruise brief
· WHOI will update the Alvin User Manual and pre-cruise brief to clarify the required data media.
·
· User Manual update for seafloor mosaicing and development of a ‘button box’ for DSC lighting and operation.
· NDSF will investigate the current practices regarding data hand-over and QA and the ability to make these available on a daily basis.
Deep Submergence Scheduling: 2007 and Beyond - Liz Caporelli reviewed
the 2007 NDSF schedule and requests for 2008 (Appendix XXIII). In 2007, the total operating days for Atlantis
was 293 (NSF 274, NOAA 18, ONR 1) with 98
Liz presented the 2008
Looking further into the future for the period of 2009 to 2011, there a total of 111 funded days. Maps and vehicle request summaries are included in Liz’s slides.
Discussion: Dolly stated that for 2008 there are no NOAA
requests for use of the NDSF and this lack of participation has serious financial
implications. ONR and NOAA will each
support 1 engineering dive in 2008. Consequently,
NSF will have to support all NDSF operations.
Science pressure for use of the NDSF must remain high or the day rate will be too expensive. Deb commented that within RIDGE scientists continue to hear from NSF that there are no funds for field work, so people are not submitting proposals. Dolly replied that Julie Morris is trying to keep Core funding high. Deb suggested that NSF send a message to the community to keep science proposal pressure high.
AUV Sentry Update
–Dana Yoerger provided the ABE/Sentry update (Appendix XXIV). Sentry trials are scheduled
for September 2007 and the vehicle will be ready to enter NDSF in 2008.
Meanwhile, ABE has passed dive #200 with over 3000 km of bottom tracks. Dana reported on ABE’s cruise Expedition 115-19, Search for Hydrothermal Vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge. The first active vent discovery was made on the Southwest Indian Ridge. The cruise was sponsored by China Ocean Minerals and R & D Association (COMRA).
The 3-phase plume search/survey technique used in the cruise was successful. All vent structures showed evidence of hydrothermal activity. The science party used the ABE generated map and “TV grab” images to locate and recover samples from active smokers.
Sentry development and upgraded elements were described. They include:
· New batteries (Nereus packs)
· Multibeam sonar (Reson 7125)
· New frame, weight droppers/anchor system
· PHINS inertial navigation
· New CT sensor
· New camera/LED strobe
· Dual magnetometers
· Instrument bay (Tethys mass spec as placeholder)
The Sentry timeline and mechanical overview is provided in the slides. The vehicle battery capacity was upgraded to 13 KWH. Sentry’s speed will double that of ABE’s speed. Sentry testing will be on Oceanus in the fall 2007.
Replacement HOV Update - Bob Brown reported on the replacement
HOV (RHOV) project status (Appendix XXV).
Titanium for the RHOV sphere has
been purchased, received, and passed the chemical receipt inspection. More titanium than originally planned had to
be purchased for the forging process. A
contract has been let with a sphere forger, Ladish Co.,
WHOI has considered options to reduce RHOV project costs. These options include:
· Loosen/modify technical specifications - Options to loosen/modify technical specifications include removing the requirement for a training simulation system and removing the requirement for a whole vehicle pressure test.
· Reduce programmatic requirements - To reduce programmatic requirements, options include:
- Focus hazard analysis based on WHOI experience
- Emphasize models versus 2D drawings
- Eliminate or scale back low value-added analysis/documentation.
· Shift more work to WHOI - Options for shifting more work to WHOI include:
- WHOI purchase and provide as owner-furnished equipment, high cost material and equipment (saves pass-through fee)
- WHOI contract with ABS for vehicle certification (saves pass-through fee)
- Design and build atmosphere control, fire detection and suppression, emergency breathing systems
· WHOI managerial costs – WHOI has been able to reduce managerial costs based on the fact that expenditures to date have been less than expected.
·
Cross-deck more
· Change contract structure/approach - A revised contracting strategy is under consideration. The proposed new contracting approach uses the Alpha Contracting Methodology. The approach calls for collaboration between WHOI and the contractor in developing specifications and cost estimates. The advantage of Alpha contracting is a clearer understanding by both parties of the requirements. The procedure will reduce risk to contractor and mitigate potential cost overruns. The anticipated savings from these cost reduction actions is about $7.5M.
The final viewport configuration for the
RHOV is five viewports of the following diameters (in inches) 5-7-7-7-5. This layout was recommended by the community
survey.
Deb Kelley asked - How does the timeline
between the next required
Science Outfitting and Sensors
for the Replacement Human Occupied Vehicle (RHOV) – It was recommended that
the community survey on science outfitting and sensors for the RHOV be put on
hold until after the control van survey is
complete. Also, when the survey is
ready, it should be sent to Cindy Van Dover, RHOV Committee Chair.
Establishing Safety Standards for the use of Human Occupied Vehicles (HOVs) - Craig Young reported on the efforts to establish Safety Standards for HOVs (Appendix XXVI). Craig reviewed the committee membership. There are eight chapters:
1. Introduction
2. Definitions
3. Procedures
HOV Operations
5. HOV Support Ship
HOV Handling Systems
Training of HOV Crew
8. HOV Science User Guidelines
A revision of the Research Vessel Safety Standards is currently underway and will include a chapter on “Ship Operations with HOVs.”
The Committee has been very active and most chapters have been drafted.
Transition of the DSL-120A out of the NDSF – Paul Johnson (University of Hawaii
Paul reviewed
the current status of the DSL-120A:
·
The 120A sonar was deployed at two sites
on the EPR (9°50’N and at the 9°N Overlapping Spreading Center (OSC)) in March
2007 during a Klein/White/Perfit cruise (AT15-17).
·
The 120A collected roughly seven days of
data for site reconnaissance before Jason was deployed for sampling.
·
The system worked well collecting
sidescan, phase bathymetry, and SM2000 multibeam bathymetry which were all used
to generate mosaics of the recent flows at 9°50’N and the two limbs of the 9°N
OSC.
·
Following the cruise, control of the 120A
was transferred from DSL to HMRG. Gear was divided at sea and the system was
then shipped to its new “home port” of Hawaii
Paul reviewed the past use of the sidescan systems and
provided a list of proposed and funded DSL-120A and IMI30 cruises
for 2006 through 2009. There have
been 19 proposed surveys for the period from 2006 to 2009: but only one was
funded and five are pending. The lack of
agency funding has not led to a drop-off in proposal pressure for these
systems.
Paul presented the future plans for DSL-120A and near bottom high resolution mapping:
· HMRG has purchased a new magnetometer, CTD to replace those kept by DSL.
· Towed navigation system is being developed by HMRG, which should aid in correctly navigating the 120A data (for when LBL is not available).
· Continuing work on integrating LBL and DVL navigation into DSL-120A’s hardware and processing methods.
· Some modification of the telemetry of the 120A required to converge with other HMRG mapping systems: would allow for a common spares kit for all vehicles, exactly the kinds of economy of scale envisaged in the July 2006 letter.
· Ixsea Octans was not transferred to HMRG. Replacement (and hopefully a spare as well) is a very high priority. The Ixsea Octans is needed to collect the high precision attitude information essential for generating high quality data mosaics - and that is what the scientific community requires.
·
$60K has been requested in 2007 to make
sure the 120A is able to continue collecting data at the same high level that
the community expects.
·
The real-time display developed for the DSL-120A
has shown its adaptability. The display is being used for IMI-30 and the
multibeams of the Kilo Moana.
Continuing development of this tool would allow real-time display of
laser line scanner data.
Paul provided an update on IMI30 and
reported that field trials were a success.
During the summer 2006 cruise on the R/V Kilo Moana, paid for by
the University of
Hawaii
Future work on
the IMI30 includes:
·
Engineering work to increase the signal
strength to the arrays & widen swath-width.
·
Integration of magnetometer and CTD
·
At least one more sea trial in the summer
2007
·
Possible work for the system includes
survey around the island of Oahu as well as survey work in the Indian
Ocean for NIO.
Discussion:
·
The DSL-120A
and IMI30 systems offer a great nested survey capability. The DSL-120A is a 1 km,
high-resolution system. The IMI30 has
three times swath width of the DSL-120A and is good for mapping a much
larger area, but with lower resolution. Chris
added that although the system was transferred to
· Deb Kelley commented that HMRG is requesting $60K to maintain the DSL-120A system. This commitment equates to the cost of two days of mapping. Dolly replied that since the system is no longer in the NDSF, its support now comes out of a different pool of funds within NSF. With no funded requests for use of the system, there is no need to upgrade the system just to keep it on the shelf.
· Dan Fornari stressed the need to have the system ready for use.
· General opinion of DESSC – The committee thought that there would be some operating funds or transition funds to support the system once it was moved out of NDSF to HMRG.
· Jeff Karson asked if the $60K would just support transfer costs of the DSL-120A. What is the annual cost? Dan – An estimate on annual operating costs might not be available yet.
DESSC Recommendations
regarding Pilot Training and Advancement:
· Science Training Opportunities for Pilots - During last year’s DESSC meeting it was recommended that the pilots should be given more science training opportunities. This recommendation is still an action item and can be discussed further during the executive session.
· R2K Lectureship program - Deb reported that she sent a letter to Donna Blackman regarding the R2K Lectureship program and suggested that the pilots be added as lecturers. This option is still open and we are waiting for a reply from Donna.
· Career Advancement /Learning Opportunities for Pilots - Bob Brown discussed this (in part) earlier in the meeting with the desire to implement a shorter training period.
Ocean Observatory ROV Workshop for Technology Transfer, Looking towards Future Needs – Deb Kelley reported that a small workshop was held with the ROV operators from ROPOS, Tiburon, and WHOI. This meeting provided an opportunity for operators to share information. At the workshop, there was a recommendation to get a similar group together to address OOI ROV facility requirements. NSF has indicated that they would support a small workshop. Dates and locations for a workshop will be considered. The workshop will most likely occur in early 2008. It was suggested that the designers of the observatories also attend.
Meeting Action Items – Deb reviewed the action items from day one. See list at the top of these minutes.
1630 Day 1 of the DESSC meeting adjourned.
Day Two: Thursday,
May 31, 2007
0800 Tour of Deep Submergence Facilities – The DESSC meeting participants visited the NDSF facilities
in Woods Hole village. This included
tours of Sentry, the Replacement HOV, and the HROV.
0915 Return to Quisset Campus
Alvin Video Mosaicking - Stace
Beaulieu provided a report on efforts to develop an
Reasons for video mosaicing include:
· Dive planning and reports during the cruise
· Science (during or post-cruise)
· Identification of features on larger scale than single images
· Visual confirmation of features in side-scan sonar or bathymetric maps
· Habitat mapping and density of benthic fauna.
The capability already exists for the French IFREMER vehicles.
Manual processing is useful for transect mosaics when you have limited or no navigation data, or when you want to quickly make a mosaic for a targeted video segment. Manual processing is required for panorama mosaics. Automated processing produces transect mosaics for the entire dive track, using video frames extracted from DVCAM tapes based on vehicle navigation and altitude data.
Video mosaicking was tested during three
For the best quality video mosaics, starboard lighting and the starboard arm 3-chip camera is recommended. The camera should be as normal to seafloor as possible and zoomed all the way out, with the port observer recording the video transect.
Together,
The PIs on the grant are currently delivering software at sea and online. The PIs are also recruiting scientists to try the software. They would like to identify an online “home” for the software. By 2008, the PIs expect to publish the User Manual as a WHOI Technical Report.
Dan Fornari added that if you use Jason, you will get DVCam footage and can use the procedures outlined by Stace to get the video mosaicing.
For now the video mosaicking system is PC based only (as is the French system). It would be quite a different step making it work for a Mac system.
Jeff Karson – Do you need to do a nice linear transect for video mosaicking? Stace – Yes.
Benchmarks at the Ridge2000 EPR ISS -
Dan Fornari provided a report on benchmarks at R2K EPR ISS (Appendix XXIX).
The EPR-ISS benchmark surveys provide high-resolution mapping using sidescan and bathymetric sonars. Dan showed the DSL-120A survey post-eruption results during AT15-17, Jason Dive 268. He also showed the Ridge2000, EPR ISS DSL-120a sidescan sonar surveys from 2001 (pre-eruption) and 2007 (post-eruption). The lava flows are clearly visible. The SM2000 surveys during Jason dive 268 were displayed with overlays from the AST surveys, benchmark surveys, and benchmarks. Dan showed pictures of the benchmarks that were deployed and a picture of the benchmarks on the seafloor. The markers that Dan had deployed in 1992 were almost all gone (only about 2 of 100 remain). From now on when a researcher visits an ISS site, a transponder array with benchmarks will be already installed. Images of the OBS units stuck in the lava were shown. There is footage on the web of the OBS recovery.
Winter
Meeting Strategies - There was
discussion on the November DESSC Meeting held at the Western Society of
Naturalists (WSN) 2006 meeting. On the
positive side, over 100 students attended the post-meeting mixer and there was
good feedback from students. On the down
side, the actual DESSC meeting was poorly attended by the community and
students.
The winter DESSC meeting in 2007 will be held at the Fall AGU meeting on Sunday, December 9, 2007.
Some potential biology venues for
the next DESSC meeting include the 2008 Benthic Ecology Meeting in Providence,
RI on April 9-12, 2008 and the Deep-Sea Biology Symposium in 2009 (the exact
dates and location have not been announced).
It isn’t clear which meeting would be best. Also the timing isn’t a good match with the
traditional winter meeting dates. Dolly
suggested that someone from DESSC talk to Phil Taylor about options. Deb indicated that she would contact
Phil. The problem is that there is no
one Biology meeting that all deep submergence scientists attend annually. Another suggestion was the Society for
Integrative and Comparative Biology meeting to be held in 2009 in
Long-Range Planning Issues:
Ocean Observatory Initiative (OOI) Status - Bob Detrick reported OOI received FY07 funding and the Initiative is in the budget for FY08. There is an RFP on the street for the third element, the Coastal Observatory.
There is a new OOI Office Director, Holly Givens. OOI is no longer referred to as “ORION.”
OOI continues efforts to rescope/descope the observatory designs. The number of nodes planned continues to go down. The first assets probably will not go in the water until 2009. In the short term, the demand on deep submersible assets isn’t going to tax our present suite of facilities. However, an assessment on the suite of tools that the observatories should have to service the nodes should be made.
Deb Kelley added that there is
some good news. Another $20M was added
to the MRE account for inflation. Neptune
Neptune
Andy Bowen asked if DESSC should establish a formal liaison between OOI and DESSC. With an OOI design review in the fall, now is the time. Deb will contact Holly Givens to discuss this matter. It would be beneficial if the OOI group representative attended DESSC meetings.
Bob Brown suggested that someone
from the
InterRidge – Chris German provided an InterRidge update (Appendix XXX). The InterRidge Office will be hosted at WHOI from Jan 1, 2007 to Dec 31, 2009 with Chair, Jian Lin. Co-Chair is Chris.
The InterRidge (IR) Working Groups have five current projects:
· Biogeochemical Interactions
· Biology => Vent Ecology
· Deep Earth Sampling (w/IODP)
· Monitoring & Observatories (MoMAR w/R2K)
· Ultra-slow ridges
Chris provided information about each of these programs. He showed a map of the research areas (Appendix XXX).
RIDGE2000 – Deb Kelley
reported that there was a R2K meeting in April.
RIDGE is coming up for review. The outcome is still evolving. It has been decided that EPR and Endeavour
are mature sites and should be transitioned from ISS to core sites. EPR could become a core site in 2008. Endeavor would possibly transition in 2008 as
well. Lau will stay as is. When ISS sites were selected, it was decided
that there should be an Atlantic site, so MoMAR was selected. If MoMAR is going to be the next site to
transition to Core, a new plan for the
Outreach and
Education Programs:
RIDGE Lectureship Program – This year’s lecturers include Mike Perfit, Doug Toomey, Gary Massoth and Jim Childress.
MATE Program – There will
be another Mate intern in the
Ocean Exploration - Catalina Martinez reported on NOAA’s Ocean Exploration education programs (Appendix XXXI). Catalina also described a new potential application of telepresence technology to conduct scientific research, exploration, and outreach. She discussed web-based alternatives to deliver information and products. The alternatives offer:
· Live expedition coverage
· Daily logs, video, images
· ‘Ask the Scientist’ live link
· National Curriculum
· Virtual Workshops
· Online courses
· List Serve
· Lesson Plans
· OceanAGE
· CD ROMs
Lastly, Catalina discussed telepresence technology. Remote video feeds from the seafloor and ships at sea can be transmitted anywhere in the world in real time.
NOAA plans to convene a workshop to discuss its new Ocean Exploration vessel, Okeanos Explorer. There was a call for suggestions on where should the ship should operate and what should projects it could pursue. The recommendations will be provided to the NOAA science advisory committee.
Operational Summary and
Collaborations with Other Deep Submergence Activities:
NURP & Ocean Exploration – Catalina provided a report (XXXII). She summarized the NOAA NDSF efforts in FY2007. There were three NDSF cruises: Expedition to the Deep Slope - PI: Chuck Fisher, Jason (Ron Brown), Area: Gulf of Mexico Submarine Ring of Fire - PI: Bob Embley, ABE & German ROV (Sonne), New Zealand NeMO - PI: Bill Chadwick, Jason II (Atlantis), Juan de Fuca.
Catalina reported on NOAA’s OE ship Okeanos Explorer. The vessel was acquired from the Navy in
2004. It is undergoing a phased
conversion at Todd Pacific Shipyard in
· Phase I: Major vessel infrastructure modifications and select mission systems (Oct 06-Jul 07)
· Phase II: Most science/mission systems (Sep 07 – Apr 08)
· Phase III: Additional science/mission systems, auxiliary vessel systems (TBD)
Operations are planned to begin in spring 2008. Details are contained in the Appendix.
A
dedicated ocean exploration ROV will be constructed to support operations. Phoenix, Inc. has been contracted to build
the vehicle. NOAA hopes that the ROV
will be ready for operations at the time the vessel conversion is
complete.
The
Ocean Technology Center (OTC) at URI is involved with the integration of the
telepresence capability for the vessel and they hope to have the system ready
for science in mid-2008. OTC preparation
of the telepresence system includes development and integration, staffing and
training, testing and evaluation, and refining.
There is a lot of challenging work to be completed.
Catalina
showed pictures of the ship in the shipyard.
The
In
2008, NOAA will focus on bringing the ship on-line. They hope that in 2009, they can focus on
science planning.
HBOI
Operations – Marsh Youngbluth reported on
ship and submersible operations at HBOI.
The Johnson Sea Link (JSL) vehicles have been
underutilized and as a result only one is in operation. For 2008, there is about 20 JSL days
pending. The ship, Seward Johnson, is
also underutilized this year with about 124 days.
Other
business:
DESSC
Membership – Deb Kelley proposed revised
term end dates for some members to avoid losing too many Committee members in
the same year. The proposed revision modifies
the term-length of the second term. The
Committee endorsed the revised term lengths.
The
ex-officio DESSC membership was discussed.
The ex-officio members are from WHOI and currently include Bob Detrick,
Tim Shank, and Chris German. Tim hasn’t
been able to attend the past couple of meetings. WHOI will ask Tim if he wants to stay on.
Review
Meeting Action Items – Deb reviewed the
action items from the meeting. The list
is included at the beginning of these minutes.
Discussion:
·
RHOV
science outfitting survey – Deb expressed concern that if WHOI has already
defined the sensors for the RHOV, why is a survey needed? DESSC had thought that there would be an
opportunity for community input. Bob
Brown explained that WHOI is providing the sensors. The basic vehicle design is frozen, but the
design will hopefully allow for future flexibility in sensor
compatibility. A community survey would
still be useful and should be carried out in the fall. Deb added that the survey can ask the
question of what tools are needed for a vehicle that will provide support for
the next 30 years. The survey can
provide information on the instrumentation/sensors that will be furnished, and
then ask, for a vision of what is needed.
·
Status
of merging NDSF facilities at Blake and Smith – WHOI is working on this project. There is more integrated coordination now,
but the physical move is a challenge.
·
Recovery
Vehicle - Dolly stated that NSF funded a recovery vehicle – what is the
status? Bob Detrick said that he will
show Dolly the system in the afternoon.
The recovery vehicle should be discussed at a future DESSC meeting.
·
FrameGrabber
system – Deb said that there is some confusion regarding the FrameGrabber. Chris replied that WHOI will come up with a
plan for move forward and will present an overview to DESSC.
·
Deb gave
a heads up to WHOI and reminded them that as part of the criteria for bringing
in new assets to the NDSF, a report is required after one year. Chris replied that he will look into this
requirement.
The DESSC meeting adjourned
at noon.