Ocean Engineering 



deep ocean instrumentation, vehicles, habitats, and underwater machinery. 

 The initial emphasis and funding have been focused on design and develop- 

 ment of first-generation isotope power devices in the power range from 

 5-60 watts. The objective of this initial efTort has been to demonstrate the 

 feasibility of developing isotope power sources capable of long-term, unat- 

 tended operation in the marine environment without compromise of health 

 or safety requirements. This effort, successfully completed in 1966, has es- 

 tablished a reservoir of technology from which successive generations of 

 power systems are being developed. New demands for higher power, from 

 20 kilowatts up to several hundred kilowatts, are creating an incentive for 

 the development of reactor systems at these power levels. However, due to 

 the long lead time required for the development and qualification of nuclear 

 power systems (isotope and reactor) , it is likely that improved batteries, fuel 

 cells, and possibly chemically dynamic engines will fill the short-term ocean 

 engineering applications. 



New Initiatives 



The programs described thus far consist chiefly of general purpose engi- 

 neering which will provide a base for the technological utilization of the 

 ocean and its resources. Repeating the emphasis of last year on Deep Ocean 

 Technology, the Council has recommended an increase for the Navy (from 

 $3.5 million in FY 1968 to $7.4 million in FY 1969) for long-range studies 

 and prototype development of key ocean engineering comp)onents. 



In addition, four areas involving advancing technological capabilities have 

 also been selected by the Marine Sciences Council for special emphasis during 

 FY 1969. The funding levels for their engineering components are summa- 

 rized in the table below. While the FY 69 expenditures for these programs 

 are small, these initial planning steps are essential beginnings for programs of 

 national importance. 



New Areas Selected by Marine Sciences Council for Priority Attention 



[millions of dollars] 



FY 1969 



Safety within the Sea — Department of Transportation .3 



Study of an Instrumentation FaciHty — Marine Sciences Council '' 



Continental Shelf Safety — Department of Transportation .2 



Study of Frequency Allocation — Department of Transportation .03 



" Funds are included as part of other programs and are not reported here because 

 the amounts for marine science cannot be accurately predicted at this time. 



153 



