Marine Science Affairs 



Likewise the industry is evolving new techniques. Most non-bulk com- 

 modities will be moved in unitized loads in the future. By 1973, 23 percent 

 of all U.S. flag cargoes may move in container ships. By 1983 that figure 

 should increase to over 40 percent of all liner cargoes. By using high speed 

 container ships in single point-to-point transoceanic shuttle service, with 

 efficient intermodal integration moving loads between shore and ship, total 

 delivery time may be reduced sufficiently to compete more favorably on a 

 time-cost basis with air freight. 



But as ocean traffic increases, so do its hazards. Statistics on commercial 

 vessel casualties and associated deaths for FY 1968 are presented in Table 

 1 1-2. They provide an insight of the implications of growing ocean traffic 

 and the urgency of greater safety measures. 



Table 11-2 — Commercial Vessel Casualties and Associated Deaths and 

 Injuries, Fiscal Year 1968 



Nature of casualty 



Collisions Groundings Heavy weather 



damage 



Vessel casualty (ships):" 



Number of casualties 



Number of vessels involved . 



Number of deaths/injuries 



Vessels totally lost 



" In general, includes vessels over 100 gross tons. 

 Source: Department of Transportation. 



The Confluence of IVIan and Sea 



The most intensively used and most accessible part of the ocean environ- 

 ment is the Coastal Zone — the margin where the land, the water, and the 

 people meet and interact. This Coastal Zone encompasses a broad variety 

 of physical features ; it is characterized by dynamic interaction of wind, tides, 

 currents, waves, storms — and land; it supports a rich variety of flora and 

 fauna. The great natural beauty of the shore holds fascination for everyone. 



This region has great values for man. The Coastal Zones of the world 

 historically have been the important sites of industry and commerce. The 

 development of port cities has provided springboards of national culture. 



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