Research, Manpower, and Engineering 



safe design and construction of submersibles. Specific research will be di- 

 rected toward the effect of pressure hull penetrations, development of test 

 models and full-scale sections for evaluation, determination of life support 

 equipment and emergency procedures, and investigation of requirements for 

 submersible environmental control. Also, the Coast Guard is cooperating 

 with industry in developing an interim capability to rescue a distressed 

 submersible by use of other non-governmental submersible facilities. 



2. Study of Acoustic Frequency Allocations. — The Coast Guard has 

 initiated a study of future non-military needs for underwater acoustic 

 frequencies and the necessity for frequency standardization and regulation, 

 including consideration of distress signals and general underwater com- 

 munication. The National Academy of Sciences is assisting in the study 

 which will be completed this year. 



3. Safety on the Continental Shelf. — Conflicts between various coastal 

 activities will increase with expanding activity, with resultant hazard to life 

 and property. Many of these pursuits are beyond the purview of or are only 

 vaguely covered by existing safety legislation. Therefore, the Coast Guard 

 is considering steps, including the possible need for additional legislation, 

 consistent with international law and practice, related to: 



— establishment of design standards and certification procedures for 

 Continental Shelf structures and devices to reduce the likelihood of 

 collapsing structures, bursting oil containers, or other structural 

 accidents; 



— elimination of wrecks, debris, pollutants, and litter on the Conti- 

 nental Shelf which may be a hazard to life or property or an inter- 

 ference to useful activity; and 



— minimizing conflicts among the various activities including shipping, 

 transfer of liquid or gases in pipelines, fishing, recreation, drilling, 

 pumping, and storing materials underwater or at the surface. 

 These measures will contribute to the development of the Coastal Zone 

 discussed in Chapter IV. 



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