105 



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mld-November and included ten groups of scientists who used the 

 vehicles to study the geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, and 

 biology off the Hawaiian Islands. This was the deepest and most 

 prolonged dive series undertaken by the Sea Cliff entirely for 

 science. A total of 13 Sea Cliff dives and three ATV dives (to 

 depths primarily between 12,000 and 18,500 feet), along with 2400 

 square nautical miles of Sea Beam bathymetric surveys were 

 accomplished during this series. 



Unfortunately, the Sea Cliff previously had not been exposed to 

 such a rigorous deep diving schedule and there were several 

 mechanical and electrical problems. The Navy has a program 

 underway to solve the reliability issue. 



One aspect of a solution will be to expand current efforts under 

 the existing MOA with the Navy. That agreement allows NXJRP to 

 fund a regular schedule of civilian scientific cruises up to 60 

 days per year. It includes provisions to train Navy crews and 

 provide work-up periods prior to any extended deep-diving 

 programs. In addition, cameras and other sensors utilized by 

 scientists could be upgraded on the submersibles on a regular 

 basis. 



Questions from Chairman Studds 



Question 1: What are the factors limiting the modernization of 

 KOAA's navigation-related progreuns? Is NOAA's effort limited by 

 technology, financial resources, or both? 



Answer: NOAA's efforts to modernize its navigation-related 

 programs are limited by financial resources, not by technology. 



In fact, recent technological advances should allow NOAA to 

 greatly improve its ability to provide the oceanographic 

 information needed for safe navigation, assuming funds are 

 available for implementation, operation, and maintenance of the 

 new technologies. Modern state-of-the-art measurement technology 

 and modern data and information delivery technology now make it 

 possible to provide the accurate and timely information that the 

 marine community needs. 



Nautical surveys need to be updated. Fully half of U.S. waters 

 less than 3 meters deep (including 2 5 percent of our harbors and 

 harbor approaches) were last surveyed prior to World War II when 

 only a small fraction of the bottom could be sounded. Uncharted 

 obstructions such as those encountered by the QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 

 continue to be a hazard to safe transportation. Technology now 

 can provide full bottom coverage with much greater positional 



