EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMMITTEE ON OCEANOGRAPHY 203 



average) to staff programs now proposed. It should be emphasized again that 

 such estimates are based upon preliminary estimates of research programs being 

 proposed by the Federal agencies for the Federal program. When the 10-year 

 program is finally fixed and adopted, it will be possible to estimate manpower re- 

 quirements with greater confidence. 



There is no doubt that the supply of scientists and engineers now engaged in 

 oceanography falls short of the numbers required to staff programs of the magni- 

 tude now being considered. Nor are there sufficient numbers now in graduate 

 training in oceanography to supply the gap, although the recent increase in 

 graduate enrollments is encouraging. Such numbers can only be secured through 

 a sharp increase in oceanography enrollments and through "conversion" of science 

 students from other fields; individuals entering oceanographic work from other 

 fields of science have of course been the principal source of marine scientists in the 

 past. Even with these measures contributing to the maximum, the upgrading of 

 those now in the field, transfers from related fields, and improved utilization of 

 research and training facilities will be required to meet requirements of the magni- 

 tude now contemplated. 



The panel is now considering several recommendations directed toward im- 

 proving the supply situation as promptly as possible. I want particularly to 

 emphasize that the panel's report is still incomplete, and the recommendations 

 being considered are by no means fully documented. Accordingly my comments 

 on such recommendations should be considered highly tentative, and limited to 

 my own views of the panel's thinking. These recommendations are mainly di- 

 rected toward those Federal agencies which are responsible for the oceanography 

 research and training programs. Generally, these recommendations will be de- 

 signed to encourage each agency (a) to examine its own use of professional ocean- 

 ographers, (6) to determine the nature of the training required for the tasks to be 

 performed in oceanography, (c) to fix the numbers of personnel reqxrired by levels 

 of training necessary to perform such tasks, and (d) to develop training programs 

 (both within the Federal agencies and at outside institutions) by means of which 

 staff personnel may achieve higher competencies. The panel is also considering 

 a mechanism through which Federal agency manpower training plans in this 

 area may be periodically reviewed by the ICO. 



Other recommendations of the panel will probably be directed toward pro- 

 moting greater interest in the subject of oceanography in secondary schools and 

 •colleges. Federal agencies will be asked to make information on oceanography 

 available to educational institutions which may wish to use it in connection w ith 

 science instruction. Plans will be recommended under which Federal agency 

 staff members can be made available for discussions or lectures on appropriate 

 oceanographic topics. Visits to Federal marine laboratories and facilities at 

 appropriate times by students would be encouraged. Federal agencies with 

 responsibilities for the support of science education will be asked to support the 

 educational institutions in their efforts to obtain suitable instructional materials 

 and provide adequate teacher training relevant to this field. Other recommenda- 

 tions are designed to support training by the Federal agencies in a manner con- 

 sistent with the manpower requirements engendered by their support of research. 



Finally, the panel has been considering the impact of Federal programs on the 

 educational institutions and private laboratories. It believes the recommenda- 

 tions which it will make to the Federal agencies will be beneficial to these insti- 

 tutions. However, at a later date, the earlier surveys of these research and 

 training institutions should be brought up to date, particularly from the standpoint 

 of the impact of Federal agency programs. 



FUTURE PLANS 



The immediate future work of the panel will be devoted to the completion of 

 its interim report as already suggested. It will then probably want to turn its 

 attention to a more detailed examination of the oceanography manpower and 

 training situation in the non-Federal agencies. It will be particularly interested 

 in the influence of the Federal program on college and university research and 

 training activities. On a Longer range basis, the panel is looking for ways of 

 improving our basic information on the supply of and requirements for personnel 

 in this field. It is contemplated that an estimate of the supply of scientists in 

 oceanography will be prepared eaeh year through the cooperative efforts of the 

 National Register of Scientific and Technical Personnel. Similar information on 

 requirements will be sought. 



Another program of the panel deserving mention is the development of a direc- 

 tory of academic course offerings in oceanography. Each educational institution 



