ADVANCEMENT OF MARINE SCIENCES 19 



to the progress of the Nation and the world. It cannot 

 exist on past accomplishments, but must move steadily 

 forward in the fields of science and engineering essential to 

 its activities. Because of the fundamental nature of its 

 activities, the Sm-vey must continue to pla}' an important 

 role in the destiny of the Nation and the world. 



The bill would authorize 10 new survey ships for the agency; 4 large 

 ships, which would bring it up to its prewar strength in that category, 

 4 medium-sized oceangoing ships, and 2 small ships. 



From some quarters the question has been raised whether it would 

 not be more practical and economical to acquire surplus ships from 

 the Navy and convert them to survey uses. 



The Comptroller General's report states: 



The Bureau has attempted to acquire surplus vessels from 

 the Navy and the Maritime Administration but has been 

 unable to obtain any ship which could be economically 

 modified to serve as a suitable surve}* vessel. 



The Bureau states that, throughout the history of the 

 Coast and Geodetic Survey, reasons of economy have made 

 it necessary to obtain numerous naval vessels, yachts, and 

 other craft for conversion to survey ships but that in every 

 case such action has been a makeshift expedient, as it has 

 been impossible to convert these vessels to completely effec- 

 tive units. Further, the delay in the ship replacement pro- 

 gram has increased the requirements for repairs. This trend . 

 is expected to continue until the Bureau's present fleet of 

 vessels having limited usefulness is replaced. 



The Navy, too, has found that the conversion of old ships for surveys 

 and researcli is uneconomical and that these ships are ill-adapted for 

 oceanographic studies. 



SERVICE AGENCY OF THE SEAS AND LAKES 



The U.S. Coast Guard, created in 1790, has historic duties and 

 responsibilities. Among these are : 



1. Rendering aid to vessels in distress. 



2. Operating lighthouses, lightships, weather ships, buoys and 

 ocean stations. 



3. Rescuing shipwrecked mariners and giving medical or 

 surgical assistance to those stricken at sea. 



4. Protecting seal and otter fisheries. 



5. Promoting the efficiency and safety of the American mer- 

 chant marine. 



6. Patrolling the northern trade routes for ice hazards. 



7. Extending health and welfare services to remote and 

 isolated communities. 



The Coast Guard has been rightly called the service agency of our 

 seas and lakes. 



In time of war the Coast Guard becomes an important arm of the 

 U.S. Navy. 



Coast Guard officers are trained at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 

 New London, Conn., and Coast Guard ships are manned by highly 

 efficient crews. 



