ADVANCEMENT OF MARINE SCIENCES 63 



automatic meteorological observing stations, and the application to 

 such stations of atomic power sources. In connection with the latter, 

 nuclear batteries are under development which would power such 

 stations for indefinitely extended periods. 



(10) Require that the Maritime Administration, when requested by 

 other agencies of the Federal Government, construct on a reimbursable 

 basis such oceanographic research ships as may be required by the 

 agencies, including ships of 500-ton displacement and a 1,200- to 1,500- 

 ton displacement. 



Design of such ships would take into consideration the needs of 

 suitable arrangements for both laboratory space and living accomoda- 

 tions for scientists. 



Attention also would be given to the design of such requirements as 

 adequate space and power for winches and other auxiliary equipment,. 

 sea keeping and handling at low speeds, quiet operation, and the 

 ability to proceed smoothly in all kinds of weather. 



Since sound is rapidly becoming one of the principal tools 

 used in oceanography, the advantages of a ship which 

 radiates a minimum of noise into the water cannot be over 

 emphasized — 



the Committee on Oceanography report "New Research Ships"" 

 stated. 



With reference to tlie Maritime Commission's participation in the 

 construction of oceanographic research ships, the same report com- 

 mented : 



One agency in the Government should have continuing 

 (although not exclusive) responsibility for the development 

 of efficient research ships. The most suitable agency appears 

 to be the Maritime Administration. This would insure that 

 all such ships have some general capability for deep-sea 

 oceanography in case of emergency and also that a systematic 

 development program can be assured. 



The report pointed out that "the design of research ships could 

 become an important experiment in naval architecture." It did not 

 discourage this activity on the part of the Navy but did suggest 

 reasons why tlie Maritime Commission should liave a leading role in 

 this special field of research ship construction, stating: 



Although the Navy is by no means uninterested in improv- 

 ing the seaworthiness of small ships, the military mission 

 must dominate the design of Navy ships. Such factors as 

 long life, costs of maintenance, and reasonable habitability 

 are secondary considerations. Furthermore, the Maritime 

 Administration already has considerable experience in the 

 design of survey and charting ships and is experienced in com- 

 mercial practices in ship construction. To design to com- 

 mercial standards usually results in a less expensive ship 

 than to adhere to Navy specifications arising from combat 

 requirements. 



11. Make available, at the discretion of the Secretary, research 

 ships designed and constructed by the Maritmie Commission, to 

 other agencies of the Federal Government, nonprofit oceanographic 

 research centers and, pursuant to negotiated contracts of grants, to 



