11.0. Priorities 
The Panel has not attempted to offer a detailed blueprint of the 
national program for the oceans but believes it is essential to recognize 
a long-term goal which has been identified as the effective use of the 
sea (sec. 1.1). The Panel has examined opportunities in technology, 
science, education, and management vital to attaining this goal. 
11.1. OCEAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 
The Panel assigns highest priority to those efforts in oceanography 
that deal with national security. The problems outlined in section 5 
clearly indicate need for developing the capability of operating any- 
where in the oceans, either by manned or unmanned vehicles, at any 
time. We are a long way from achieving this capability. The 
Navy should continue to be the lead agency for that part which per- 
tains to national security. 
The Navy in its Deep Submergence Systems Project is making an 
intensive effort at achieving part of this capability. We give this 
program a high priority, and we feel it should be expanded, including 
extramural consultation and participation. The requirements for 
achieving the capability include: 
1. Development of large working volumes at atmospheric pres- 
sure. 
2. Development of tools, manipulators, and semi-remote-control 
power tools and support structures. 
3. Development of small underwater systems having power- 
plants in the 10- to 100-kw. range, which will require a greater 
emphasis on fuel-cell power systems than the Navy has so far 
supported. 
4. Knowledge about the long-term effects of high pressures 
on man (see sec. 4.11). 
In terms of national security we feel high priority should be given 
to studies of the benthic boundary, since weapon systems of the future 
may be deployed on the ocean floor, and to basic studies of weather 
in the oceans at all scales. These studies are needed for construction 
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