330 OCEANOGRAPHY 1961 — PHASE 3 



Present as observers: 



Dr. M. King Hubbert, Chairman, Advisory Panel for Earth Sciences. 



Paul Kratz, National Science Foundation. 



Gordon Lill, OflBce of Naval Research. 



Arthur Maxwell, OflSce of Naval Research. 



Carl Alexis, OflBce of Naval Research. 



John Lyman, Hydrographic Oflice. 

 After a considerable discussion, it was agreed by the various directors that 

 there are three distinct and pressing needs in oceanography: (1) The gradual 

 replacement of the present fleet by new vessels, preferably those which are 

 designed as research vessels rather than conversions. (2) Two larger vessels 

 that would be capable of long-range or all-weather cruises so that the United 

 States can start a program of deep-sea oceanography in stormy latitudes and 

 winter weather. (3) Financial support for operation of the existing fleet but 

 especially for any new vessels. At present the various institutions are able to 

 keep their ships afloat only through extensive contract operations and their 

 scientific programs are therefore hampered. 



In the case of new, larger vessels, additional operating funds are essential ; 

 otherwise, no existing institution could afford to accept the new vessel. It was 

 recommended that an annual grant equal to about two-thirds of the annual 

 operating costs should be provided with any larger vessel that is built. It was 

 also recommended that in providing one of the smaller vessels to an institution, 

 one-third of the annual operating costs should be given with the vessel. In 

 summing up the opinions of the various participants, a subcommittee consisting 

 of Revelle, Fleming, and Pritchard, drafted a report that was discussed and 

 adopted unanimously. Copy of this report is attached. 



The group passed also the following resolution : "In view of the condition of 

 the Atlantis, first priority should be given to the construction of a larger vessel 

 of about 1,000 tons." Such a vessel would act as a proving ground for the desir- 

 ability of another large vessel to operate in the Pacific Ocean. 



William E. Benson. 



u.s. needs for oceanogbaphic vessels 



The following represents a summary of opinions at a meeting of directors of 

 U.S. oceanographic institutions held at the National Science Foundation, Sep- 

 tember 29, 1956, concerning U.S. needs for scientific research vessels. 



1. What are the needs for netv oceanographic vessels? 



Two kinds of new oceanographic research ships are needed in the United 

 States: (1) Vessels of moderate size (80 to 150 feet) for experimental work at 

 sea usually within a thousand miles of coastal stations; (2) large ships capable 

 of deep-sea exploration over the entire expanse of the oceans, particularly in 

 high latitudes and at all seasons of the year. The latter should be large enough 

 and should have other characteristics to enable them to handle heavy gear in 

 all-weather operations. Unlike existing U.S. scientific research vessels, they 

 should have ample laboratory and deck working space and comfortable living 

 quarters. 



2. Why are these two sizes of sjiips needed? 



Smaller vessels are needed not only to replace existing vessels but also to 

 increase the size of the U.S. scientific research fleet. Specially designed ships 

 would allow more efficient operation and would enable U.S. marine scientists to 

 advance more rapidly in increasing our understanding of the oceans and the 

 animals and plants that live in them. 



The larger vessels are needed to enable American scientists to work in those 

 parts of the ocean and at those times of the year that are now inaccessible to 

 them because of the inadequacy of existing vessels. The largest nongovern- 

 mental oceanographic ships operated in the United States have a displacement of 

 about 750 tons. In contrast, one of the principal Russian research vessels dis- 

 places about 5,000 tons and has ample working and living space for four times 

 the number of scientists that can be accommodated on any American vessel. 



3. How can the provision of new research ships aid the earth and biological 



sciences as a whole? 

 In all aspects of the earth sciences, more knowledge is needed about that part 

 of the earth covered by the ocean. Similarly, in the biological sciences, com- 

 parative studies of marine organisms are essential to the solution of many 

 fundamental biological problems. The needs in both cases, however, are not for 



