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The United States Navy has made an effort to divert naval personnel and 

 naval vessels into the fields of basic and applied physical oceanography, but, as 

 shall be pointed out, cannot hope to carry out extensive programs efficiently for 

 several reasons. The Navy has the interest, and the requirement for oceano- 

 graphic information. Unfortunately, answers to some of its more urgent ques- 

 tions cannot yet be found because there remains a relative paucity of the oceano- 

 graphic and hydrographic data required to resolve such problems. The need 

 for information is twofold: for hydrographic information which can never be too 

 detailed for naval use, and for oceanographic information both general in nature, 

 muchof which we now have, and for detailed investigations that will explain the 

 mechanics of the ocean itself and in its bordering media. 



It is especially the need for the latter which concerns us here. This is 

 a problem for approach by the scientific method, not the military method. Res- 

 olution of oceanographic problems should rest wholly with those best trained and 

 most aware of what information is required. It remains for the agencies need- 

 ing the resultant information to furnish the investigators with the finest tools 

 and instruments in the interest of accuracy and efficiency. As any mechanic 

 knows, there is nothing more expensive than a cheap tool. It is not proposed 

 that a cheap tool shall be handed to the contractor with orders to proceed to car- 

 ry out precision work. On the other hand, it should not be carried to the other 

 extreme by expending funds on a luxury yacht which could be better spent by 

 building two working vessels. A ship is always a compromise between many 

 factors depending upon its proposed use, and thought must be given to the tool, 

 or ship, which will provide the maximum of service for a minimum of cost. 



THE TYPE 



What kind of a ship is it that would best suit the needs for the science of 

 the sea'' Historic precendents indicate a large, slow ship capable of making 

 extended cruises of two or three years. More recently, there has been a trend 

 towards vessels of more modest size, such as the ketch ATLANTIS. And for 

 other uses, the smaller coastal craft have done noble service. 



In this discussion the field will be narrowed down to the category of the 

 small ocean-going ship capable of crossing any ocean, and being able to remain 

 at sea for about two months. The larger vessels may be ruled out, for there is 

 insufficient need of them to warrant building a class of that type. The coastal 

 types may be converted from present day minesweepers, small Coast Guard 

 cutters, or good fishing vessels. This leaves us with the requirement for a 

 unit about 150 feet long and displacing about 600 gross tons. This would be a 

 vessel too expensive for construction by private research organizations, yet not 

 too costly for them to operate. It would be large enough to be equipped with 

 gear and apparatus used in all phases of oceanography, yet it would be small 

 enough to maneuver easily and operate efficiently. It would be long enough to at- 

 tain the required speed, and it would be comfortable and seaworthy. 



The hull of such a ship should be of welded steel, and careful thought 

 would be given to design of space for efficient research and for comfortable liv- 

 ing. Mr. William Von Arx has admonished us to give every consideration for 

 comfort compatible with the primary mission of the ship, which would include 

 the comiplete air-conditioning of all living spaces. The wheel house and chart 

 house must be a little larger than usual, for the latest and best navigational 

 equipment will be used. The radio room may be incorporated into the chart 

 house since there is little or no need for constant radio connnnunication except 

 in special instances. A scientific office and drafting room would occupy the 

 main deck space under and forward of the bridge. The oceanographic laboratory 



