133 



of an oceanographic vessel, and my presence here cannot be construed as offi- 

 cial. Until the construction of a given type and of a particular vessel is ap- 

 proved by Congress the Bureau has no official interest in the ship. 



A new design of vessel is added to the construction schedule usually as 

 the result of a defined military requirement. It seems to me personally that 

 the originating of the requirement for an oceanographic research vessel could 

 move faster if initiated powerfully from outside the Bureau of Ships -- perhaps 

 as the recommendation of an agency like the National Research Council, to the 

 Office of Naval Research, and through ONR to the Chief of Naval Operations. 



There is much personal interest (within the Navy Department) in newer 

 types of ships. It is important in this case that the right people talk together at 

 the right tinne. 



The alternative of using a private yard for design and construction should 

 not be overlooked. The Government has found it wise to subsidize specialized 

 ship construction because of possible wartime use. 



In some respects, such as saving in time, weight and critical materials 

 and avoiding priorities, the comnnercial construction scheme might be faster 

 and more satisfactory. 



But for either Navy or commercial construction, three things are re- 

 quired: 



a. A consensus on what is wanted. (Recommended, a commnittee of one 

 representative each from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 

 Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Office of Naval Research, and 

 one nnember at large, preferably an expert in the shipping industry. ) 



b. If Navy-furnished, the operational control must be under proven 

 auspices with a record of previous good operating experience. 



c. The proposal's details must be at hand in advance, for use at the 

 most advantageous time for making the proposal. 



Finally it is reconamended that organized cells of interest be formed to 

 further the symposium's idea on: 



1. echo-sounders 



2. reversing thermometers 



3. oceanographic research vessels 



DISCUSSION: AllynC. Vine 



Mr. Kielhorn has certainly opened up a long standing topic for discus- 

 sion. He has said so little to argue with that all I can do is to approach the 

 same problem with a little different slant. 



Before going into details on a research vessel I would like to explain a 

 few of my general thoughts on the construction and operation of a marine re- 

 search vessel. While you may or may not agree with them they have served as 

 the basis for my thinking. 



Conversions will always have their place in oceanographic research and 

 this report is not aimed at eliminating them. It does not, however, seem wise 

 or economical to use nothing but conversions. A good research vessel can 

 serve as an excellent prototype for vessels which industry or the Navy will need 

 for their research or development projects, and can serve as a guide in the 

 conversion of other vessels for research. 



