make sure that viable research efforts on MUA 
are not needlessly constrained. 
emia should perform these functions. One par- 
ticular need is to establish criteria and guide- 
lines for MUA research, components, systems, 
Recommendations and operations. 
e In order to ensure appropriate emphasis and 
funding and to prevent unnecessary duplica- 
tion, a single federal agency that possesses 
PROGRAMS IN MANNED UNDERSEA ACTIVITY 
Conclusions 
the capability and charter, should take the 
lead in the coordination of programs with 
other concerned agencies and should act as 
the civil focal point in the U.S. Government 
to take on the following functions: 
—Assist in contracting and in the guidance 
of prospective suppliers of submersibles 
and habitats in support of the ocean science 
community where government participation 
is required 
—Take the lead in an overall government and 
civilian assessment of the potential for use 
of military and industrial manned undersea 
activity, and develop its contribution for 
civil uses 
—Provide advisory review services to the fed- 
eral government for manned undersea capa- 
bilities and activities 
NOTE: The Interagency Committee on Marine Sci- 
ence and Engineering recommended a similar 
role for NOAA in October 1972 during the review 
of the Federal Ocean Program, and NOAA is so 
serving. This action was not addressed during 
the course of this study, but is referenced here 
and in Appendix B for information only. 
e@ The University National Oceanographic Labora- 
tory Systems (UNOLS) could be a mechanism 
for coordinating the use of MUA facilities by 
the academic community. These facilities 
should include DSV’s and sea floor labora- 
tories. 
e Liaison and joint operations with foreign MUA 
programs should be increased with a view 
toward greater international participation in 
and cooperation with U.S. programs. Several 
nations now maintain active programs in 
MUA. Joint efforts with these nations would 
be beneficial to civil and government MUA in 
the United States and should be encouraged 
in both the government and civilian sectors. 
e A nongovernment advisory group on civil MUA 
should be established. A continuing assess- 
ment is needed of civil MUA as it relates to 
U.S. interests in the oceans. A group of quali- 
fied representatives from industry and acad- 
® The present state of the federal ocean pro- 
gram suggests that near-term growth of civil 
MUA will be slow unless MUA can demon- 
strate more convincingly an economic justifi- 
cation for expenditures. The reduction of Navy 
submersible leasing has not been matched by 
a comparable increase in activity of the civil 
agencies, leaving an excess in civilian sub- 
mersible capability. 
© The maximum growth area for all aspects of 
civil MUA will probably be in its use for sys- 
tematic programs aimed at understanding the 
coastal zone environment and resources and 
the related ecology. 
e Technology does not severely limit the present 
use of MUA. The technology being developed 
through industry and the Navy needs to be 
transferred more effectively to other sectors. 
e Continued research on diver physiology and 
underwater medicine is required to improve 
safety and equipment design for endurance 
diving operations. 
e Too few selected undersea natural areas are 
preserved specifically for long-term scientific 
study and recreational use. 
Recommendations 
@ Program planning for the federal ocean pro- 
gram should be monitored to ensure that civil 
MUA interests are represented, particularly 
when the civil sector can help solve problems 
in the federal program. The existing Inter- 
agency Committee on Marine Science and 
Engineering could expand to perform this 
function. The committee now coordinates 11 
federal agencies that have marine interests. 
e Better mechanisms are needed for the ex- 
change of MUA technology between the Navy 
and the civil sector. The Navy at present has 
the largest MUA program, and is both the 
major contractor and customer to ocean sci- 
ence and ocean engineering. Many Navy MUA 
facilities could be used more effectively for 
civil MUA when the Navy can spare them and 
in accordance with current regulations. 
The NAS-NAE study report, excerpted above, was issued in 1973. 
25 
