Appendix B. Descriptions of Programs 
Reported Which Are Current or Potential 
Users of Manned Undersea Platforms 
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE (DOC) ? 
PROGRAM TITLE AND PURPOSE 
Submerged Transportation Systems Study 
To perform a study of the economic feasibility and other implica- 
tions of submarine transportation including vessel size, propulsion, 
hull designs, cargo types and handling, port facilities, environ- 
mental effects, and research and development needs. 
Lead agency: Maritime Administration. 
Participating: Other DOC, Navy, National Science Foundation, 
Department of Transportation, Atomic Energy 
Commission, and Environmental Protection 
Agency. 
Deepwater Ports and Offshore Terminals 
To perform studies of the need for and the economic, social, and 
environmental impacts of deepwater ports and offshore terminals, 
particularly for the importation of oil. 
Lead agency: Maritime Administration (MARAD). 
‘Department of State and National Aeronautics and Space Adminis- 
tration indicated no programs requiring manned undersea activities. 
34 
REMARKS 
Could lead to new commercial ship- 
ping systems. There is a potential for 
some use of existing submersibles to 
test docking and other concepts in 
the future, to conduct site surveys for 
terminal facilities and to assist in sub- 
marine terminal construction. 
Somewhat superseded by the special 
task force established by the White 
House in July 1972 to study these 
facilities; MARAD is participating in 
that study. Habitats may have a role 
in establishing and monitoring en- 
vironmental baselines. Submersibles 
may aid site engineering studies and 
construction, plus making early en- 
vironmental observations. 
