Of the three alternative methods for accomplish- 
ing these—(1) establishing a new coordinating com- 
mittee; (2) expanding the functions of existing or 
related interagency groups; and (3) designating a 
lead agency—the designation of a lead civil agency 
was adopted by ICMSE. ICMSE also recommended 
that the lead agency make platform data available 
to current and potential users, explore the uses with 
other agencies, continue the accumulation of require- 
ments and utilization data, defer new systems devel- 
opment until existing platforms are fully utilized or 
declared technically unsuitable, and transfer avail- 
able technology to the civil sector whenever pos- 
sible. The lead agency assignment was to the Na- 
tional Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, to 
be performed by its Manned Undersea Science and 
Technology Office. 
After presentation of the findings and recommen- 
dations of the study to ICMSE on October 19, 1972, 
ICMSE recorded its conclusions on page 33 of its 
report, entitled “Report of the Annual Review—Fed- 
eral Ocean Program for Fiscal Year 1974” as 
follows: 
“Title: Utilization of Manned Undersea Submer- 
sibles and Habitats 
“Problem: Of the 50-60 submersibles produced 
over the last ten years, only 10-15 remain usable. 
Utilization of these is estimated at about 30 per- 
cent. The role of the Federal Government in as- 
sessing the need for submersibles and habitats 
and in assuring the continued availability of those 
considered necessary to meet marine research re- 
quirements needs to be clarified. 
“A preliminary survey of ICMSE member agen- 
cies indicates that many have programs which po- 
tentially could benefit from the use of submer- 
sibles. However, among the civilian agencies, FY 
1973 funds specifically earmarked for leasing them 
are included only in the NOAA budget as part of 
the Manned Undersea Science and Technology 
Program. 
“Proposed Action: YCMSE recommends _ that 
NOAA, through its Manned Undersea Science and 
Technology Office, provide a continuing assess- 
ment of the Federal civilian agency needs for 
submersibles and habitats, and coordinate the 
utilization of available commercial and Navy as- 
sets by the civilian Federal agencies.” 
