IV. Funding and Operations Requirements 



The preceding discussion leads directly to insight into requirements for ships of the future. We 

 must have a mix which will include the ability to work far from normal operating bases, will 

 accommodate large scientific parties for multidisciplinary work on site with collected 

 materials, will support deep diving submersibles and unmanned seafloor work systems, and can 

 support acoustic systems ranging from multichannel seismic to doppler profiling current 

 meters. 



In recognition of these needs, UNOLS, with NSF and Navy support, examined the developing 

 science mission requirements for new oceanographic ships and provided a plan for research 

 vessel replacement and construction (UNOLS Fleet Replacement Committee Report, 1986). 

 Conceptual designs of large ships to meet the research requirements of the next 20 to 30 years 

 are included in that report. Table G.1 is a summary of the required construction schedule. 



TABLE G.I 

 SHIP CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE 



Total 



* R/V MELVILLE and R/V KNORR 



GP = General purpose oceanographic research vessel 

 MCS = Compressors for multichannel seismics capability 

 Ice = Hull strengthened for ice capability 

 Sub = Submersible handling capability 



65 



