reach of present U.S. technology and closely 
relates to current estimates of diver working 
potential. As a primary technological goal it is 
realistic, attainable, and immediately rewarding. 
The continental slopes, especially beyond the 
2,000 foot contour, are quite precipitous. For 
example, the next four 2,000 foot increments to 
the 10,000 foot contour each provide only about 
three per cent more bottom area. For depths from 
10,000 down to 20,000 feet, increased depth 
capability is rewarded with access to an additional 
75 per cent of the total ocean bottom area, while 
depths beyond 20,000 feet (two per cent of the 
total) are found only in a few trenches. Therefore, 
a natural deep ocean technological development 
goal exists for 20,000 feet. (See Figure 2.) 
The promising characteristics of advanced 
structural materials, new concepts of external 
machinery and equipment, and better engineering 
make operations at 20,000-foot depths a practical 
objective. Twenty thousand feet is a logical, 
realistic, yet challenging goal for technology. 
Ill. MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS 
The panel’s report is summarized in this list of 
recommendations: 
10% 
13% 
2,000 + Shelf 
10,000 
20,000 
DEPTH IN FEET 
36,000 
— 
Cc. 
he 
.An oceanic agency concentrating 
. General 
. A National Advisory Committee for the Oceans 
to guide national marine efforts. 
in one 
agency appropriate U.S. Government groups 
with primary roles and missions in the oceans 
and including a technology development group. 
.A 10-year program of intensive undersea 
development. 
. National Projects to accelerate progress into 
the undersea frontier. 
.A strong Navy undersea mission and an 
improved program in deep submergence and 
ocean engineeering. 
.An effective national commitment to the 
ocean requiring understanding and cooperation 
from all segments of the national economy. 
Fundamental Technology 
.A program to advance fundamental marine 
engineering and technology. 
. Development of engineering design handbooks, 
technical memoranda, and other design data 
with a system for continually updating this 
information. 
Test Facilities 
A program to increase the number and quality 
of test facilities and to reduce testing costs. 
75% 2% 
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Trenches 
I 
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Per cent of ocean bottom 
Figure 2. Per cent of ocean bottom that can be explored by various operating depth 
capabilities. 
