A special problem exists with small business 
which historically has had difficulty obtaining 
security clearances and need-to-know on classified 
programs. Small companies often lack general 
knowledge of information sources of the Federal 
Government. Progressive companies prepare unso- 
licited proposals to demonstrate their expertise. 
However, unless industry is aware of project needs, 
time and money may be wasted in submitting 
proposals for duplicative efforts. 
The U.S. Government role in technology trans- 
fer must be based on (1) a positive policy that the 
release of marine science and technology is a 
legitimate function and (2) an implementation of 
the policy in the agencies concerned with funda- 
mental technology, ocean exploration and survey, 
and ocean services. For example, the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration has accom- 
plished the transfer of technical data by establish- 
ing technology utilization officers at its various 
activities, placing responsibility in an identifiable 
office or individual. However, great care must be 
taken in the treatment of patentable data to assure 
an incentive through ownership for the developer 
who risks funds in furthering his invention. 
The Navy role in dissemination of technical 
data is particularly important because of the 
magnitude of its ocean research and development 
program. It should be recognized that there are 
penalties to both under- and over-classification. 
What is most needed is a consistent classification 
policy directed toward optimizing the technical 
and military superiority of the United States. 
Since only the Navy can judge the implications of 
its data, it must carry out this function with the 
utmost care. 
C. Relationships Among Nations 
From the earliest times the oceans have sup- 
ported bonds of commerce and culture. However, 
historic relationships are changing, accelerated by 
advances in marine technology, enabling nations to 
conduct activities farther from home and in deeper 
water. Multinational communication is necessary 
to the beneficial utilization of the sea because of 
the international character of marine science, the 
sheer magnitude of the unexplored undersea fron- 
tier, and the free use tradition of open ocean areas. 
The size, complexity, and variability of the marine 
environment emphasize the importance of interna- 
tional cooperation. 
VI-20 
As a basis for harmonious international marine 
exploration and resource development, certain 
premises should underlie national policies and 
programs. Excellence, experience, and capabilities 
in marine science and technology exist in several 
nations and cooperation can be beneficial to the 
United States. 
In the development of ocean resources, major 
capital investments must be protected. Uncertain- 
ties in interpretation and application of existing 
international law may result in conflicts between 
nations, particularly with regard to the width of 
territorial seas, rights of innocent passage, and the 
exploitation of ocean resources. A legal framework 
is required to prevent conflicts and to preserve the 
traditional freedom of the sea. 
U.S. marine technology developments should 
consider both international competition and coop- 
eration. Where consistent with the national inter- 
est, programs should encourage increased coopera- 
tion and data exchange among ocean scientists and 
engineers of all nations. The U.S. should consider 
advanced marine technology as a prime export 
product and as a foreign aid tool to assist 
developing countries to strengthen their capabili- 
ties for using the ocean and its resources as a 
means to economic progress. The International 
Panel proposes an international framework for 
ocean exploration in its report. 
V. TECHNICAL INTERRELATIONSHIPS 
In addition to economic, social, political, inter- 
national, and military pressures, interrelated tech- 
nical areas also influence marine technology devel- 
opment. Included are those among science, 
engineering, and technology and those between 
outerspace and hydrospace development. 
A. Science—Engineering—Technology 
Using modern technology, man can explore and 
understand increasingly greater portions of the 
marine environment. Improvements in technology 
lead to an ability to monitor, measure, and predict 
environmental phenomena more accurately. De- 
signs for and operations of such complex undersea 
military systems as those employed in an anti- 
submarine warfare and undersea command and 
control are dominated by acoustical conditions. In 
fact, almost all undersea activities are heavily 
influenced by environmental considerations. 
