Manned Undersea Science and Technology fiscal years ... report

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Manned Undersea
Science and Technology
Fiscal Years 1977 and
1978 Report
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Office of Ocean Engineering

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

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1977-78
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1977-78

COVER: Artist's conception of Hydro-Lab habitat and surrounding terrain off St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

P'TMo Manned Undersea
Science and Technology
Fiscal Years 1977 and
ENT OF 1978 Repo

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Rockville, Md.
August 1979

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I C U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE NOAA
4 COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
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29405-2413
CHARLESTON, SC

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Juanita M. Kreps, Secretary
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X C'j National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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0 Richard A. Frank, Administrator
Office of Ocean Engineering
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(Y) Steven N. Anastasion, Director

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Propozty of OSC LibrarY

mention of a commercial product does not constitute an
endorsement by the Department of Commerce or National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration. Use for publicity or adver-
tising purposes of information from this publication concerning
proprietary products or the tests of such products is not
authorized.

CONTENTS

List of Acronyms .................................................................. vi

Introduction and Summary ............................................................
Background ..................................................... le ............ . 2
Objectives ...... ............. 3
Summary of MUS&T Activities for Fiscal Years 1977-1978 ................................. 4
Requirements and Systems Analyses ............................... ........... ....... 7
User Surveys of Manned Underwater Activities .................... 7
....................
I I .
Survey Summary ................................................... 7
Department of Agriculture ................................................... 8
Department of Commerce ..................................... 8
Department of Energy ....................................................... 8
Department of Health, Education and Welfare ................................... 8
Department of the Interior ................................................... 8
Department of Labor ........................................................ 9
U.S. Coast Guard ........................................................... 9
Environmental Protection Agency ............................................. 9
National Aeronautics and Space Administration ................................ 9
Smithsonian Institution ...................................................... 9
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ................................................ 9
Utilization and Status of Research Submersibles and Habitats ......................... 9
U.S. Utilization Trends and Status, FY 1977 and 1978 ............................. 9
Submersibles ............................................................... 9
Fixed Habitats ............................................................. 17
Remotely Operated Vehicles .................................................. 17
Facility Status .............................................................. 17
Summary ..................................................................... 24
Oceanlab Program ............................................................... 24
Cooperative National Manned Underwater Laboratory Regional Programs ........... 25
Hydro-Lab Regional Program ................................................... 25
Operational Effectiveness and Safety .................................................. 27
NOAA Diving Program .......................................................... 27
Administrative Structure ....................................................... 27
NOAA Divers ................................................................ 27
Revision of NOAA Diving Manual .............................................. 29
Diving Program Computer Data Base ............................................ 33
Training and Safety ............................................................. 33
Recompression Chamber Operator Course ........................................ 33
Workshop on Scuba Lifesaving and Accident Management ......................... 33
Training of Physicians in Hyperbaric Medicine .................................... 34

iii

Free Ascent Training Workshop ................................................. 34
Commercial Diver Training at the Florida Institute of Technology ................... 34
Physiology and Medicine ......................................................... 35
High-Altitude Diving Tables .................................................... 35
NOAA Nitrox I ............................................................... 35
Operational Evaluation of Bubble Detectors ...................................... 36
Microbi6rffaCzards Associated with Diving in Polluted Water ....................... 36
Anacostia River Site ........................................................ 36
@Ne' W-7 V o-r-k- 'Bight Apex ....................................................... 37
g
V 37
iviiig Technology ..............................................................
Digital Decompression Computer ................................................ 37
i?ortable Inflatable Recompression Chamber (PIRC) ............................... 38
One-Atmosphere (JIM), Suit .................................................... 39
Diving Information .................................................................. 41
'The-NQ,@ or 41
_4. Div@ . ......................................................... ..
@biying AQcident'Network .................................................... - 41
Biblibgraph-y-of -Diving and Submarine Medicine .................................. 41
Glossary of Hyperbaric and Diving Terms ........................................ 41
Underwater Fatality Statistics Study .................................... I...... - 41
Applied Technology and Advanced Concepts .......................................... 43
Underwater Physics Research ...................................................... 43
Project UNCLE (Undersea Cosmic Lepton Experiments) ........................... 43
NOAAJHarbor Branch Foundation Cooperative Projects ........................... 43
UNCLE Workshop at University of Washington/ Western Washington University ...... 44
Project DUMAND (Deep Undersea Muon and Neutrino Detector) .................. 44
Nuclear Activation Analysis ....................................................... 45
X-Ray Fluorescence .......... I ................................................ 45
Neutron Activation ............................................................ 46
Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generator Power Supply ............................... 46
Active Biological Substance Study ................................................. 46
Marine Science Applications ......................................................... 47
Surface-Supported Diving Research ................................................ 47
Surf Clam-Ocean Quahog and Ocean Pulse Survey ................................ 47
Ocean Pulse and Herring Spawning Survey ....................................... 47
Deepwater Research Submersible Activities, 1977 .................................... 48
NMFS/ Systematics Laboratory-Tongue of the Ocean ............................. 48
Great Abaco Canyon Study ..................................................... 48
Baltimore Canyon Slump-Mission I ............................................ 48
Atlantis Canyon Mission ...... I................................................. 49
Deepwater Research Submersible Activities, 1978 .................................... 49
Hatteras Transect Submersible Studies ........................................... 49
Baltimore Canyon Slump-Mission 11 ............................................ 49
Oceanographer Canyon Survey .................................................. 50
Shallow Water Research Submersible Activities, 1977 ................................. 50
Reconnaissance of Proposed OTEC Pipeline Route ................................ 50

Shallow Water Research Submersible Activities, 1978 ................................. 51
Slipper Lobster Investigation ................................................. 51
Mid-Atlantic Megabenthic Crustacean Survey ..................................... 51
Mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf Study ............................................ 51
Atlantic Continental Slope Geological Investigation ................................ 51
Southeast Coast of Alaska Fisheries Investigation ................................. 52
Cosmic Ray Photo Emulsion Detector Deployment Missions ........................ 52
X-Ray Fluorescence Probe Evaluation ........................................... 52
Hydro-Lab Regional Program Science Missions ....................................... 53
Comparative Study of Chaetodontid Foraging Patterns ............................. 53
The Role of Light in Nocturnal/ Diurnal Changeover Patterns
of Certain Coral Reef Fishes .................................................... 53
Regulatory Mechanisms in Coral Reef Fish Communities ........................... 54
Diel and Depth Variation in the Population Densities of Herbivorous Fishes .......... 55
Diel and Depth Variation in Population Densities
of Commercially Important Carnivorous Fishes .................................... 55
Response of Squids to Night Lights and Reef Behavior of Octopuses ................. 55
Spawning of Western Atlantic Reef Fishes ........................................ 55
Coral Distribution in the Salt River Canyon ....................................... 56
Comparison of Mediterranean and Caribbean Benthionic Biological Systems .......... 57
Interagency and International Activities . . I ............................................ 58
Research Submersible AlvinlLulu System Support ................................... 58
Submersible Safety ............................................................... 58
UNOLS Research Submersible Facility Requirements Study ........................... 59
National Diving Safety Research ................................................... 60
United States-Japan Program ..................................................... 61
United States-France Program ................................................... 62
Appendix: Survey of Federal Agency Civilian Manned Undersea Activities ................ 65
Bibliography ....................................................................... 76

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ABS American Bureau of Shipping M/V Merchant Vessel
AOML Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteoro- NAE National Academy of Engineering
logical Laboratory NAS National Academy of Science
BLM Bureau of Land Management NASA National Aeronautics and Space Ad-
CNCA Council for National Cooperation in ministration
Aquatics NEFC Northeast Fisheries Center
COE Corps of Engineers (U.S. Army) NIOSH National Institute for Occupational
CSDL Charles Stark Draper Laboratories Safety and Health
CzM Coastal Zone Management NMFS National Marine Fisheries Service
DOE Department of Energy NOS National Ocean Survey
DOI Department of the Interior NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
DOL Department of Labor Administration
DSRV Deep Sea Research Vehicle NSF National Science Foundation
DUMAND Deep Undersea Muon and Neutrino NWAFC Northwest Alaska Fisheries Center
Detector OCS Outer Continental Shelf
EDIS Environmental Data and Information ONR Office of Naval Research
Service OOE Office of Ocean Engineering
EMT Emergency Medical Technician PIRC Portable Inflatable Recompression
EPA Environmental Protection Agency Chamber
ERL Environmental Research Laboratories RDL Relative Day Length
EUBS European Underwater Biomedical RDT&E Research, Development, Test, and
Society Evaluation
FDU Fairleigh Dickinson University ROV Remotely Operated Vehicle
FISSHH First International Saturation Study of RTG Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator
Herring and Hydroacoustics R/V Research Vessel
FIT Florida Institute of Technology SAR Search and Rescue
FY Fiscal Year SEFC Southeast Fisheries Center
GSFC Goddard Space Flight Center SMU Southern Massachusetts University
HEW Department of Health, Education and SWFC Southwest Fisheries Center
Welfare UJNR United States-Japan Cooperative Pro-
JAMSTEC Japan Marine Science and Technology gram in Natural Resources
Center UMS Undersea Medical Society
JSL Johnson-Sea-Link UNCLE Undersea Cosmic Lepton Experiments
MG&GL Marine Geology and Geophysics Lab UNH University of New Hampshire
MLC Major Line Component UNOLS University National Oceanographic
MPE Main Program Element Laboratory System
MTS Marine Technology Society URI University of Rhode island
MURT Manned Undersea Research and Tech- USGS United States Geological Survey
nology UofW/WWU University of Washington/ Western
MUS&T Manned Undersea Science and Tech- Washington University
nology WIL West Indies Laboratory

INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY

This report of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric request initiated by Congress, requirements for improv-
Administration (NOAA) Manned Undersea Science and ing manned underwater technology capabilities to
Technology (MUS&T) Program presents a general support U.S. underwater scientific and engineering
review of the Program's development and management, a endeavors and missions were studied and a first
summary of significant accomplishments, and a detailed cooperative national manned underwater laboratory
description of new and ongoing activities in the period regional program initiated at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
October 1976 through September 1978 (Fiscal Years 1977 Islands. These latter endeavors were part of the Oceanlab
and 1978). A bibliography documenting reports on Program, which is intended to focus on man-in-the-sea
MUS&T-supported activities not cited in the FY 1976 support of national and NOAA undersea scientific
Report is also provided. research and operations.
The purpose of the MUS&T Program is primarily to The Office of Ocean Engineering, through its MUS&T
foster these manned underwater scientific investigations Office, continued to serve as the management focus for
that meet the needs and requirements of NOAA and to NOAA in cost- and use-sharing arrangement for the
encourage studies and activities that increase the safty, support of the deep sea research submersible Alvin. This
usefulness, and versatility of manned undersea,opera- arrangement began in 1975 in partnership with the
tions. The program also conducts cooperative undersea National Science Foundation and the U.S. Navy. The
program with other Federal agencies and provides growth of NOAA's diving program and NOAA's
liaison, advice, and support to Federal, State, academic, increasing role in U.S. civil diving safety activities are
and institutional bodies performing manned, undersea reviewed, International cooperative man-in-the-sea pro-
work. grams have been continued.
During the time period of this report (FY 1977 and Activities of FY 1977 and 1978 are described under the
1978), interagency activities involved diver safety, following categories: requirements and systems analyses;
underwater physics research, and the use of submersibles operational effectiveness and safety, applied technology
and a habitat for underwater biological, geological, and advanced concepts; marine science applications; and
scientific, and environmental studies. In response to a interagency and international activities.

BACKGROUND

The MUS&T Program was created to fulfill part of research. Manned platforms have been leased through
NOAA's responsibility for significantly increasing our contracts and grants to universities and to operations of
knowledge of the ocean's resources and processes. the platforms. based on competitive and sole-source
Impetus for its formation came from recommendations procurement. Maximum cost effectiveness has been
by the National Marine Council, various advisory panels, sought through the cooperative involvement and support
and the Commission on Marine Science, Engineering, of other agencies engaged in underwater research.
and Resources. Scientific and technical programs have been selected from
Although initial funds for the Program were not unsolicited proposals and reviewed by members of the
available until August 1971, staffing and planning began staff and outside reviewers. Selection of programs is
in December 1970. The MUS&T Program was assigned based on national goals and needs, and the priorities
to the NOAA Associate Administrator for Science and recommended or suggested by appropriate review panels
Technology until September 1971, when it was or individuals from the private sector and from
transferred to the Associate Administrator for Marine government.
Resources. At the beginning of FY 1977, the MUS&T Scientific operations and missions support NOAA's
Program became part of the Office of Ocean Engineering, MUS&T Program objectives in marine science, particu-
now in the Office of Research and Development. larly the evaluation and development of our marine
Funds appropriated to the MUS&T Program have resources. Knowledge gained from these projects is also
been budgeted into broad functional categories: used to plan longer-range and more extensive marine
operational effectiveness, safety, and technical coordina- endeavors and to solve day-to-day problems arising from
tion; fisheries research support; environmental research competing interests in coastal and inland waters and the
support; submersible Alvin support; and other scientific deep ocean.

OBJECTIVES

The basic objectives of the Manned Undersea Science habitats and submersibles.
and,Technology (MUS&T) Program are to: Encourage and cocrdnate the transfer of undersea
technology, including advances in diver technology
� Provide manned underwater and operational and all civilian, military,and foreign undersea
support to NOAA and other agencies investigating scientific and technological developments.
marine resources and environmental problems for
which subsurface observations and collection of These objectives are being pursued by a small staff of
data by man are required. technical personnel who are acquainted with Federal,
� Develop, support, and manage a N0AA diving industrial, and academic underwater programs and
program to assure safe diving and more efficient interests and whose standing in the marine science and
operations for prolonged manned missions in technology community is well recognized. The staffs
coastal waters and on the continental shelf. programming endeavors are guided by the advice of other
� Synthesize data from MUS&T-supported inves- NOAA components and by the suggestions and
tigations and disseminate data to the user com- recommendations of such bodies as the National
munity to improve understanding of the nature and Academy of Science and National Academy of
availability of marine resources. Engineering (NAS/NAE): join task forces with other
� Foster and coordinate manned undersea science Federal agencies such the U.S.Navy, National Science
projects with Federal and State agencies, industry, Foundation (NSF), Department or Energy (DOE). U.S.
institutions, and universities. Coast Guard. and the National Institute for Occupational
� Develop scientific and technical criteria for the Safety and Health (NIOSH); and representatives from
design of civilian undersea facilities and platforms industrial and academic organizations and private
through experience gained by using available institutions and foundations.

SUMMARY OF MUS&T ACTIVITIES
FOR FISCAL YEARS 1977-1978

NOAA's Office of Ocean Engineering, through its of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, National
Manned Undersea Science and Technology (MUS&T) Aeronautics and Space Administration, and U.S.
Office in NOAA, has supported civilian operational Geological Survey. Together with the U.S. Navy and
capabilities for man to work under the sea in support of National Science Foundation (NSF), NOAA has funded
programs that aim to achieve a better understanding, the operation of the deep sea research submersible Alvin,
assessment, and use of the marine environment and its operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Laboratory
resources. System under a grant from NSF.
Major efforts were expended on establishing, by means During fiscal years 1977 and 1978, MUS&T sponsored
of user surveys and mission system analyses, the scientific research missions using the deep-sea research submersible
and operational requirements for manned underwater Alvin for seven missions; the Harbor Branch Foundation
activities. Federal agencies were again queried to Johnson-Sea-Link research submersible for three mis-
establish those planned and potential marine civil sions; and shallow water research submersibles off
programs which would benefit from the availability of Southeast Alaska, the eastern mid-Atlantic ocean coast,
manned underwater facilities. The first phases of the and off Hawaii for six missions. In addition, the Hydro-
Oceanlab Program (which was redirected at the end of FY Lab habitat was purchased by NOAA and used to initiate
1978) concluded with a complete mission analysis of both a cooperative regional program at Fairleigh Dickinson
NOAA and other Federal civil marine programs as well as University's West Indies Laboratory in St. Croix, U.S.
those research programs cited by the science community Virgin Islands. During the first year of operation of the
as ones which require manned underwater facility Hydro-Lab in Calendar 1978, a total of eight saturated
support. Although the Oceanlab concept of an science diving missions were conducted involving
autonomous, advanced capability, all-weather, manned scientists from twelve United States and foreign
mobile underwater laboratory facility was deferred, a universities.
program to consider cooperative national manned The apportionment of the MUS&T funding for FY
underwater laboratory regional programs using man-in- 1977 and 1978 is shown in Figure I for broad functional
the-sea techniques was initiated. areas: operational effectiveness, safety, and technical
MUS&T has continued to support NOAA inves- coordination (including requirements and systems
tigations involving marine resources and environmental analyses); fisheries research support; environmental
problems for which manned subsurface observations and research support; and Alvin support provided to the
data collection are required. In addition, the program has Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Of the total
continued to assess the status of submersibles and funding available during this period, two-thirds has been
habitats and to coordinate the use of available spent out-of-house. This is shown in Figure 2, which
commercial and Navy assets for civilian Federal agencies' presents the funding in five categories: submersible leases;
requirements. Included have been scientific projects habitat leases; research project support (all three outside
jointly sponsored by NOAA and other Federal agencies, MUS&T); systems studies; and salaries, travel, supplies,
including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department and equipment (MUS&T expenses).

FY 1977 FY 1978

..... ..........
xx

26.3
------------
.... ---------

..........
............
.............
36.2 2.3 ... ......

..........
..........t

22 2

. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .
$1,060,000 $1,518,000

KEY

OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, SAFETY, SUBMERSIBLE ALVIN SUPPORT
AND TECHNOLOGY COORDINATION

FISHERIES RESEARCH SUPPORT OTHER SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH SUPPORT

Figure l.-MUS&T Funding by Broad Functional Areas, FY 1977 and 1978

FY 1977 FY 1978

2 28.3 41.6 38.2 36.5
14
cc t
CD
0

LLJ
CA
30.1
25-.0

$1,060,000 $1,518,000

... . . .. .....
..........
...........
...........
............
............
..... . . .. .. ... ..
co

35.7
LU

0
12.0

$1,357,000 $1,256,000

SUBMERSIBLE LEASES Ld SYSTEM STUDIES
RESEARCH PROJECTS SUPPORT F@ HABITAT LEASES

IN-HOUSE EXPENSES

Figure 2.-MUS&T Funding for FY 1977 and 1978

REQUIREMENTSAND SYSTEMS
ANALYSES

This section summarizes requirements and systems Oceanographer of the Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, and
accomplished during FY 1977 and 1978. A fourth survey NOAA, from September 1977 through June 1978.*
was conducted of civil Federal agencies to determine Eleven government agencies were surveyed, with
actual and potential marine programs involving the use of current and planned civilian programs involving the use
manned undersea facilities.* The utilization and status of of manned undersea facilities identified and discussed in
manned undersea facilities is presented and trends in detail. In addition, those government programs that
usage noted of both fiscal years. The initial systems would use an underwater facility if supplied and operated
analyses and engineering studies for the Oceanlab grant at no cost to the individual program were also identified.
are summarized and the September 1978 redirection Specific information sought included project purpose;
discussed. facility requirements; geographic locations; operating
These studies involved user surveys of NOAA water depth; scientific instrumentation requirements; and
operational and scientific mission requirements as well as mode of facility operation including time frame, number
surveys of the academic and private communities for of dives and repeat intervals, and funding levels.
research programs involving man-in-the-sea activities.
The studies also analyzed the necessary manned
underwater technology and facilities for both regional Survey Summary
and national manned undersea science and technology
programs.
Of the eleven agencies contacted during this survey,
nine identified some type of program which was using, or
USER SURVEYS OF MANNED UNDER- could use, manned undersea facilities to date. All the
WATER ACTIVITIES actual or potential programs are tabulated in the program
summaries in categories which parallel previous studies,
During this reporting period, extensive surveys were surveys, or analyses of mission requirements. This format
conducted of Federal agency, civilian, and academic was selected to afford continuity between present and
marine science and technology programs involving past surveys and also to provide ease of entry of this
manned undersea facilities. The latter were included in information into other related manned undersea facility
the studies made in the Oceanlab program and are data tabulations.
reported in a later section of this report. Summarized Categories used for program summary presentation
below is a survey of Federal agency actual and potential are:
civilian marine programs requiring manned undersea Fisheries General Oceanography
facilities; a detailed listing of those programs is given in Geology Oil Research Activity
the Appendix. These results, as well as those from the Biology Inspection
Oceanlab efforts, will serve as guidelines to Federal and Pollution Coral Harvest
civilian research groups in establishing support for the use Research, Development, Test Recreation/ Education
of existing facilities and for the development, construc- & Evaluation (RDT&E)
tion, and utilization of future U.S. manned underwater To provide comparisons with previous MUS&T user
systems. surveys, it was necessary to omit, add, or regroup -,-ome
The following information is based on a survey of categories for accuracy of tabulation of data from this
present Federal age ncy utilization and future require- survey to the following.
ments which was performed during January and Fiiheries: Includes all fisheries and mariculture-related
February 1978 and an international study of manned research.
submersibles conducted under the auspices of the
*Both studies were conducted by R.F. Busby Associates under
*The previous surveys have been presented in prior MUS&T fiscal year Department of Congress Contract No. MD-ADI-78-004077 and U.S.
reports. Navy Contract No. N62306-75-C-0049.

Pollution: Includes ocean spill and dumping, toxicity, The degree of response generated within NOAA can be
and seabed waste research. attributed also to the impetus for more extensive marine
RDT&E- Includes diver safety, instrumentation, investigations brought about by the extension of U.S.
energy research, and ice-scoring programs. offshore territorial limits to 200 miles and also because of
General Oceanography. Includes all basic oceanogra- required studies related to oil and natural gas exploration
phic research as well as environmental data collection and and exploitation on the Outer Continental Shelf.
background studies.
Reported and potential programs are presented Department of Energy (DOE)
alphabetically by Federal department in the Appendix.
Reported programs are those in which there was an Most of the reported and potential vehicle utilization
immediate plan for funding of manned undersea facility programs were identified by personnel from outside
utilization. Potential programs were those identified laboratories receiving DOE funding. This is to be
surveys or projects which could make use of a manned expected as DOE usually funds and then monitors
undersea facility if it were available. This latter group outside organizations to meet their research objectives.
generally stipulated a free-of-charge availability. Not all Battelle-Northwest is conducting the only reported
the potential programs summarized in this report DOE program utilizing submersibles. This program is
represent an official parent agency viewpoint, as each involved with test and evaluation of a sediment pollution
individual respondent was asked to present an opinion analyzer using X-ray fluorescence technique (see Applied
for potential facility utilization based on the objectives Of Technology and Advanced Concepts). Battelle and
his or her present program. Sandia Laboratory identified two RDT&E programs and
General responses of each of the Federal departments one pollution program that could beneficially utilize a
and agencies contacted during this survey are summa- submersible. The sole potential program identified by in-
rized below. house personnel concerned mariculture efforts and
associated toxicity problems with upwelled water. This
Department of Agriculture program is included in the fisheries category.

No reported or potential programs. Department of Health, Education and Welfare
(HEW)
Department of Commerce
Coastal Plains Regional Commission: Administra- HEW is not an in-house user of manned facilities. They
tively, the Commission is under the aegis of the rely mainly on data collected by others and therefore
Department of Commerce, yet its funding comes directl contract outside services to perform their research needs.
y The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
from Congress and not from Commerce. Most, if not all, (NIOSH) within HEW, however, is a user of diver and
of its programs are conducted through grants to State diving equipment safety data. The results of these data
agencies and universities. Three contacts were established would best be reaffirmed through the utilization of
within the Commission, and one potential vehicle undersea facilities, and NIOSH indicated a potential
utilization program was identified. This program desire to pursue the use of available manned facilities for
involved evaluation of the fisheries economics of artificial this reason.
reefs off the Carolina and Georgia coasts. The evaluation
entails assessment of fish growth and stock replacement
rates on the reefs. This program was not included in the Department Of the Interior (DOI)
program summaries of this report, nor, were any
university personnel contacted, as it was felt that the Other than NOAA programs, the greatest number of
Commission would more properly fall into the academic positive responses of reported and potential programs for
arena. manned undersea vehicle utilization came from DOI,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: particularly from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
NOAA returned the most positive, detailed, and and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The
comprehensive responses related to requirements for purpose of most of the programs reported by these two
manned undersea facility utilization in this survey, since groups is to collect background data on which to base
NOAA personnel are constantly involved with oceanic management decisions concerning oil leasing activities.
problems and are more aware of the capabilities of Included in these efforts are studies of geological
undersea platforms than other potential Federal users. processes, bottom stability, geological hazards, the effect
The NOAA responses were divided into four major of drilling on the marine environment, and the
disciplines: fisheries, geology, oceanography, and biology, delineation of unique features such as live bottom areas.
with the majority of programs coming from fisheries In this context, it is not unusual for BLM to fund USGS
components. Programs listed within these four NOAA laboratories to perform the at-sea research. Some
categories are included in the program summary section overlapping of program types exists due to the regional
within the ten overall categories listed above. responsibilities of these components.

The twenty-three potential programs reported by DOI assessments and is discussed in the section entitled
cover a variety of disciplines from the basic sciences and Applied Technology and Advanced Concepts.
RDT&E to recreational aspects of undersea facilities.
These range from the practical to those that do not Smithsonian Institution
represent effective use of present facilities.
Department of Labor (DOL) The Institution does not customarily fund large,
singular research endeavors. Therefore, interest in
manned undersea facilities is typically with investigators
No reported or potential programs. pursuing individual research projects. The budget levels
of these efforts preclude contracting manned facilities.
U.S. Coast Guard [Department of Transportation However, one investigator has utilized submersibles by
(DOT)] piggybacking on dives financed by other agencies or
foundations.
While the Coast Guard plans no direct use of manned Six contacts within the Smithsonian indicated desire to
undersea facilities, they are responsible for an ongoing utilize or to continue utilizing a manned facility should
safety inspection program. They are also responsible for one be made available. These investigations feet such
search and rescue (SAR) services and management of facilities are required to complement and enhance their
undersea communications frequency allocation. research efforts. The Smithsonian is viewed as having
strong potential requirements for such facilities.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE)
EPA's interest in marine-related activities stems from
their authority to promulgate guidelines and regulations, In general, the interests of the COE lie in water depths
issue permits, and perform surveillance and analysis too shallow (less than 20 in) for efficient utilization of
functions regarding the discharge of pollutants and toxic submersibles. No interest was expressed for a habitat as
substances into the marine environment. These functions their research efforts could be conducted using surface
are based on laboratory and field research designed to ship techniques and divers.
determine the effect of these materials on marine life and Three programs were identified that could potentially
the physical environment. They include some monitoring utilize a submersible and only one of these programs
acti,Aties. At present, the major areas that utilize or could included prior submersible experience. The others have
potentially utilize manned undersea vehicles center not, due to the lack of funds or the absence of a vehicle
around the effects of ocean dumping (sludge, dredge capability at the desired time and location. The desire to
spoils, and toxic substances such as low-level radioactive study the physical, biological, and chemical effects of
wastes) and the activities and by-products of oceanic dredge materials and spoil disposal was viewed within the
petroleum exploitation and exploration. COE as having a very remote potential for submersible
Of the three reported programs within EPA, one utilization; however, investigator interest in one COE
project from the Office of Radiation Programs (involving division was high. The Arctic Ice Scoring Project of the
the efficacy of dumping low-level radioactive wastes in Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
the ocean) has funded submersible utilization in the past. indicated a strong desire for under-ice submersible
The remaining seven identified EPA projects con- operations. Lack of funding and vehicle capability for
sidered as potential users of manned underwater facilities under-ice operations were stated as the reasons for the
would totally rely on funding sources outside the parent absence of submersible activities in past and presently
agency. These projects typically concern regional desires foreseeable years.
to monitor and evaluate the effects of ocean dumping and
petroleum activities but include the efficiency of studying The program summary responses have been grouped
artificial reefs at fish propagation sites and inspection of by department or agency and are presented in Table 1.
working rigs to ensure that proper blowout prevention This table includes summaries from both reported and
devices have been installed. The latter two programs are potential programs.
outside the jurisdiction of EPA.
UTILIZATION AND STATUS OF RE-
National Aeronautics and Space Administration SEARCH SUBMERSIBLES AND HABITATS
(NASAY
Overall, NASA exhibited little interest in undersea U.S. Utilization Trends and Status, FY 1977
facility utilization. No programs were identified that were and 1978
directed to the transfer of space technology to underwater Submersibles
applications. The single program identified was an
RDT&E effort involving a new "prompt effect" neutron In FY 1977, civilian submersibles (see Figure 3) were
gamma technique for use in pollution and mineral utilized a total of 676 dive days. These dive days represent

cl
Q
0 ot@ r.
4)
W 4d Cd
Q
a) 0
0 "a
U 0 0 U
U 04

Dept. of Commerce (NOAA) 18 6 5 4 33 38
Dept. of Energy 1 1 3 5 6
Dept. of Health, Education
and Welfare I I I
Dept. of Interior 2 9 3 1 1 1 6 3 1 1 27 31
Dept. of Transportation
(Coast Guard) I I I

Environmental Protection
Agency 1 5 1 3 10 12
National Atmospheric and
Space Administration I I I
Smithsonian Institution 1 5 6 7
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 2 1 3 3
Total 22 16 13 8 7 6 9 4 1 1 87

Percent 25 19 15 9 8 7 to 5 1 1 100

Table 1-Reported and Potential Programs: Department and Category

1977, and 1978 data sets. Also, in cases where a dive was
listed for two purposes (for example, geology and
biology), each mission category was increased by one half
dive and one half dive day. Data used to prepare Figure 4
are detailed by submersible and mission category in
Tables 2 and 3.
An exact comparison between totals of dives and dive
IN days from year to year could be misleading because each
deep ocean dive generally requires one dive day while in
shallow areas several dives could be made in a day. Thus
the statistics are project-oriented, and the important
relationship between successive sets of annual data are
those trends reflected by mission category statistics.
Submersible utilization trends between FY 1976, FY
1977, and FY 1978 are illustrated by percentages of sets of
Figure 3.-Deep Sea Research Submersible Alvin mission categories as shown in Table 4.
In Table 4, "Basic Research" includes dives made for
a total of 899 dives. In FY 1978, civilian submersibles research in biology, geology, fisheries, and pollution;
were utilized a total of 510 dive days, representing a total "Commercial" includes oil industry, salvage, inspection,
of 915 dives. Groupings of dive days per type of mission and coral harvest/survey operations.
are shown in Figure 4. For comparison, dive-day These figures indicate an increase in the number of
activities for FY 1976 are also shown. commercial or industrially oriented submersible diving
The FY 1976 report used tabulations generated by operations during FY 1977. A similar trend is indicated
giving a full dive or dive day to the proper mission by the tabulation of submersible activity funding sources
category. In order to make the totals equal for all the (Table 5) which, when compared to FY 1976, shows an
tables and figures, the partial dive-day technique was increase in private submersible activity funding from 28
adopted for the 1977 and 1978 data. The FY 1976 data for to 55 percent and a decrease in government, academic,
dive days was also reorganized and tabulated according and foundation funding sources (per dive day) from 76 to
to this scheme for ease of comparison between FY 1976, 45 percent during the period. Some of the percentage

MISSION CATEGORY

......... .................. ...... ........... 169
OIL INDUSTRY
42

.................... 71
CORAL HARVEST ----82
NO DATA

. . . .. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .

............ 40
TEST AND TRAINING
-74

xx q

.4
INSPECTION 100
80

..............
. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .

NONE
FISHERIES NONE
20

. . . . . . . . . . . .

NONE
SALVAGE w17
12

X"" . .. . . . . . . . .

..................................... 126
BIOLOGY 109
130

X., x
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................. 59
GEOLOGY 68
105

NONE
POLLUTION NONE
15
7777777777=

MOVIE M-1
@17

. . . . . . .... . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . X

DEMONSTRATION NONE

.......... 34
OTHER @ = 17
w 2.

0 50 100 150 200

FY 1978 .... .........
FY 1977
FY 1976

Figure 4.-U.S. Civilian Submersible Utilization by Number of Dives, FY 1976-1978.

-1 0 4 n V 0 5 w -M 5 n 0
0 F; 0 P 0 0 CD
C-D 0 CD
0 C) w @L E. , :5
CD'
(IQ CD

CD co

@h CY, 4@,
Alvin

0
Aquar
:3 cr
00
@;' w
w Deep

Diaph

z C7
00 Johnst

4@, CD -4 -4 0" Johns@

00 Merm

00 - w Nekto
Nj
-_1001 N) kA uj Nekto

g
1=1 Nekto

Neos I

Uh 00 Uh 00 PC-14

Sea E)

4@1 4b, L4 Snoop

00 w 00 00
--j Star II

(71 LA
Tauru

CY, 00
CDZ zwi --j 4@ 00 w 0 Totals
%B 00 00 kA

Total
Goo 0, w 4 G UA tw, Dive A

Table 3-U.S. Civilian Submersible Mission Categories, FY 1978

Ile -114 0

z z qu <
I&
0 0.@:

Oil Industry 110 117 13 278 30
12 25 62 66 4 169 33
Coral Harvest/ Survey 14 72 86 9
4 67 71 13
Test & Training 2 2 2 37 7 59 3 5 117 12
2 2 2 13 5 11 2 3 40 7
Inspection 9 9 0
4 4 0

Fisheries

Salvage
Biology 9 45 88 73 63 278 30
9 16 40 40 21 126 24
Geology 29 43 11 83 9
29 25 5 59 11
Pollution 5 5 0
5 5 0
Movie 1 0
1 0
Demonstration 2 2 0
1 1 0
Other 5 3 19 18 4 7 56 6
5 3 10 10 1 5 34 6
Total Dives 1 50 1 19 1 2 1 115 144 109 1 110 1 190 1 70 12 22 72 1 9151 100
Total Dive-days 50 1 18 2 1 67 63 60 1 62 1 81 1 24 67 1. 510 1 100

00 Dives (upper numbers)
00 Dive Days (lower numbers)

Table 4-Percent of Total Dive Days 1976 to FY 1977. During the same period dive day
(Major Categories) funding increased in the private sector by nearly 100
percent.
Category FY 1976 FY 1977 FY 1978 The figures in Table 4 also indicate a decrease'in the
Basic Research 54% 26% 43% number of commercial or industrially oriented submer-
sible diving operations during FY 1978. A similar trend is
Commercial Operations 27% 55% 46% indicated by the tabulation of FY 1977 submersible
Test & Training 15% 16% 7% activity funding sources (Table 6) which, when compared
to FY 1976, shows a decrease in private submersible
activity funding from 55 to 51 percent and an increase in
d
g
overnment, academic, and foun ation funding sources
increase in private submersible diving activity is due to a (per dive day) from 26 to 49 percent during the period.
decrease of about 30 percent in nonprivate funding. This The percentage increase in Federal submersible. diving
is reflected at the Federal level, which showed a decrease in activity is due to MUS&T's diving program of 1978; this
funding of from 32 to 22 percent of dive days from FY program was not conducted in FY 1977.

Table 5-Submersible Utilization Funding Sources, FY 1977

Federal Foundation State Academic Private
Submersible Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days

Alvin ................ 117 114
Aquarius ............. 142 115
Deep Quest .......... 3 3
Diaphus ............. 34 18
Johnson-Sea- Link I .... 66 40
Johnson-Sea- Link Il ... 120 74
Mermaid II .......... 17 17 27 8
Nekton Alpha ........ 28 16
Nekton Beta .......... 46 21
Nekton Gamma ....... 40 41
Neos I ............... 21 8
PC-14-C-2 ........... 38 35
Sea Explorer .........
Snooper ............. 64 24
Star II ............... 82 82
Taurus .............. 54 60

Totals ........... 155 149 186 114 17 17 34 18 507 378

Percent .......... 17 22 21 17 2 3 4 3 56 55

*Canadian submersibles working in U.S. projects.

Table 6-Submersible Utilization Funding Sources, FY 1979

Federal Foundation Private
Submersible Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days Dives Dive Days

Alvin ............................ 50 50
Arms I ........................... 19 18
Deep Quest ....................... 2 2
Diaphus ......................... 88 41 27 26
Johnson-Sea-Link I ............... 144 63
Johnson-Sea-Link H ............... 109 60
Nekton Alpha .................... 110 62
Nekton Beta ...................... 190 81
Nekton Gamma ................... 63 21 7 3
Neos I ........................... 12 8
Snooper ......................... 22 8
Star II ........................... 72 67

Totals ....................... 215 122 253 123 447 265

Percent ... . . ......... 23 24 27 25 48 51

Detailed activities of 14 U.S. submersibles whose dive Johnson-Sea-Link II. Maximum lockout depth was 91. 7
programs have been reported for the time period October m. The private sector provided the main funding source
1976 to September 1977 are listed in Table 7. Two (55 percent) in terms of dive days for FY 1976. Next was
Canadian submersibles, Aquarius and Taurus, which the Federal government, with 22 percent, foundations
were utilized for U.S. projects or in U.S. waters, have also (Harbor Branch) with 17 percent, and State and academic
been included in the table. Of the 899 dives logged in FY at 3 percent each.
1977, 63 were lockout dives; all were performed by the Detailed activities of 12 U.S. submersibles whose dive
Harbor Branch Foundation in Johnson-Sea-Link I and programs have been reported for the time period October

14 0

Table 7-Activities of U.S. Submersibles, FY 1977

Date Total Number
Number of Days Depth
Submersible Month, Day, Year Mission Location of Mission of Dives Diving (Meters)

Alvin ............. 8/13/76-8/20/76 Biology Offshore Mid- 6 6 3,650
Atlantic States
8J30/76 Test Woods Hole, MA 1 1 15
11/30/76 Test Woods Hole, MA 1 1 2
12/16/76 Test Andros Harbor 1 1 20
12/17/76-12/21/76 Test/ Training Photo/ Bahamas 5 5 2,086
Insp
1/3/77 Training Autec Harbor 1 1 30
1/4/77-1/11/77 Biology Bahamas 7 7 3,663
1/12/77 Biology Toto 1 1 2,133
1/16/77-2/3/77 Geology/ Insp Caribbean 12 9 3,661
2/17/77-3/19/77 Geology W. Coast S. America 24 24 2,763
4/7/77-4/13/77 Geology Caribbean Sea 6 6 3,676
4/25/77-6/l/77 Geology/ Biology Bahamas 22 22 3,638
6/12/77-9/28/77 Geology/ Biology Offshore Mid-
Atlantic States 30 30 3,648

Deep Quest ........ 12/76 P recertification Test San Diego, CA 2 2 89/700
Dives
1/77 P recertification Test San Diego, CA 1 1 1,549
Dives

Diaphus ........... 2/77 Biological-near oil Tanner Bank, CA 7 3 100
rigs
9/77 Biological/ Geological N.W. Gulf of Mexico 27 15 200
Physical

Johnson-Sea-Link
I ............... 11/76 Pilot Training Ft. Pierce, FL 9 9 9-70
12/76 Science, Algae W. Palm Beach, FL 14 5 30-120
1/77 Science, Reconnais- Ft. Pierce, FL 1 1 20
sance
6/77 Training, Checkout Ft. Pierce, FL 1 1 8
7/77 Science, Training W. Palm Beach, FL 5 4 30-70
7/77 Training, Lockout Ft. Pierce, FL 7 3 10-12
7/77 Science, Support Monitor Marine 3 2 70
Sanctuary, NC
8/77 Science, Support Monitor Marine 2 2 70
Sanctuary, NC
8/77 Science, Transects Sebastian, FL 11 7 60-300
8/77 Tests, Evaluation Ft. Pierce, FL 2 1 30-300
9/77 Science W. Palm Beach, FL 11 5 35-.100

Johnson-Sea-Link
II .............. 10/76 Algae W. Palm Beach, FL 17 10 30-134
11/76 Invertebrates Ft. Pierce, FL 2 2 45-120
1/77 Science, Current meters Ft. Pierce, FL 3 2 40-131
1/77 Science, Reconnais- Ft. Pierce, FL 2 2 24-90
sance
1/77 Science, Meter trees Ft. Pierce, FL 5 3 38-135
2/77 Benthic Ecology Ft. Pierce, FL 6 6 36-82
2/77 Icthyology Ft. Pierce, FL 3 2 82
3/77 Macro plankton Grand Bahama Island 7 4 305
3/77 Training, Algae W. Palm Beach, FL 3 2 5-41
3/77 Benthic Ecology Ft. Pierce, FL 4 3 24-80
4/77 Invertebrates Ff. Pierce, FL 5 3 81
5/77 Algae W. Palm Beach, FL 9 4 38-88
5/77 Benthic Ecology Ft. Pierce, FL 4 4 40-110
5/77 Macro Plankton Abaco Island, 9 4 305
Bahamas

Table 7-Activities of U.S. Submersibles, FY 1977-Continued

Total Number
Date Number of Days Depth
Submersible Month, Day, Year Mission Location of Mission of Dives Diving (Meters)

6/77 Tethyology Ft. Pierce, FL 18 8 26-79
6/77 Invertebrates Ft. Pierce, FL 6 3 28-79
7/77 Photogrametry Monitor Marine 10 7 67
Sanctuary, NC
7/77 Tests and Evaluation Ft. Pierce, FL 4 2 35
8/77 Test Evaluation Ft. Pierce, FL 3 3 27
Training

Mermaid H ........ 5/76 Pilot Training Long Island Sound 12 3 32
5/76-6/76 Body Search Round Valley 17 17 70
7/76 Pilot Training Reservoir, NJ
Long Island Sound 15 5 45

Nekton Alpha ...... 10/76 Platform work for Santa Barbara, CA 7 7 252
Exxon
12/76 Sonar Test San Diego, CA 5 1 280
6/77 Pipeline survey Gulf of Mexico 16 8 109

Nekton Beta ....... 3/77 Trim and Sonar Test Santa Barbara, CA 3 2 9
4/77 Recover BOP stack Santa Barbara, CA 31 13 162
5/77 Dam Inspection Oroville, CA 5 2 41
7/77 Base Removal San Diego, CA 7 4 212

Neklon Gamma .... 10/76 Pipeline Inspection Gulf of Mexico 3 3 110
6/77 Exxon Platform Santa Barbara, CA 2 1 69
7/77 Pipeline Inspection Gulf of Mexico 35 37 88

Neos I ............ 11/4/76 Photographic/ Newburyport, MA 3 1 0-30
Observation
4/6/77 Pilot Qualification Boston, MA 4 1 0-30
4/15/77 Pilot Qualification Boston, MA 5 2 0-70
5/18/77 Photographic/ Boston, MA 3 1 20-40
Sampling
5/27/77 Photographic Boston, MA 1 1 20
8/10/77 New Instrumentation Boston, MA 2 1 30
Tests
9/18/77 Piling Inpection (visual) Boston, MA 3 1 15-20

PC-14-C-2 ......... 10/1/76-9/30/77 Search, Inspection, Marshall Island 38 35 50-60
Observations

Sea Explorer ....... No Dives

Snooper ........... 12/76-9/77 Outfall Inspection, Palos Verdes, CA 19 8 67
Bouy Inspection
6/77 Outfall Inspection Avalon, CA 2 1 84
1/77-2/77 Sonar Array Inspection Palos Verdes, CA 9 2 106
7/77 T.V. Series Catalina, CA 2 1 7.5
7/77-8/77 Pipeline Inspection, Santa Barbara, CA 32 12 68
T.V. and Electronic

Aquarius .......... 11/76 Pipeline Inspection Morgan City, LA 15 10 65
1/77 Pipeline Inspection Morgan City, LA 19 15 65
5/77-9/77 Pipeline Inspection Port Arthur, TX 108 90 125

Taurus ............ 5/77-7/77 Dry Transfer Trials Catalina Island 54 60 350

Table 7-Activities of U.S. Submersibles, FY 1977-Continued

Total Number
Date Number of Days Depth
Submersible Month, Day, Year Mission Location of Mission of Dives Diving (Meters)

Star II ............ 10/76 Coral Harvest Hawaii 2 2 400
11/76 Coral Harvest Hawaii 8 8 400
12/76 Coral Harvest Hawaii 7 7 400
1/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii I I 11 400
2/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 9 9 400
3/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 2 2 400
4/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 5 5 460
5/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 7 7 400
6/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 12 12 400
7/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 7 7 400
8/77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 9 9 400
9J77 Coral Harvest Hawaii 3 3 400

1977 to September 1978 are listed in Table 8. The two the above problems, but lack of mobility and limited
Canadian submersibles, Aquarius and Taurus, which depth are severe obstacles.
were utilized for U.S. projects or in U.S. waters in FY
1977, have not been included in FY 1978 data. The private Remotely Operated Vehicles
sector provided the main funding source (45 percent) in
terms of dive days for FY 1977 and 1978. The Federal In concert with the growing presence of remotely
government and the Harbor Branch Foundation both operated vehicles (ROV's) in offshore oil and natural gas
contributed 27 percent to the total. operations, a survey of U.S. civilian ROV operators was
made to ascertain the utilization of these vehicles during
Fixed Habitats the FY 1978 period (see Figure 6). In FY 1978, civilian
ROV's were utilized a total of 2,007 dive days. Total
Twd fixed habitats are known to be operational: number of dives was not attainable, since ROV operators
Helgoland (Federal Republic of West Germany) and do not normally keep such records.
NOAA's Hydro-Lab. A third habitat, Aegir (U. of U.S. civilian operators of ROV's during FY 1978 are
Hawaii), is reportedly capable of operating within short shown in Table 10. The I I operators listed represent a
notice. A fourth, La Chalupa, was used for research off total of 27 ROV's of varying depth and performance
Puerto Rico, but is now inactive in Florida. A fifth capabilities. Table I I lists the activities of three operators
habitat, Tektite, was last used at St. John, U.S. Virgin (the Harbor Branch Foundation's CORD underwent sea
Islands, in 1970 and is presently being refurbished for trials and tests during this period); the remaining
operation off the coast of California. All these units are operators elected not to respond to queries.
towed or transported to the dive site and lowered to the All civilian utilization of ROV's in FY 1978 in the
bottom, where they remain immobile until the specific United States was funded by private industry. Offshore
operation is over. The occupants live at ambient pressure oil and gas exploration is the primary use of ROV's. The
for the duration of the dive and can exit and enter at their civil segment of the federal government has not utilized
discretion. All work tools and instruments are carried in this burgeoning capability in. any of its scientific or
or on the habitat. If additional supplies are required, they research programs. Relative to manned submersibles,
can be obtained from the surface support facilities. remotely operated vehicles are experiencing an unprece-
Electrical power is derived from the surface, as are dented surge in offshore utilization. Their work involves
additional life support supplies and components. observation and video tape documentation. The impact
Observations can be made of the surrounding environ- of ROV utilization appears to fall most heavily on one-
ment through viewports, and limited laboratory atmosphere (non-diver lockout) manned submersibles
experiments can be conducted within the habitat and the ambient pressure diving community.
confines. Briefly, the capabilities of the four habitats
listed above are shown in Table 9. Facility Status
The fixed habitat offers long-term, continuous, in-situ
observation and experimentation. Similar to the lockout The status of the three general types of facilities
submersible, it can deploy the best manipulation system discussed in the preceding pages-manned submersibles,
to date: the human being. Limitations are found in its habitats, and remotely operated vehicles-is shown in
virtual lack of mobility, limited depth, and the extensive Tables 12 and 13 for FY 1977 and FY 1978, respectively.
transport/ support facilities required for deployment and The status of current U.S. submersibles as of mid-1978 is
maintenance. The Hydro-Lab approach simplifies many shown in Table 14.

77--

V
one wow

Iss

44@,
Ilk,

k ""V

71;

7"
10 or

Figure 5.-West German Habitat GKSS Helgoland

Table 8-Activities of U.S. Submersibles, FY 1978

Total Number
Date Number of Days Depth
Submersible Month, Day, Year Mission Location of Mission of Dives Diving (Meters)

Alvin ............. 10/3/77 Test Woods Hole, MA 1 1 4
5/2/78 Test Woods Hole, MA 1 1 2
5/16/78-5/22/78 Certification Bahamas 5 5 4,007
5/29/78-6/13/78 Geology Offshore Mid- 10 10 2,334
. Atlantic States
6/23/78-6/27/78@ Radioactive Waste Offshore Mid- 5 5 3,983
Atlantic States
6/29/78 Biology Offshore Mid- 1 1 3,635
Atlantic States
7/30/78-8/26/78 Geology/ Geophysics Mid-Atlantic Ridge 15 15 2,670
9/17/78-9/30/78 Biology Offshore Mid- 8 8 3,635
Atlantic States
10/28/78 Geology Northern Bahamas 1 1 1,433
10/31/78-11/2/78 Geology Florida Straits 3 3 961

Arms I ............ 7/23/78-7/26/78 Test Halifax, N.S. 2 2 No data
7/31/78 Photography Halifax, N.S. 1 1 24
8/1/78 Certification Halifax, N.S. I I No data
8/2/78,8/3/78 Certification Offshore Halifax, 2 2 866
N.S. 13 12 547
8/11/78-9/11/78 Drilling Support

Deep Quest ........ 9/20/78-9/23/78 Fuel Cell Test Offshore San Diego 2 2 186

Table 8- Activities of U.S. Submersibles, FY 1978- Continued

Total Number
Date Number of Days Depth
Submersible Month, Day, Year Mission Location of Mission of Dives Diving (Meters)

Diaphus ........... 9/77-5/78 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 25 25 366
6/18/78 Demonstration Gulf of Maine 2 1 99
6/20/78-6/30/78 Biology Gulf of Maine 27 10 58
7/9/78-7/14/78 Biology/ Geology Wilmington Canyon 7 4 338
7/15/78 Biology/ Geology Baltimore Canyon 3 1 366
7/16/78-7/17/78 Biology/ Geology Washington Canyon 4 2 366
7/18/78 Biology/ Geology Wilmington Canyon 1 1 274
7/30/78-8/7/78 Geological Northeast Atlantic 24 9 366
8/15/78-8/19/78 Geology/ Biology Georgia Bight 22 5 180

Johnson-Sea-Link
I ............... 3/78 Test Ft. Pierce, FL 2 1 20-177
4/78 Training Grand Bahama Island 19 6 10-30
5/78 Training/ Plankton Grand Bahama Island 33 12 20-333
Studies
6/78 Algae Collection/ Grand Bahama Island 24 10 15-110
Radiation Meas.
7/78 Current Study/ Coral Ft. Pierce, FL 14 10 75-200
Growth
8/78 Biology Bahamas/ Florida 40 16 30-333
9/78 Biology Ft. Pierce, FL 12 8 100

Johnson-Sea-Link
.............. 10/77 Radiation/ Biology/ Bahama Islands 28 15 20-333
Training
11/77 Biology Ft. Pierce, FL 14 8 30-110
12/77 Biology Bahama Islands 13 7 333
1/78 Biology Ft. Pierce, FL 4 3 27-83
2/78 Biology Ft. Pierce, FL/ 14 7 77-333
Bahama Islands
3/78 Radiation/ Biology Bahama Islands 18 9 333
4/78 Biology/ Geology W. Palm Beach & 23 9 30-110
Sebastian, FL
9/78 Radiation Bahama Islands 2 1 333

Nekton Alpha ...... 10/77-6/78 Pipeline Inspection Morgan City, LA 110 62 107

Nekton Beta ....... 12/77 Pipeline Route Survey Bahamas 7 4 305
3/78 Training San Diego, CA 55 10 71
3/78 Coral Survey San Diego, CA 12 3 293
4/78 Coral Survey San Diego, CA 2 1 107
5/78 Certification/ Test San Diego, CA 4 1 305

Nekton Gamma .... 7/78 Certification/ Testing San Diego, CA 3 2 293
7/78-8/78 Biology Southeast AL 63 21 305
8/78 Environmental Boca de Quadra, AL 4 1 168

Neos I ............ 8/3/78-8/9/78 Test Boston, MA 4 2 15
8/27/78-8/31/78 Equipment Monitoring Lake Winnepesaukee, 7 5 15
NH
9/12/78 Test Boston, MA 1 1 12

Snooper ........... 10/77 Pipeline Inspection Santa Barbara 5 2 57
Channel, CA
12/77 Bottom Sampling Catalina, CA 8 2 91
4/78-9/78 Outfall Inspection Palos Verde Peninsula 9 4 67
Star II ............ 10/77-9/78 Coral Harvest Makopuu Pt., Hawaii 72 67 366

PERRY OCEANOGRAPHICS INC.

Figure 6.-Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) (Courtesy of Perry Oceanographics)

Table 9-Fixed Habitat Capabilities

Max Mission
Weight Duration
Habitat Depth Divers (dry tons) (days)* Status

Aegir 180.5 rn (550 ft) 6 224 14 Inactive, last used in 1971
Helgoland 328 rn (100 ft) 4 110 14 Operational, Baltic Sea
Hydro-Lab 164 rn (50 ft) 3-4 60 7 Operational, St. Croix, V.I.
La Chalupa 328 rn (100 ft) 5 133 14 Inactive, last used in 1975
Tektite 328 m (100 ft) 4-5 70 60 Inactive, since 1970

*Without replenishment.
p
P
al

Table 10-U.S. Civilian Remotely Operated Vehicle Operators, FY 1978

Operator Vehicle Depth (ft/ m) Builder Status

Ametek Straza Scorpio 3,000/914 Same as Operator Operational
El Cajon, CA
AT&T Longlines Scarab I & 11 6,000/1,829 Ametek Straza Trials
Bedminster, NY El Cajon, CA
Harbor Branch Fnd. Cord 1,500/457 Same as Operator Trials
Ft. Pierce, FL
J. Ray McDermott Co. Trov S-3 1,200/366 International Submarine Operational
Harvey, LA Engineering Ltd. (ISE),
Port Moody, BC
Kraft Tank Co. EV-1 1,500/457 Same as Operator Trials
Kansas City, MO
Martech International RCV-225 (3 ea) 6,600/2,012* Hydro Products Operational
Houston, TX San Diego, CA
Trec (4 ea) 1,200/366 ISE, Ltd. Operational
Port Moody, BC
Oceaneering International RCV-225 6,600/2,012 Hydro Products Operational
Santa Barbara, CA San Diego, CA
Orca 6,000/1,820 Saab-Scania Operational
Linkoping, Sweden
Rebikoff Underwater Products Sea Inspector (2 ea) 3,280/1,000 Same as Operator Operational
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Remote Ocean Systems Telesub-1000 2,000/610 Same as Operator Operational
San Diego, CA
Solus Ocean Systems Int. Trec 1,200/366 ISE, Ltd. Operational
Houston, TX Port Moody, BC
Trov S-4 3,000/914 ISE, Ltd. Operational
Port Moody, BC
Taylor Diving and Salvage Co. RCV-225 (7 ea) 6,600/2,012 Hydro Products Operational
Belle Chasse, LA San Diego, CA

*Operational depth of the RCV-225 is as stated, however, as of October 1978 no RCV-225 had been sold with a cable longer than 1,312 ft (400 rn).

Table 11-Activities of U.S. Remotely Operated Vehicles, FY 1978

Number Max.
Date of Diving Depth
Operator ROV Month/ Day/ Year Mission Location of Mission Days (Meters)

Martech
International RCV-225 (2ea) 10/77-11/77 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 61-152
RCV-225 (2ea) 12/77-9/78 Inspection Offshore Brazil 61-152
RCV-225 3/78-9/78 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 1,220* 61-152
Trec 4/78-9/78 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 61-152
Trec (2ea) 5/78-9/78 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 61-152
Trec 6/78-9/78 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 61-152

Rebikoff Under- Sea Inspector 1/77-9/78 Training Ft. Lauderdale, FL 16 50
water Products (DR 330-2)
Sea Inspector 8/77-9/78 Training/ Cannes, France 6 70
(DR 330-3) Demonstration

Taylor Diving RCV-225 (0) 11/77 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 2 116
and Salvage RCV-225 (0) 1/78-3/78 Inspection North Sea 60 320
RCV-225 (#3.) 6/78-9/78 Monitoring North Sea 94 156
RCV-225 (#4) 5/78-9/78 Monitoring Tasman Sea 150 140
RCV-225 (#5) 4/78-9/78 Monitoring Gulf of Mexico 153 314
RCV-225 (#6) 6/78-9/78 Monitoring Gulf of Mexico 84 314
RCV-225 (#7) 7/78-9/78 Inspection North Sea 67 152
RCY-225 (#9) 10/77 Inspection Gulf of Mexico 9 314
RCV-225 (#10) 12/77-5/78 Monitoring Tasman Sea 146 140

*This is the cumulative number of dive days for all Martech vehicles over the 12 month period.

Table 12-Facility Status*, FY 1977

Operational Construction Inactive Refit Design

Manned Submersibles:

I -ATM Untethered 33 4 6 2
1 -ATM Tethered 3 1
I-ATM Bell 4 2 2
Lockout Untethered 13 2 1
Lockout Tethered 2
ADS Self-powered 20 1 1
ADS Powered 2

Habitats:

Fixed 2 1
Mobile 1 2 4

Remotely Operated Vehicles:
Tethered, free swimming 47 6
Tethered, bottom crawling 3
Untethered, free swimming 1 3 1
Towed 4 1

*Not including military systems or USSR systems.

Table 13-Facility Status*, FY 1978

Operational Construction Inactive Refit Design

Manned Submersibles:
I-atm Untethered 33 4 7 2
I-atrn Tethered 3 1
I-atrn Bell 4 2 2
Lockout Untethered 13 2 1
Lockout Tethered 2
ADS Self-powered 20 1 1
ADS Powered 2

Habitats.

Fixed 2 1
Mobile 1 2 4

Remotely Operated Vehicles:
Tethered, free swimming 47 6
Tethered, bottom crawling 14 1 3
Untethered, free swimming 3 4 1 1
Towed 15 1 1

*Not including military systems or USSR systems.

Table 14-Status of Contemporary U.S. Manned Submersibles

Name Depth (ft/ in) Builder Operator Status

Alvin .................... 12,000/3,658 Litton Ind. WHOI Operational
Minneapolis, MN Woods Hole, MA
Arms* ................... 3,000/914 Oceaneering Int. Oceaneering Int. Operational
Houston, TX Houston, TX
Beavert ................. 2,700/923 North American Rockwell Unt. Underwater Contr. Refit
Seal Beach, CA City Island, NY
Deep Quest .............. 8,000/2,438 Lockheed Missile & Space Lockheed Ocn. Lab. Operational
Sunnyvale, CA San Diego, CA
Deep View ............... 1,500/457 NUC Southwest Res. Inst. Inactive
San Diego, CA San Antonio, TX
Diaphus ................. 1,200/366 Perry Sub. Bldrs. Martech International Operational
Riviera Beach, FL Houston, TX
Dowb ................... 4,5oo/ 1,372 General Motors Southwest Res. Inst. Inactive
Santa Barbara, CA San Antonio, TX
DSR V I & 2 (Mystic &
Avalon) ................ 5,00011,524 Lockheed Missiles & Space U.S. Navy Operational
Sunnyvale, CA San Diego, CA
Curry* .................. 1,000/305 Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Inactive
Dock, Chester, PA Dock, Chester, PA
Johnson-Sea-Link I &
II ..................... 1,0001305 Harbor Branch Foundation Harbor Branch Foundation Operational
Ft. Pierce, FL Ft. Pierce, FL
Mermaid H .............. 1,200/366 Bruker-Physik AG Int. Underwater Contr. Operational
Karlsruhe, West Germany City Island, NY
Nekton A, A C ........... 1,000/305 General Oceanographics General Oceanographics Operational
San Diego, CA San Diego, CA
Nemo ................... 1,000/305 Naval Civil Eng. Lab. Southwest Res. Inst. Inactive
Port Hueneme, CA San Antonio, TX
Neos .................... 150/46 New England Ocean Services New England Ocean Services Operational.
Boston, MA Boston, MA
NR-1 .................... NA General Dynamics U.S. Navy Operational
Groton, CT
Obsub* .................. 1,000/305 Perry Sub. Bldrs. Ocean Systems Inactive
Riviera Beach, FL Reston, VA
PC-14 C-2 ............... 600/183 Perry Sub. Bldrs. Kentron, Kawaii Operational
Riviera Beach, FL Huntsville, AL
PR V-2t ................. 1,000/305 Pierce Submersibles Seahawk Oceanics Inc. Inactive
Bayshore, NY Arlington, TX
Sea Cliff ................. 6,500/1,981 General Dynamics U.S. Navy Operational
Groton, CT San Diego, CA
Sea Explorer ............. 600/183 Sea-Line, Inc. Sea-Line, Inc. Inactive
Brier, WA Brier, WA
Sea Ranger ............... 600/183 Verne Engineering, Inc. Verne Engineering, Inc. Inactive
Fraser, MI Houston, TX
Snooper ................. 1,000/305 Undersea Graphics, Inc. Undersea Graphics, Inc. Operational
Torrance, CA Torrance, CA
Star H ................... 1,200/366 General Dynamics Deepwater Explorations, Ltd. Operational
Groton, CT Honolulu, Hawaii
Trieste II ................. 20,000/6,096 U.S. Navy U.S. Navy Operational
San Diego, CA
Turtle ................... 6,500/1,981 General Dynamics U.S. Navy Operational
Groton, CT San Diego, CA

*Tethered
T Lockout

Summary England using the German habitat Helgoland. 'this
research was part of an international effort to determile
There is a wide range of existing U.S. facilities (plat- ecological factors effecting survival of the North Atlantp
forms) capable of use in underwater research. However, herring.* Congressional interest in this as well as it.
because of costs, commitment to commercial use, or Project SCORE, conducted earlier that year in the
unsuitability, most of these facilities have not been Bahamas using the Perry Foundation habitat Hydro-'
available for use by scientists working in the oceans. Lab, led to support for Oceanlab Program initiative. This
The undersea facilities available can be conveniently program's objective is to provide the technology needed
categorized as follows: to improve the effectiveness of manned underwater
investigations for ocean science. A basic premise is that
a. Manned Submersibles diving, whether by scientists or skilled workers, is
(1) I-atm submersibles, with depth capability essential to making progress toward a full understanding
varying from 200 to 3658 in (46 in all; 510 dive and proper utilization of the oceans-to provide the first-
days in United States in 1978). hand knowledge of the sea impossible to acquire through
(2) 1 -atm tethered submersibles (three, nonactive). conventional techniques.
(3) I-atm tethered bell systems, with crew of two, Workshops and detailed surveys were conducted
viewing, manipulation, etc. nationally of prospective user groups and organizations.
(4) Diver lockout submersibles, with depth and These groups included the scientific and academic
lockout capability up to 914 in (3000 ft), (16). community, commercial industrial groups, and recre-
b. Remotely Operated Vehicles ational groups. With the cooperation of the NOAA Sea
(1) Tethered swimming vehicles, of size varying Grant Office, user workshops were conducted and
from 68 kg (150 lb) to 5 tons, depth capability potential missions and preliminary operating require-
generally in 610-915 in (2000-3000 ft) range, or ments with system characteristics were identified.
deeper, cost $150,000 to $1.2 million (at least During Phase I-preliminary system design, cost, and
120). schedule study-lasting from September 1976 to March
(2) Bottom crawlers, wheeled or tracked (18). 1977, the information obtained from the earlier
(3) Towed vehicles, towed at various speeds, workshops and surveys was used to develop performance
generally I to 11/2 knots, at deep depths, up to requirements and characteristics as well as mission classes
6000 in (19 in all). with their respective objectives and needs. Preliminary
c. Habitats trade-off analyses and technical evaluations resulted in
(1) Fixed habitats (six, but only two-Hydro-Lab three recommended systems: autonomous -submersible,
and the German Helgoland-operational). carried system, and towed habitat, each acting as an
d. Diving Systems underwater laboratory.
(1) I-atm diving systems (e.g., JIM), self-powered, With the Phase I results available, NOAA, through the
tethered; depth 437 m (1442 ft). Department of Commerce, held a competitive procure-
ment for Phase II, "System Program Definition."
Available to scientists, in general, are: However, prior to this Phase II effort in September 1977,
NOAA decided to interact further with the user
(1) Hydro-Lab community on user requirements and unique needs. This
(2) Alvin included leaders in the oceanographic science community
(3) Small submersibles on lease (e.g., Nekton, Star and various laboratories and groups within NOAA.
H). Many (such as Aluminaut, Deep Star) are NOAA' s Environmental Data and Information Service
laid up. (EDIS) also provided meteorological and oceanographic
(4) To a limited extent only, Navy research data on potential operational sites for Oceanlab to be
submersibles, e.g., Sea Cliff and Turtle. used in developing operational system constraints.
(5) The lockout submersibles Johnson-Sea-Link I All this additional information and data were made
and II are used for scientific purposes by the available to the Phase Il contractor and published in
Harbor Branch Foundation, but are not a summary mission analysis report.t With the Phase I
generally available to the scientific community. results, the contractor began the development of system
They have, however, been used on a performance requirements and system technical specifi-
cooperative basis by NOAA in studies of cations. The most viable systems from Phase I were
underwater physics research and marine evaluated and conceptual systems designs made for each.
science.
*This international marine science program was named Project
FISSHH: First International Saturation Study of Herring and
Hydroacoustics, and it is discussed in detail in the Fiscal Year 1976
OCEANLAB PROGRAM MUS&T Annual Report.
In the fall of 1975, NOAA conducted some of the first tGeneral Electric Document No. 775DR2291-Oceanlab, Phase 11
System Program Definition, Mission Analyses, Department of
extended underwater research off the coast of New Commerce Contract 7-35252; Revision B, 24 February 1978.

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratories (CSDL) programs." The corresponding Senate report of June
provided technical support with the system design areas 1977 stated that the funds were also for "cooperative
and the user mission-related work. undersea programs, including habitats in shallow and
In December 1977, the contract efforts were directed to intermediate depths necessary to develop safety and
reevaluate and update the Phase I study in response to expertise in future Oceanlab operations."
congressional and Department of Commerce queries. Therefore, NOAA initiated a cooperative national
Based on surveys made by NOAA and CSDL on manned underwater laboratory regional program in
scientific user requirements, scale models of the Oceanlab 1977. The purpose of this program is to provide manned
laboratory facilities were made and minimum laboratory underwater facilities and research support to investiga-
size and configuration requirements identified, and a tions of U.S. coastal marine environmental, biological,
baseline laboratory developed. Optimum system config- geological, and ecological problems. Initial program
urations were developed and compared, one being a emphasis is on the provision of sea-floor laboratories and
surface-support independent autonomous submersible the advanced technology needed for safe science
and the other a surface-supported undersea mobile saturation diving operations.
habitat. The overall goals of the programs include:
Using these improved configurations, detailed compar-
ative cost analysis and mission effectiveness studies were I . Acquire basic scientific information about the
done with respect to the various capabilities and design marine ecology and environment applicable to
parameters.* In July 1978 NOAA began a review of the conditions existing in U.S. coastal areas.
entire Oceanlab Program. As a result of this review, it was 2. Provide solutions to marine environmental prob-
decided that NOAA should continue. a program of lems through the support of research efforts
development and use of various technological means for requiring advanced underwater laboratories and
supporting undersea research. saturation diving operations.
In order to provide for the widest scientific community 3. Demonstrate that safe manned underwater opera-
interest and use, it was decided not to implement a single tions can greatly enhance researchers' ability to
undersea system, but instead to support and stimulate
"man-in-the-sea" technology for ocean research. The successfully complete selected types of tasks, and
program was redirected in September 1978 to include: that certain classical land-based laboratory scienti-
fic methods can successfully be extended to the sea
floor.
� Continuing examination of manned undersea 4. Provide a mechanism to ensure continuity of effort
facility requirements with close interactions with and long-range funding for otherwise unfeasible in-
the science community. situ research efforts.
� Analyses of existing U.S. undersea facilities and
systems. 5. Provide the training and facilities to develop a cadre
� Developments of requirements for advanced- of scientific personnel proficient in the use of
capability systems and technologies. underwater laboratory systems and advanced
� Expansion of NOAA's cooperative underwater underwater research techniques.
laboratory program on a regional basis using a
number of different systems.
Hydro-Lab Regional Program
These items will comprise a 2-year effort resulting in the
identification of undersea technological program areas The first phase of the cooperative regional programs
requiring new capabilities and facilities. From here, either took place in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, using the
existing systems can be modified and updated or new ones former Hydro-Lab as the first undersea habitat facility,
implemented to meet the scientific requirements. In 1977 NOAA purchased Hydro-Lab from its builder,
Perry Oceanographics, Inc. After a thorough refurbish-
ing, it was placed on the ocean floor at St. Croix,
Cooperative National Manned Underwater U.S. virgin Islands, off the north central coast as the head
Laboratory Regional Program of Salt River submarine canyon (Figure 7).
Hydro-Lab, 4.88 m (16 ft) long and 2.44 m (8 ft) in
In the House of Representatives Appropriations diameter, sits on the ocean floor and is equipped (in its
Committee report of May 1977, which discussed the FY refurbished state) to support four divers for as long as 14
1978 appropriation of $3,750,000 to NOAA for the days. Its key advantages over surface-supported diving
continuation of the Oceanlab Project, it was stated that and other research techniques are:
the funds were also to be used for "cooperative habitat e Its fixed location allows for laying out a permanent
*The final results were published under Department of Commerce grid of study areas, an especially important factor in
Contract No. 7-35252, Oceanlab Comparative Concept, Cost and statistical analyses of population densities.
Effectiveness Studies of Alternate Oceanlab Systems, 31 July 1978, * Less time and energy are wasted in surfacing and
based on General Electric Document No. 78SDR2243 dated 30 June
1978. diving during limited research time.

7or

.0e

7 71

Figure 7.-Hy&o-Lab on Ocean Bottom off St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

The specific goals of the Hydro-Lab system program are 0 Coordination and integration of the scientific
to: program.

� Acquire, via in-situ study, scientific information Fairleigh Dickinson University's (FDU) West Indies
about the-marine environment of U.S. coastal and Laboratory (WIL), acting under NOAA Grant No. 04-8-
tropical marine environments. 1401-6, is responsible for the operation and maintenance
� Provide a national underwater facility for prelimi- of the underwater laboratory system and associated shore
nary and advanced training of marine scientists in support facilities as well as the development of safety and
underwater research techniques and saturation operating procedures to meet NOAA requirements.
diving. A discussion of the science mission projects ac-
� Develop new and improved underwater scientific complished using Hydro-Lab is given in the Marine
research and engineering techniques, oceano- Science Applications section of this report. Development
graphic instrumentation, and diving equipment. of the second phase of the program began in April 1978
� Provide a facility for the open-sea test and with the solicitation for "letters of interest,"from over4OO
evaluation of underwater biomedical and diving academic institutions in a second regional cooperative
procedures tested in shore-base hyperbaric labora- manned undersea research program. Fifteen responses
tories. were received which in turn were evaluated by a screening
group. Nine were selected as viable candidates and were
The MUS&T Office is responsible for overall man- asked to develop detailed feasibility studies. These final
agement of the Hydro-Lab program. These responsibili- feasibility studies will be completed in FY 1979. They will
ties include: in turn be evaluated by a panel of scientists and engineers
experienced in undersea marine research. Further
Final review and approval of all safety and development of the next regional cooperative underwater
operational aspects of the program. research programs is planned to begin in FY 1980.

OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND
SAFETY

NOAA DIVING PROGRAM control of all individual diving operations. The use of the
NOAA divers for NOAA missions, and the safety and
operational efficiency of the dive, depend on the
Administrative Structure judgment and expertise of the UDO.
The administrative structure of the NOAA diving
program is presented graphically in Figure 8.
During FY 1977 and 1978 the NOAA Diving Program
has been managed, from a policy standpoint, by the
Associate Administrator for Research and Development
and the Director of the Office of Ocean Engineering NOAA Divers
(OOE) through the Director and Deputy Director of
MUS&T. The management of the diving safety, training, NOAA divers are certified at one of three levels:
and certification program is the responsibility of the trainee, limited, or unlimited. About one-half of NOAA
NOAA Diving Coordinator and his assistants. divers are in either the NOAA Corps.or the National
The Diving Coordinator is responsible for the training, Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).
safety, and certification of all NOAA divers and for Most diving activities relate to resource ecology,
working closely with the NOAA Diving Safety Board and fisheries management, coastal zone and estuarine studies,
NOAA Diving Medical Review Board, which develop ecosystems investigations, environmental conservation
and oversee training and operational policies, medical and assessment, hydrographic and oceanographic
qualifications, and reporting requirements. surveying, and vessel and installation maintenance.
The NOAA Diving Safety Board is the policy-formu- NOAA divers also assist other Federal agencies such as
lating body in the administrative structure. Its the Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety
recommendations, based on reviews of operating policies, Board in search, rescue, and recovery operations.
training needs, and operational procedures, shape the The majority of NOAA diving activities are in U.S.
direction of the diving program as it continually changes maritime areas, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Great
and expands to meet NOAA's diving needs. Lakes. Most NOAA fleet vessels have a complement of
The NOAA Diving Medical Review Board, established divers (officers or crew), and many National Marine
by a NOAA Directive on March 8,1974, is responsible for Fisheries Service (NMFS) centers, laboratories, and field
reviewing the medical qualifications of NOAA divers and stations have resident divers. Diving is a collateral
diver candidates. The Board is made up of experts in voluntary duty in NOAA, generally performed by
hyperbaric and occupational medicine. As new knowl- qualified individuals whose primary occupation is
edge of diving physiology is gained, the Medical Review enhanced by stich duty. Since 1972 the number of certified
Board assesses this knowledge to update diving medical divers in NOAA has grown from the approximate 100
evaluation criteria. absorbed from the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries to
Diving operations in NOAA are carried out to support approximately 400, of which about 250 are considered an
the missions of NOAA's Major Line Components active diving resource pool.
(MLCs) and Main Program Elements (MPE's). Each of Table 15 summarizes the myriad of activity in which
NOAA's three MPE's that actively use diving as an NOAA divers are involved. Because the diving activities
operational tool have an MPE Diving Officer who of OOE/ M US&T are significantly different from those of
represents the MPE on the Diving Safety Board, and who the other organizations, they are summarized separately
interacts with the Diving Coordinator by planning, in Table 16.
programming, directing, and reviewing the diving Tables 17, 18, and 19 present statistical data associated
activities within the MPE to ensure compliance with with NOAA diving for FY 1977 and 1978.
overall NOAA policies on underwater operations. In addition to supporting ongoing NOAA missions,
The responsibility for the operation rests with the Unit numerous advanced diving programs have been carried
Diving Office (UDO) within each of the MPE's individual out for the purpose of improving our ability to operate
units that have diving operations. The UDO has direct effectively under the sea. Such operations have involved

DIVING SAFETY BOARD

DIVING SAFETY NOAA DIVING -DIVING MEDICAL
BOARD -COORDINATOR REVIEW BOARD

ASSISTANTS

HO NOS NMFS ERL
I I I I
UDO UDO UDO

DIVEMASTER DIVEMASTER DIVEMASTER

DIVERS DIVERS DIVERS
LEGEND

UDO - UNIT DIVING OFFICER
NOS - NATIONAL OCEAN SURVEY
NMFS -NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
ERL - ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORIES
HQ - HEADQUARTERS
Figure 8.-Administrative Structure of NOAA Diving Program

North North
Pacific Atlantic
Coastal 1768/1523 Alaska coastal waters Coastal
Waters 202/105 Hawaii coastal waters Waters
932/1265 491/456
655/385 Other inland waters
Mid Atlantic
Pacific 78/14 Pacific Territories and Trustees Coastal
Coastal Waters
Waters 11/215 Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Panama Canal 234/361
181/104 63/133 Foreign coastal waters
South 34/23 Deep ocean waters--beyond the continental shelf
Pacific
Coastal Waters 51/80 Other South
152/197 Atlantic
Coastal
Waters
Total Dives: 7660/7815 346/593
Key: 77178 Gulf of Mexico Coastal Waters
4V1/4b

Mid

492t733

Figure 9.-NOAA Dives in U.S. and Foreign Waters, FY 1977 and 1978

underwater habitats, submersibles, support ships, and Revision of NOAA Diving Manual
shore-based facilities. Geographical locations of NOAA
diving activities are shown in Figure 9.
Diving programs in NOAA include: A special achievement of the NOAA Diving Program
was the development and publication in 1975 of the
NOAA Diving Manual. The manual is an authoritative
9 Diver training courses reference for NOAA's scientists and working divers. It
* Recompression and training facilities also has broad appeal for non-NOAA divers and has been
e Equipment acquisitions accepted by the entire diving community. It contains
* Physiology and medicine basic information and data on applied diving technology,
* Diving technology including that needed to carry out scientific investigations
e Advanced diving operation and the many other tasks of the working diver. During FY
* Compilation, documentation, and dissemination of 1978 the first major revision of the NOAA Diving Manual
diving information began with publication planned before the end of
calendar year 1979.
Many of these programs are described on the following The manual provides NOAA and non-NOAA
pages. scientists and working divers with the latest advances in

Table 15-NOAA Diving Activities

Environmental In-Situ
Assessment Observation Surveys

Assess reef damage by oil spill Herring egg bed dynamics Fisheries resource assessment

Observe marine flora and fauna Pray/ predator relationships between Baitfish resources. and concentra-
around offshore oil platforms baitfish and tuna tions

Effects of thermal discharge from Octopus den occupancy Tridacnid clam survey and collection
power plants

Effects of nuclear testing on benthic Long-term observation and studies Pearl oyster surveys
communities using ocean-floor habitats

Inshore marine effect of discharge Ground truth observations for air- Damage by "Crown of Thorns" star-
from sugar mills, sewer outfalls, tuna craft and satellite overflights fish
canneries, and storm drains

Effects of filling, dredging, and con- Search and delineation of submerged Sample subtidal testing on benthic
struction obstructions communities

Baseline data collection Analysis of sediment flux by observ- Juvenile salmon behavior and net
ing movement of dyed sand reaction

Baseline studies for proposed NOAA Repeated observation of artificial Sediment and water sampling
center at former Sandpoint Naval reefs
Air Station

Determine effects of clams and other Attraction of pelagic fish to artificial Determining least depths for hydro-
resource development on fish migra- structures graphy
tion and survival

Analyzing wrecks for damage to the Wire drag operations
marine environment by cargo

Study effects of changes in river ecol-
ogy on salmonids

Table 15-NOAA Diving Activities (Continued)

Equipment Installation and Equipment Vessel Inspection
Retrieval Evaluation Maintenance and Repair

Fish trap emplacement Observe midwater trawls using Clean propellors, viewing ports,
towed sleds sonar, sea strainers, etc.

Install, inspect, and service current Observe harvesting gear dynamics Monitor bottom paint and corrosion
and temperature sensors and tide leading to new design concept rates
gauges

Install cyclesonde and boundary Observe performance of electric Untangle nets and wire from pro-
experiments in New York Bight shrimp trawl pellors

Install plankton nets in reef and sea Evaluate fishin nets and analyze Emergency repairs
9
grass areas fouling problems

Install, clean, and maintain salmon Evaluate trap effectiveness
bypass systems at Washington and
Oregon dams

Install and repair salt water pumps Observe behavior of animals inside
capture gear; i.e., King and Dunge-
ness Crabs, flat and round fish, etc.

Install instrument package for tsun- Capture and cage fish for acoustical
ami research studies

Install anchors and docks and inspect Monitor underwater pyranoirieter
deep-sea buoys while underway

Installation of underwater targets for Evaluation of hydroacoustic systems
aircraft and satellite sensing

Interagency cooperation in search Acoustic sensing of pelagic fish
and recovery of items such as downed schools
aircraft and sunken boats

Search and recovery of lost gear Experimental submerged salmon egg
incubators

Test diving equipment

Photographic and communications

Table 16-OOE/MUS&T Diving-Related Activities

Maintenance of records on each NOAA diver including: medical examination, training,
certification, diving logs, waivers, and participation in special projects.

Arrangements for training of NOAA divers.

Preparation and distribution of a quarterly Technical Services Publication.

Maintenance of NOAA diving library.

Revision of NOAA Diving Manual.

Preparation of project operational plans.

Cooperation with other agencies toward the development of national standards and regulations
related to diving.

Maintain liaison with other federal agencies and national diving organizations.

Represent NOAA on national and professional committees related to diving technology and
diving physiology.

Direct participation in advanced diving programs involving ocean-floor laboratories and
submersibles.

Development and open-sea testing of advanced diving technology.

Monitor diving fatality study at the University of Rhode Island.

Maintenance of MUS&T diving equipment.

Table 17-Diving Activity by NMFS, NOS, and ERL (1977 and 1978)

Dives and Bottom Time
Major Line
Components Number of Percent of Bottom
Dives Total Time (Hrs.)

1977 1978 1977 1978 1977 1978

NMFS 4073 3342 70% 57.6% 1657 1746

NOS 1571 2483 27% 38.8% 882 1183

ERL 175 223 3% 3.6% 134 95.

Totals 5918 6058 - - 2673 3024

Table 18-Depth Ranges of Dives

0-10 M 10-20 m 20-30 m 30 m or more
(0-33 ft) (34-66 ft) (67-99 ft) (100 ft)

1977 1978 1977 1978 1977 1978 1977 1978
45% 48.2% 37% 36.6% 14% 11.5% 1 4% 3.7%

Table 19-NOAA Diving by Purpose, FY 1977 and 1978

PURPOSE

1855 131%
BIOLOGICAL SURVEY 28.9%

1%
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
17%
47

201 5.3%
OCEANOGRAPHIC SURVEY 5.1%

.5%
PHYSIOLOGICAL
.2%

3
965 115%
MAINTENANCE/REPAIR 13.9%

5.2%
SEARCH/RECOVERY 10 9.6%

524 10.1%
TEST/EVALUATION
snj-03 11.1%

TRAINING 780 115.1%
15.6%

KEY:
RECREATION 1027 14.9% 120.1% 1977
1978
880

285

6
P@
1027

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 so

PERCENTAGE OF DIVES

diving physiology, hyperbaric medicine, underwater Decompression theory and calculation of decom-
scientific methodology, and information on newly pression tables
developed equipment and operational techniques. It is e Barotrauma
used, with the Navy Diving Manual, as a reference in the 0 Examination and handling of victims
OSHA Standard for Diving Operations, which is now e Emergency management of decompression sickness
Federal law for the diving industry. The manual is and air embolism
concerned mainly with shallow water diving [surface to 51 0 Inside tending procedures
in (130 ft)]. 0 Chamber medical kit contents
The new manual, prepared and edited with the 0 Review of case histories
assistance of approximately 90 contributors throughout 0 Hands-on experience with simulated treatments
the diving community, is a major revision. Much new 0 Review of chamber operation procedures
information has been added and the information
contained in the first addition updated. A new chapter has The training courses, which are given to NOAA diving
been added on diving accident management. Changes personnel and other divers working on NOAA missions,
also have been made in the saturation diving chapter are held on an as-needed basis. The first of the week-long
based on additional experience gained during NOAA courses was held at Woods Hole in the winter of 1977.
missions and recent research in diving medicine. Over Subsequent courses have been conducted in Seattle
24,000 copies of the first edition have been sold, and a (under contract to Virginia Mason Research Center) and
commercial edition is in its second printing. The manual in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Because the requirement
currently is used as a standard text by many organizations for recompression chambers is increasing, the training of
and government agencies both in the United States and chamber operators is taking an important place in
internationally. NOAA's overall emergency handling capability.

Diving Program Computer Data Base
Workshop on Scuba Lifesaving and Acci-
A recently implemented monthly update system has dent Management
been established which allows the immediate retrieval and
printout of current certification levels, diving physical
due dates, qualifying dive requirements, and the physical NOAA and the Council for National Cooperation in
location and number of active NOAA divers. This Aquatics (CNCA) sponsored a workshop, held from
comp4ter data base is vital to the effectiveness of the November 27 to December 3, 1977, for the purpose of
NOAA Diving Program, as divers are required to meet developing procedures for scuba lifesaving and accident
certification requirements by NOAA Directive in order to management. This workshop was conducted at the
remain active NOAA divers. The location, certification National YMCA Center for Diving Activities in Key
level, and status of divers likewise is important when West, Florida, under the supervision of the Director,
specific projects require diving support. The data base is Robert W. Smith.
being expanded to permit ready analysis of NOAA diving The Workshop dealt with the special problems
activities, including parameters such as type of dive, associated with rescue and revival of personnel using
depth, duration, diving conditions, and location. self-contained compressed air in swimming pools or open
water. The apparatus used by these underwater swimmers
and the physiological aspects of compressed-air breathing
TRAINING AND SAFETY present unique problems for would-be rescuers. The
challenge extends beyond physical retrieval and resuscita-
tion of the distressed diver to a myriad of additional
Recompression Chamber Operator Course activities including unique and sophisticated first aid
procedures, as well as communications, transportation,
The curriculum and maintenance of recompression and other factors associated with eventual recompression
chambers is a vital part of the NOAA diving program. In or other special emergency treatment.
order to ensure that all NOAA personnel operating The affected population for this project includes over 2
recompression chambers are properly trained and million persons engaged in scuba diving in the United
certified, the MUS&T office has initiated a series of States today, as well as lifeguards, other maritime
courses for recompression chamber operators. personnel, and the general public, who may have the
The curriculum for the training program is as follows: responsibility and/or opportunity to render lifesaving
assistance to these individuals.
� Introduction to recompression chambers The need for guidance in this important area is great.
� Chamber setup and subsystems The technology of rescue and accident management has
� Recordkeeping been inadequately, and in some cases, inaccurately,
� Introduction to the physics of pressure documented in the available literature.

At the Workshop, experts presented information NOAA plans to continue this program, as the
representing the latest on scuba lifesaving procedures and applications continue to exceed the number of students
valuable new technology. Almost a dozen agencies in the that can be accepted by a ratio of 4 to 1. It is anticipated
United States and Canada with an interest in scuba that this level of interest will continue.
lifesaving were represented.
The results of the Workshop were published as a
manual of scuba lifesaving and accident management.* It Free Ascent Training Workshop
also served as the basis for a new chapter on accident
management in the revised edition of the NOAA Diving The Free Ascent Training Workshop was sponsored by
Manual. NOAA through the auspices of the Undersea Medical
Society, and it took place December 10-11, 1977, in
Bethesda, Maryland.
Training of Physicians in Hyperbaric The purpose was to review the many factors involved in
Medicine conducting free ascent training as part of scuba diving
instruction. The basic question considered was whether
In 1976 the Undersea Medical Society published a the potential risks to a student diver exposed to free
National Planfor the Safety and Health ofDivers in their ascent training outweigh the benefits to be gained by
Quest for Subsea Energy. t The development of this plan practicing the proper procedures of a technique which
was supported by the National Institute for Occupational one day might prevent a serious accident or death. The
Safety and Health (NIOSH) and NOAA. One of the proceedings of the workshop are in preparation.
recommended top-priority requirements identified in this The workshop was chaired jointly by Ronald Samson,
plan was the need for additional physicians trained to M.D. (U. of Maine School of Medicine) and James W.
treat diving casualties. Miller, Deputy Director of MUS&T. It was attended by
With financial support from the Department of Energy 33 persons representing the medical profession, diving
(DOE), NOAA developed a course in hyperbaric training organizations, the academic community, and the
medicine in response to this need in 1976. Since that time, Federal Government. In general, after 2 days of
four hyperbaric medical training courses have been given: discussion it was concluded that there is no medical or
statistical basis for discontinuing free ascent training that
1. February 21 to March 11, 1977 is carried out properly. Details of the proper procedures
2. October 24 to November 18, 1977 were discussed and will appear in proceedings of the
3. September I I to October 6, 1978 meeting.
4. May 21 to June 9, 1979

The response has been extremely favorable from both Commercial Diver Training Program at the
the diving medical community in general and the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT)
attendees in particular. The first three courses were given
in cooperation with the U.S. Naval School of Diving and An Underwater Technology Program was established
Salvage, Washington D.C., where 3 of the 4 weeks were in FY 1977 to assist in the development of the National
spent. The fourth week was at the NOAA diving facility in
Miami, Florida. Thus far, about 42 physicians have been Plan for the Safety and Health of Divers in Their Quest
trained. for Subsea Energy (referred to earlier). This effort is
A fourth course was conducted entirely at the NOAA supported with reimbursable funds from the Department
diving facility in Miami. NOAA now has three types of of Energy (DOE). The program director is Mr. James W.
recompression chambers located there, which allow the Woodberry of FIT.
physician students to gain wider experience in chamber The purposes of the Underwater Technology Program
operation. are to:
This course is producing a nucleus of knowledgeable e Provide the diving industry with trained under-
diving-oriented physicians who will be located near water technicians who have completed a 2-year
centers of diving activity. These physicians will be Associate of Science degree in underwater
available to treat decompression sickness, diagnose
causes and effect cures for diving accidents, and generally technology
be involved with the overall health and safety of divers. 9 Serve as a model program for other institutions
e Provide students with a high employment probabil-
The results of training for the initial group will determine ity program
the size and curriculum for future groups.
The Associate of Science degree in underwater
*SLAM- Scuba Lifesaving and Accident Management, National technology was implemented as a joint venture between a
YMCA Center for Underwater Activities, May 1978. small private university, industry, and government. FIT
tCharles W. Shilling, National Plan for the Safety and Health of
Divers in their Questfor Subsea Energy, Undersea Medical Society, contributed technical expertise and equipment, and the
Bethesda, MD, Jan. 1979 Office of Sea Grant contributed technical information,

funds for additional personnel, facility modifications, water. Physiological monitoring of the experimental
and equipment. In spite of the initial help from these subjects was conducted in all phases of the program. The
sources, the program was still deficient due to the lack of output of this effort was a report containing diving
an adequate surface-supply diving platform. NOAA then profiles for use at altitude in tabular form based on the
provided funds to FIT for the conversion of a U.S. Navy- analysis of previously developed systems and the test data
donated LCM6 into a suitable surface-supply diving collected during this program.
vessel (Figure 10). The subjects were given a series of tests in the Human
The LCM6 was transported to FIT from Virginia, Performance Laboratory (University of California) to
refurbished, and converted to a sdiface-supply diving determine their state of fitness, body composition,
platform. A double lock chamber and four 42.5 M3 (1500 maximum ventilatory capacity, heart rate, and other
ft3) high-pressure air flasks were installed in the hold, and physiological variables. The purpose of these tests was to
an upper deck was then welded in place. On this upper provide baseline data which would yield correlates in the
deck, four diver support consoles were added, two diesel- event certain of the subjects experienced decompression
powered, low-pressure air compressors and their sickness during the tests.
associated volume tanks. A flying bridge was built Each subject was required to complete the 12.2-, 21.4-,
housing engine controls and steering gear. General crew and 48.8-m (40-, 70-, and 160-ft) exposures under dry
quarters were also added. resting conditions in a hyperbaric chamber on the UC-
In the present configuration, the LCM6 can carry a Davis campus [elevation 19.5 in (65 ft)] before they were
complement of sixteen students, four instructors, and two allowed to participate in the altitude exposures. The
crew members. The vessel has the capacity to support four purpose of this was to determine which, if any, of the
air or mixed-gas divers simultaneously, plus operate the subjects were sufficiently susceptible to decompression
recompression chamber with either primary or backup air sickness that they could not safely complete a standard
and oxygen. U.S. Navy no-decompression schedule at sea level. All
Complete field-type medical capacity, plus trained on- subjects completed the schedules at sea level without
board emergency medical technicians (ENIT's) (or symptoms. The baseline studies were completed by July
equivalent), ensures that an accident casualty receives 22, 1978, and the laboratory was moved to Lake Tahoe
competent emergency care. The three-point mooring [elevation 1,889.8 in (6,200 ft)].
systems, overboard ladders, and hydraulic davits with A total of 168 exposures were completed. There were
diving stages were installed, the design thus permitting no cases of decompression sickness. No precordial
four methods of entering or leaving the water (two ladders bubbles were detected *
and two stages). The LCM6 carries sufficient fuel for 24 Based on these results, it appears that the safety criteria
hours constant cruise at 8 knots, and normally is at sea derived from the extrapolation of the U.S. Navy data
from dawn to dusk, 5 days per week. provide no-decompression limits which are safe. Dr. Bell
To date, two classes have graduated (50 students), and used the results of previous experiments and the results of
positive feedback is being received on the quality of these studies to prepare a new section on altitude diving
training of these students. The vessel has been, and will for the revised edition of the NOAA Diving Manual.
continue to be, one of the most important assets to the
Associate of Science degree program in underwater
technology conducted at FIT. NOAA Nitrox I

NOAA Nitrox I is a standard breathing gas mixture of
@PHYSIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 32 percent oxygen percent); the balance of the gas (68

High-Altitude Diving Tables

From June to September 1978 a series of experiments
was conducted at the University of California-Davis, and
Lake Tahoe, California, to test altitude no-compression
limits calculated from extrapolation of the U.S. Navy
safety criteria.
The principal investigator was Dr. Richard L. Bell,
Chairman, Department of Chemical Engineering, UC-
Davis.
The purpose of this program was to develop safe,
effective procedures for diving at altitudes greater than
sea level. A series of experiments was conducted at sea
level and at an elevation of 1890 in (6200 ft). The dives Figure 10.-Florida Institute of Technology Surface
were performed using a hyperbaric chamber and in open Support Vessel (Converted U.S. Navy LCM6)

percent) is nitrogen. Use of the gas mixture significantly performance of their official duties. Of particular concern
increases the amount of time a diver can spend at depth is pollution from bacterial and viral pathogens as a result
without decompression, and it may be used in routine of sewage disposal practices. In 1977 the MUS&T Office,
diving operations where it is advantageous. All oxygen in response to a NOAA field office inquiry, implemented
partial pressure time combinations for use with this a research project to study these concerns. The purpose of
mixture are within the normal exposure limits of the U.S. this project is to assess the health hazards to divers from
Navy Oxygen Partial Pressure Limits Table. polluted water and develop techniques which will
Decompression tables and repetitive dive tables for a minimize any inherent dangers associated with this type
gas mixture of 32 percent oxygen/68 percent nitrogen of occupational exp, osure.
were calculated, approved by the NOAA Diving Safety The principal investigating institutions, in addition to
Board and NOAA Diving Medical Review Board, and NOAA, are the University of Maryland and the Naval
tested in recompression chambers and in field experi- Medical Research Institute. Other cooperating agencies
ments. It was used during September and October 1978 in the program are the U.S. Coast Guard and the Veterans
for a training program and in the Ocean Pulse Program Administration.
(see "Marine Science Applications'). During the first year, experimental protocols were
The following limitations have been placed on the use established to maximize the use of personnel talents and
of NOAA Nitrox 1: laboratory capabilities. Two additional first-year mile-
stones completed were the development of an appropriate
� Both gases must be of breathing quality. NOAA epidemiological survey and design of special techniques
Nitrox I gas may be used only in standard open- for use in anaerobic pathogen studies.
circuit breathing equipment. High-pressure storage Several sampling periods have been completed in both
cylinders, scuba tanks, and all high-pressure gas the New York Bight and the Anacostia River.
transfer equipment must be cleaned and maintained Characterization of the microflora at both sites and their
for oxygen service. abundance and spatial distributions is nearing comple-
� The normal depth limit for use of this mixture shall tion, with essentially only the seasonal fluctuations
be 39.6 in (130 ft) of seawater for dives that do not remaining to be quantified. A number of significant
require decompression. findings have already been obtained.

The NOAA Nitrox I diving tables have been included in Anacostia River Site
the revised edition of the NOAA Diving Manual.
Three strains of Salmonella were isolated and
Operational Evaluation of Bubble Detectors biochemically confirmed using API strips, which are
rapid diagnostic tests for the identification of enteric
The level of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream in bacteria. Two strains were isolated from a 250-ml volume
Nitrox I tests is determined by use of the Doppler of surface water. The third strain was isolated from 50 g of
ultrasonic monitor. The Doppler probe is placed on the sediment.
left side of the diver's chest between the third and fourth Fecal coliform counts were close to or exceeded
ribs. The diver is instructed to go through a specific set of 1000/ 100 ml, a concentration indicating sufficiently high
exercises and activities. As the number of nitrogen numbers to restrict contact/ recreational activities in the
bubbles in the bloodstream increases, the "noise" level water. Of great, significance for human health considera-
transmitted increases. Signals monitored by the investiga- tions is the presence of Vibrio cholerae and Aeromonas
tors are recorded on a scale of zero to 4, along with heart species. The counts of V. cholerae were low. However, the
rate and cardiac period (systolic or diastolic). These recent outbreak of cholera in Louisiana makes it
recordings are then analyzed in the laboratory, and necessary to evaluate seriously the presence of this
comparisons of these signal rates are made between divers organism in water used for diver training.
using air and those using Nitrox 1. During the course of this project, the inVestigators
Recorded gas bubble levels taken in the open sea learned that a U.S. Navy diver developed an infection and
appear to be higher than those taken in the diving tissue abscess as a result of a puncture wound obtained
chambers. This could be caused by the stress of open- while operating in the Anacostia River. Cultures obtained
water dives and post-dive activity on shipdeck. The inves- from this diver identified the causative agents as
tigators suggest that monitoring techniques can be Aeromonas hydrophila and Aeromonas sobria. These
improved and result in more accurate bubble-detector isolates are being tested for toxin production and mouse
evaluation of Nitrox 1. lethality. Similar organisms are penicillin-resistant and
are often misdiagnosed.
Microbial Hazards Associated with Diving Thus, the divers were obviously colonized with
in Polluted Water Aeromonas, at least transiently, following exposure to
polluted water. The opportunity therefore exists for
NOAA personnel, particularly divers, frequently are infection of sores or abrasions received by the divers.
exposed to some degree of water pollution during the The occurrence of the diver injury followed by infection

of the wound with Aeromonas poses a genuine health computer consists of two digital light-emitting diode
hazard. displays. One tells the diver the depth and the other the
safe-ascent depth (the depth to which he can safely return
New York Bight Apex without decompression). The unit can be converted for
mixed gas diving using a PROM that is programmed for
On April 28-29,1978, a shakedown cruise was made in the gas mixture used.
the New York Bight aboard the R/V Johnson. Due to The computer can easily compute the gas absorption of
inclement weather and mechanical problems, 'only seven different tissues, compared with present decom-
surface water samples were collected; Pseudomonas and pression meters that use three tissues for computation.
Streplococcus species were tentatively identified. These present meters work by measuring the pressure of
It is anticipated that the program will continue due to the gas as it diffuses through a tissue-simulating
the nature of the findings, plus the fact that it is the only membrane. They are subject to error, especially if poorly
program currently underway in the U.S. designed to maintained or roughly handled. The wrist-worn digital
provide an inoculation and decontamination regime for decompression computer was demonstrated in October
divers operating in polluted waters. 1974 to the Navy's Experimental Diving Unit and to
MUS&T. Several simulated decompression dives were
found to match exactly the standard decompression
DIVING TECHNOLOGY tables. The unit also was used to run a simulated 3-day
saturation mission, using excursions that were encount-
ered during Project SCORE of the Bahama Banks
Digital Decompression Computer Research Program in 1975.
The program was accelerated during FY 1977 after
A digital decompression computer to be worn on a nearly a year of delays due to fabrication problems. The
diver's wrist has been developed by the Naval Undersea circuit boards have now been delivered; the fabrication
Center's Hawaii Laboratory under a grant from NOAA problems have been attributed to the high-density
(see Figure 11). The computer monitors the diver's depth configuration required and to changes resulting from
and dive time and gives a continual display of design review (February 1977).
Two prototype diver decompression computers were
decompression status. A prototype was demonstrated
early in FY 1975. completed and are now being programmed with data
from NOAA-approved decompression schedules. Similar
The decompression computer (Decometer) comprises units are being produced for evaluation by the U.S. Navy
four principal electronic subsystems: a pressure trans- Experimental Diving Unit with specific mission-oriented
ducer, an electronic "clock," a programmable read-only decompression schedules.
memory (PROM) storage, and a digital information The Decometer was de'veloped for a specific Navy
display. The pressure transducer measures the diver's mission, but also offers great potential for use in nitrogen-
depth while the electronic clock monitors the diver's time. based saturation-excursion diving. It should substantially
The two signals are used as inputs to the PROM, which is increase the effective working time of downward
programmed with a mathematical model for inert gas excursions by permitting the use of controlled ascent back
absorption. The computer uses the time and depth inputs to habitat depth (i.e., use of decompression stops). This
to calculate the diver's decompression status contin- method will facilitate access to the depth range extending
uously, even in multidepth or repetitive dives not covered to 76 m (250 ft), without the use of helium.
by the standard decompression tables. The readout on the Several commercial diving companies have begun to
use nitrogen and air saturation-excursion techniques;
such operations could be significantly improved by real-
time computation of inert gas absorption and elimina-
tion. This adaptation of the Decometer to saturation-
excursion diving will yield an efficient and cost-effective
tool for NOAA diving operations. Because of this
additional application, a contract was awarded during,
FY 1978 to prepare a revised matrix appropriate for
STop 50 Up p#
Decometer-controlled excursions from a nitrogen-
oxygen-based habitat. The new matrix is a modification
of the original NOAA matrix, based on diving experience
that has become a available,since the original NOAA
OPS program.* The constraints are intended to be such
that the Decometer can be used directly for excursions at

*See J.W. Miller (ed.), Vertical Excursions Breathing Air from
Nitrogen-Oxygen or Air Saturation Exposures, NOAA, Rockville,
Figure 11.-Diving Decompression Meter (Decometer) MD, May 1976.

"face value" without the need for further conservatism 0 Production Package
factors. The work leading to Decometer suitable for 0 Maintenance and Operation Manual
habitat operations has continued through FY 1978 in a
cooperative program involving the Naval Undersea Complete construction and preliminary testing of two
Center at Hawaii and Hamilton Research, Ltd. Matrices excursion saturation diving Decometers (projected
are being developed, tested, and modified, and it is completion August 1979).
anticipated that a working system should be forthcoming
within about 2 years.
The following tasks have been completed to date: Portable Inflatable Recompression
Chamber (PIRC)
� Documentation Survey
� Mathematical Model Software The portable inflatable recompression chamber (PIRC)
� Documentation (Completed Program) provides on-site recompression of divers suffering from
� Incorporate NOAA Parametric Indices ("M" hyperbaric distress and allows patients to be transported
Values)* to more complete medical facilities.
Cost, weight, and bulk have prevented their wider use
The following tasks remain uncompleted: by divers in difficult or remote diving locations. The
Naval Undersea Center has built a prototype of a small,
Documentation Package (projected completion inexpensive, lightweight PIRC with support from
June 1979) NOAA.
*The maximum value of the partial pressure of dissolved gas which can The PIRC is a cylindrical body manufactured from a
be tolerated in a specific compartment of the body and still permit the Kevlar fiber-rubber composite (see Figure 12). Kevlar is a
diver to ascend safely to the next stop. new high-strength organic compound that has been used

CARRYING HANDLE

CHAMBER

HOLD-DOWN STRAPS

LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEM (LSS) CONSOLE

E-7:

Q@9

VIEWING WINDOW

HIGH-PRESSURE
FLEXIBLE HOSE
CONTAINER FOR CHAMBER,
LSS CONSOLE,& BREATHING BREATHING
GAS SUPPLY GAS SUPPLY

Figure 12.-Portable Inflatable Recompression Chamber (PIRC)

for cables and bulletproof vests. The door of the chamber One-.Atmosphere (JIM) Suit Evaluation
is a specially designed leakproof "zipper." The chamber
will withstand an internal pressure equivalent to 50.3 in The one-atmosphere suit (JIM) is a system that permits
(165 ft) of seawater. When inflated it is 76.2 cm (30 in) in an operator (usually but not necessarily a diver) to spend
diameter and 228.6 cm (90 in) long, which allows it to hold long periods of time underwater at depths up to 1500 feet
the patient and a medical attendant. The entire chamber with no increase in ambient pressure (see Figure 13).
can pass through standard double-lock recompression The overall height of JIM is 1.98 in (6 ft 6 in), and its
chamber doors so the patient can be transferred directly empty weight is 408 kg (9 10 lb) in air and approximately
to a larger, more complete facility. When not in use, the 498 kg (1100 lb) with an operator. In the water it has
chamber can be collapsed to fit into a 20 by 20-cm (36 by 8 about 27 kg (60 lb) negative buoyancy, depending on the
by 8-in) carrying container. The chamber weighs about 23 exact weight of the operator. Ballast weights, which are
kg (50 lb), and uses standard scuba tanks for its positionally adjustable, are mounted at the front and rear.
pressurization and life support. A high-efficiency recircu- The plexiglass ports afford excellent visibility.
lating device circulates the chamber air through a C02 The life support system for JIM consists of two
scrubber, allowing a single 2.O4-M3 (72-ft3) Scuba tank to independent systems which are designed to maintain a
provide life support for about I hour. constant partial pressure of oxygen inside the suit. An
The specifications are given in Table 20. oral-nasal mask (see Figure 14) is used'for breathing.
When the suit is sealed, the atmospheric pressure inside is
equivalent to that at the surface. Oxygen is provided
Table 20-PIRC Specifications through a redundant system from a dual set of cylinders
contained in a backpack, and the exhaled C02 is absorbed
Manufacturer ..................... B.F. Goodrich by soda-lime contained in a canister. The oxygen makeup
Chamber Capacity ....................... 2 divers system is automatic so that the internal pressure is always
Chamber Size ............. 228.6 cm long x 76.2 cm maintained at one atmosphere.
(90 in x 30 in)
Chamber Weight ...... -*-- .... 43 kg (95 lb)
System Weight .................. 113.4 kg (250 lb)
Packaged Volume ................. 0.57 M3 (20 ft3)
Chamber Material ................ Rubber-Covered
Kevlar Cord
Design Depth, Operating ............ 50.3 in (165 ft)
Zipper Opening ................... 13.8 cm (54 in)
Viewport Size (2) ............. (10.75 ft3) (Two 5000
psig composite alloy and
fiberglass air bottles)
Oxygen Rebreather Capability:
Chamber Leakage @
18.29 in (60 ft) of Seawater ......... 0.55 scfm
Chamber Leakage @
50 in (164 ft) of Seawater ............ 0.45 scfm
C02 Scrubber Absorbent ............ Soda-Lime
C02 Scrubber Capacity [1.36 kg (3 lb)] ....... 3 hr

*Standard cubic feet (of air) per minute C'standard" meaning at I atm
pressure).

This lightweight, portable system can be easily de-
ployed on demand. After a single use or the lapse of a
k.
-1 -_ .. _..I - all
predetermined period of time (I to 2 years nonuse) it can L
be exchanged for a freshly packaged system. This method
of packaging and single use should minimize failure of the M0111L.
system which might otherwise result from misuse and/ or
excessive environmental exposure.
Significant progress has been made by the Navy toward
completion of the prototype system, including assembly
of the life support system fabrication of twin lightweight
air supply containers, preliminary design of a carrying
container, and the completion of materials doc-
...1

umentation and operations manual. Figure 13.-One-Atmosphere (JIM) Suit

N@\-,_"-'@"l

Figure 14.-Diver Donning JIM Suit Regulator

Such a system enables an operator to work for hours at The open-water testing involved personnel from the
a time limited only by workload, and to surface directly Naval Medical Research Institute, OOE's MUS&T Office
without having to undergo decompression. Tasks are and Northeast Fisheries Center (NEFC), the Shoals
accomplished using simple manipulators, such as those Marine Laboratory, the Admiralty Marine Technology
shown in Figure 13, which can be modified on the job site Establishment-Physiological Laboratory (U.K.), and the
to suit specific requirements. University of New Hampshire. These tests were the first
In October 1977 the Naval Medical Research Institute open sea trials of the JIM system made by personnel from
of Bethesda, Maryland, initiated a program to evaluate the U.S. Navy and/or governmental and educational
the physiological and human performance capabilities of institutions. The objectives included the gathering of
JIM. NOAA was invited to participate in the planning physiological data, testing of system capabilities (specific
and implementation of this program. scientific tasks), and training of personnel.
The overall objectives were accomplished, and a
Following the initial planning and preliminary trials by number of tasks were performed to depths of 33 in (100
the Navy, personnel from the National Marine Fisheries ft). In addition to the evaluation of the system, a NOAA
Service (Woods Hole, Massachusetts) participated as diving technician from the Northeast Fisheries Labora-
subjects and JIM operators during I- to 2-year program tory has now been fully trained in the use of the JIM. This
of testing. The objective of this participation was to is part of a program to take advantage of new technology
determine whether the JIM suit would be suitable for to safely increase underwater work time of NOAA dives
marine science exploration and development. Following and allow the exploration of previously unavailable
a series of performance tests on mobility, manual areas.
dexterity, and life support function in Navy deepwater It is anticipated that NOAA will continue to participate
tanks and pools, an open-water evaluation was conducted in the further testing of the JIM and will be able to
on the Isle of Shoals in the Gulf of Maine during August conduct marine scientific studies utilizing this new
14-18, 1978. technology.

DIVING INFORMATION 0 Physical characteristics (type of recompression
chambers, location, ancillary services).
The NOAA Diver A group of hyperbaric chamber specialists met at the
NOAA/Miami recompression chamber to develop a
specific checklist for chamber inspection.
The NOAA Diver is a periodic newsletter designed to Visits are being made to the proposed centers by
inform NOAA divers about new technical developments, two-person teams consisting of a physician and an
legislation, diving procedures, and other general
information which is of interest and could enhance their engineer. A plan for operating the proposed network is
effectiveness and operational safety. It is prepared in the being developed in consultation with communications
MUS&T office by the Assistant to the NOAA Diving engineers. A meeting of individuals tentatively selected to
Coordinator. This technical services publication has been be center coordinators has been called to discuss
well received and is considered an important function of operating procedures and other details necessary to
the diving program. The first NOAA Diver was setting up the network. UMS will then turn over the final
program, with recommendations, to NOAA for imple-
published in October 1974, and seven issues have been mentation.
published since that time. It is anticipated that
approximately four to five issues will be published
annually in the future. Bibliography of Diving and Submarine
Medicine
Diving Accident Network Since 1969 the Undersea Medical Society has been
under contract with the Office of Naval Research to
With financial support from DOE, NOAA is funding a prepare and disseminate selective bibliographic material
project by the Undersea Medical Society (UMS) to related to diving and submarine medicine. NOAA
establish a diving accident network. The objective of this became a oint partner in this endeavor in FY 1977. UMS
network is to coordinate existing facilities and manpower surveys all literature published in the field, annotates the
to effect a rapid, efficient response to diving accidents, appropriate articles, and prints them in hardbound
including the provision of medical advice, activating volumes. An average of I 10 abstracts are prepared each
appropriate recompression facilities, and arranging month. Abstracts are available to subscribers through a
transport of diving casualties to these facilities. computerized information retrieval system. Almost 200
A meeting of the Advisory group was held in November organizations and individuals routinely use this service.
1977 to begin planning. The U.S. and its territories were The small fee charged to subscribers helps to defray the
divided into seven regions: cost of the system, which has proven to be an invaluable
aid in the field of diving medicine.
Northeast Northwest
Southeast Southwest
Midwest Pacific Oceanic Glossary of Hyperbaric and Diving Terms
Gulf Area
Each region would have a Director and a Co-Director. In FY 1978 the NOAA awarded a contract to the
Undersea Medical Society to develop a Glossary of
The responsibilities of the regional Directors were Hyperbaric and Diving Terms.* Adoption of the metric
outlined at this meeting. system has added confusion about units of measure and
Through follow-up correspondence, a checklist was terminology in diving and in other compressed-gas fields.
developed to be used in evaluating the network's The purpose of the Glossary is to define these terms and to
proposed centers. Following are the most important of promote the standard use of terms in all related fields. The
these criteria: Glossary was completed and published in FY 1978. It has
been well received and is now serving as a standard
0 Personnel available (particularly physicians), reference for terminology and units of measure.
whether the personnel at each center woijld be well
suited to the team concept, and how much
additional training would be required. Underwater Fatality Statistics Study
9 Pressure chamber type and location (further
engineering studies were required to del" this Since 1970 the University of Rhode Island (URI) has
factor). operated a national underwater accident data center with
e Transportation support from the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA. The
9 Availability of emergency treatment facilities (high objective of the program is to acquire and analyze reports
priority given to those centers that are associated
with a hospital and those that have demonstrated *Glossary ofDiving and Hyperbaric Terms, Undersea Medical Society,
ability in treating hyperbaric accidents). Bethesda, MD, 1978.

of scuba facilities in the United States. These analyses are this program throughout the diving community. It is
published in an annual report. On the average, about 150 anticipated that the program will expand to include
deaths occur each year in U.S. waters as a result of scuba commercial diving accidents.
diving (Table 21). Recently the data have been placed in an information
This report is prepared from information received by retrieval. system in order to speed up responses to
telephone (followed by verification), autopsy reports, inquiries. The information is widely used by diving
media clipping services, and a variety of other sources. A training organizations, the medical profession, and the
substantial amount of information is received through insurance industry. Even broader utilization is antici-
unsolicited letters, which reflects the acceptance of pated in the future.

Table 21-Summary of All Underwater Fatalities, Yearly, 1970-76

1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

M F* M F M F M F M F M F M F

Nonprofessional underwater
fatality 99 11 104 8 107 12 118 7 129 15 123 8 137 10

Professional, scuba
diving 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 -4 0 6 0

Professional surface-supplied
air or mixed gas 6 0 2 0 2 0 4 0 8 0 8 0 7 of

On duty military 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0

Skindiving 18 1 17 0 15 1 22 0 25 2 16 1 11 3

TOTAL 138 133 139 151 187 161 175

*M = Male, F = Female
f Note: Includes one nonprofessional hose diver.

.42

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY AND
ADVANCED CONCEPTS

UNDERWATER PHYSICS RESEARCH experiments. The JSL would be used to deploy and
retrieve the photographic emulsion spheres under water.
The experimenters were Jere Lord and Peter Kotzer of U
Project UNCLE (Undersea Cosmic Lepton*
of W/WWU, and Kurt Stehling of NOAA/MUS&T,
Experiments) who served as scientist-monitor-observer.
Harbor Branch then proposed, designed, and built a
Cooperative diving programs related to underwater unique ocean-bottom-sitting chamber (a modified JSL
physics began in 1972 when NOAA and University of aft "sphere") which would be used to deploy the emulsion
Washington/ Western Washington University (U of spheres (see Figure 15). The chamber itself was deployed
W/ WWU) scientists collaborated in a pioneering effort to in September 1977 off West End, Grand Bahama Island.
determine how much filtering of stray cosmic-ray shower In October 1977 two emulsion stacks in glass spheres
"particles" (protons, electrons, etc.) would accrue from were prepared in the JSL and deployed, one at 1000 ft
selectively measuring and detecting these particles (328 in) within the bottom chamber and one for reference
under water. at 400 ft (122 m). In March 1978 the 400-ft sphere was
These particles, which travel constantly and randomly retrieved, and the emulsions were developed in the JSL.
throughout the universe, leave a microscopic trail when The 1000-ft emulsions were retrieved and developed in
they strike a photographic emulsion. The first attempts to October 1978 while another sphere was deployed at 600
"capture" these trails under water were conducted in 1973 ft (183 in).
in the Hydro-Lab, an underwater habitat, in about 15 in The following features highlight this unique experi-
(50 ft) of seawater off Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. ment, which blends ocean engineering with high-energy
The emulsion plates were mounted in cassettes which physics using in-situ, man-in-the-sea research techniques:
were in turn encased in waterproof glass spheres. The
emulsions were prepared, deployed, and a few weeks later
developed in the Hydro-Lab. o A research submersible was used as a minilab for
As predicted, the water acted as a homogenous and preparing cosmic-ray detectors.
isotropic filter (in contrast to the nonuniformity of the 0 Lockout of the cassette in the sphere into a bottom
earth surrounding mineshafts, where other cosmic-ray chamber was achieved at I atm pressure.
experiments have been performed), removing extraneous
surface radiation and simplifying the interpretation of the e The JSL crew remained, in one mission, for 12
emulsion trails. This permitted the researchers to gather hours at 305 in (1000 ft) with no adverse effects.
important new data about cosmic-ray muons.f o A partnership was established between NOAA
and the Harbor Branch Foundation (HBF), a not-
NOAA/Harbor Branch Foundation Cooperative for-profit foundation, with HBF contributing most
Projects* of the technical and logistical support and
equipment to the missions.
In early 1977 an agreement was reached between NOAA o The U of W/WWU scientists have already found
and the Harbor Branch Foundation of Ft. Pierce ' evidence of new muon interactions.
Florida, allowing the use of a Harbor Branch Johnson-
Sea-Link (JSL) submersible for- Project UNCLE
*Leptons are mainly neutrinos or muons (mu meson and electrons). The success of these experiments has attracted wide
Muons are far less elusive than neutrinos. attention from cosmic-ray and other physicists. Several
tSee K. Stehling, A Submersible Physics Laboratory Experiment, major neutrino/muon detection concepts have been
NOAA Technical Report, OOE 1, Jan. 1979. proposed for undersea operation and are actively under
JSee "Shallow Water Research Submersible Activities, 1978." study, both in the U.S. and internationally.

UNCLE Workshop at University of Washington/ radiation. Photomultiplier detector tubes can be used to
Western Washington University detect these emissions, which are useful in studying a wide
range of undersea cosmic events. The use of such
In July 1978 NOAA, in conjunction with the U.S. Navy's detectors would also yield information for the marine
Office of Naval Research (ONR) and on the advice of U of biological sciences from the bioluminescence of certain
W/WWU scientists, sponsored a workshop on undersea species and their relation to the food chain. Problems in
radiation experiments. The workshop, held at U of the deployment, alignment, operation, and reliability of
W/ WWU in Seattle, was attended by senior government Cerenkov light detectors were discussed, and it was
and academic physicists, as well as ocean engineers and concluded that the technological problems were solvable.
marine scientists. Detection of both high- and low-energy particles at the
About 30 contributors from a wide variety of greatest depths of the ocean may be the least expensive
disciplines discussed new techniques for determining the method for studying and detecting cosmic-ray muons and
low-energy components of undersea cosmic rays. Among supernova, atmospheric, and galactic neutrinos. The
the viewpoints discussed were marine engineering, high- consensus of the workshop participants was that the
energy physics instrumentation, geophysics, advanced solution of technological problems will make possible a
information acquisition and processing systems, accelera- new era of undersea cosmic-ray and radiation physics
tor physics, and others. important to both astro- and high-energy physicists.
Primary topics of discussion were the engineering and
physics problems related to the technique of in-situ
preparation and development of nuclear emulsion
chamber arrays. This technique has resulted in the only Project DUMAND (Deep Undersea Muon
acquisition of data on the composition of undersea and Neutrino Detector)
cosmic rays, and has led to the identification of new and
important nuclear processes. These processes have been The success of the UNCLE experiments has stimulated
confirmed by doing "bench mark" calibration nuclear interest by other groups in using the oceans for neutrino
experiments at the Fermi National Accelerator Labora- detection experiments on a much larger scale. DUMAND
tory (FNAL) in Batavia, Illinois. is one of the proposed projects currently being reviewed
Also of prime interest at the workshop was the further and analyzed by such agencies as the National Science
development of undersea photoelectric light detectors. Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DOE),
Charged particles traveling faster than light in water emit and the Office of Naval Research (ONR). NOAA, which
ultraviolet and visible radiation called Cerenkov provided the initial impetus, stimulation, and support for

ATMOSPHERIC CHAMBER FOR
PLATFORM CHAMBER PRESSURE
BLEED OFF

PLATFORM CHAMBER

Figure 15.-Schematic of Submersilble and Platform Chamber for Dry Transfer of Pellicle Plates

these projects, is presently acting as an interested NUCLEAR ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
observer.
The DUMAND concept has evolved from a series of Most elements, when irradiated with neutrons or X-rays,
seminars and meetings arranged or sponsored, in part, by will emit secondary "backscatter" or fluorescent radiation
NOAA and held at U of W/WWU and the University of with spectral characteristics unique to the nucleus or
Hawaii. A giant, solid matrix (ultimately I kM3) of photo- electron shell structure of the particular substance being
electric and/or acoustic detectors, placed at an ocean irradiated. It is therefore possible to identify many of the
depth of 3049 in (10,000 ft), would sense the high-energy elements contained in the top few centimeters of
vector of extraterrestrial neutrinos. To date, neutrinos superficial ocean bottom by mounting a radiator and
have only been observed in particle accelerator detector on a submersible which cruises just above the
experiments. Neutrinos observed in-situ would have ocean floor. This method of in-situ analysis is proving to
energies far in excess of those in the largest particle be a very valuable research technique, particularly in
accelerators. If identified as being from a stellar source, studies of heavy-metal pollutants.
they could yield unique historical data on stellar ages and NOAA has been sponsoring and encouraging the
processes (see Figure 16). development of both neutron activation and X-ray
Future photoelectric missions planned for the Johnson- fluorescence analyses since 1973. Following is a summary
Sea-Link to depths of 6 10 in (2000 ft) or more may yield of recent developments in these fields.
important preliminary data for DUMAND.

X-Ray Fluorescence*
-q 4
Standardization and evaluation tests of developmental
undersea X-ray fluorescence equipment were conducted
near Ft. Pierce, Florida, in June 1978. This equipment
was developed by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laborator-
ies under Department of Energy (DOE) sponsorship. The
Harbor Branch Foundation provided surface support
-Sea-Link I (JSL-1) submersible.
and the Johnson
The JSL-I was launched in shallow water (9 in) off the
Ft. Pierce inlet. Surface divers with scuba equipment
placed standards of 12 elements on the ocean floor
(arsenic, thorium, molybdenum, riobium, cadmium,
nickel, manganese, copper, chromium, lead, zirconium,
and iron). These standards, which varied from I to 1000
ppm, were used to calibrate the in-situ instruments.
Over a 2-day period, 27 sites in the West Palm Beach
outfall area and sites in the Lake Worth outfall area were
analyzed for their inorganic pollutant concentrations.
This was the first extensive application of undersea in-situ
X-ray fluorescence in the measurement of inorganic
materials from specific outfall regions.
The results of these experiments indicated that in-situ
X-ray analysis is, in some important ways, superior to the
normal "grab" sample technique. The X-ray method
measures pollutant concentrations at levels normally
encountered in the environment. It also measures top-
layer pollutant concentrations not provided by the "grab"
sample technique (see Figure 17).
These 1978 experiments utilized a digging mechanism
which scraped away successive layers of sediment prior to
in-situ analysis. This mechanism worked well in areas on
noncompacted sediment, but not as well in areas of hard-
packed sediment. The experimenters have concluded that
an X-ray analyzer should be built which can penetrate
and analyze sedimentary layers without disturbing the
material. Evaluations are also being conducted on the
data processing and analyzing equipment.
77--7

Figure 16.-Artist's Conception of 1-km3 Cosmic The success of this X-ray mission has led to requests for
Detector *See "Shallow water Research Submersible Activities, 1978."

The pulse source will not be available until 1980
because of power-supply and other circuit problems.
When these problems are solved, field tests are planned to
be conducted in Chesapeake Bay, where preliminary
20 FEET surveys have been initiated.

RADIOISOTOPE THERMOELECTRIC
GENERATOR (RTG) POWER SUPPLY

LIGHT A Sentinel 100F RTG is being transferred from the U.S.
VI EWING PORT Navy to NOAA for use on the Hydro-Lab. The RTG is a
self-contained emergency power supply, and can provide
up to 150 W of continuous, uninterrupted electrical
X-RAY PROBE power. The system will provide Hydro-Lab with power
for communications, atmosphere control, and lighting in
the event of a life support buoy failure, thereby improving
diver safety and reliability of Hydro-Lab.
This technical improvement to the Hydro-Lab system
Figure 17.-X-Ray Fluorescent Probe Mounted on represents the first use of a large radioisotope power
Submersible device by NOAA and is a significant technological
exchange between the Navy and NOAA. Processing of
required permits and approvals from the U.S. Nuclear
further pollutant studies off the Florida coast, with the Regulatory Commission is proceeding, and it is
next experiment planned for FY 1980. anticipated that installation of the RTG will occur during
FY 1980 at the Hydro-Lab site in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin
Islands.
Neutron Activation This project is a part of the MUS&T program objective
As with X-ray fluorescence, neutron irradiation of most to use extant advanced technology where available and
heavy metals will yield a characteristic spectrum which sufficiently developed to permit underwater use with little
identifies the irradiated element. The neutron technique is or no modification.
not quite as sensitive for detecting trace elements, but
penetration into sediment is deeper than with X-ray ACTIVE BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCE
fluorescence. STUDY
NOAA has worked with the United States Geological
Survey (USGS) and the National Aeronautics and Space The MUS&T Office, the Office of Sea Grant (OSG), and
Administration (NASA) since 1973 to improve analysis the National Cancer Institute (NCI) decided in mid-1978
and provide undersea "packaging." In 1974, NOAA to sponsor and jointly fund a workshop on improvements
supported a submersible for a field test of bottom slime in in undersea diving and technology for survey, location,
New York Harbor (see FY 1974 Annual Report). An and recovery of biologically active substances-especially
isotope neutron emission source, californium 252, and a those having possible anticancer specificity.
germanium-lithium detector were used. Although useful The Undersea Medical Society (UMS) of Bethesda,
data were obtained, there were operational problems with Maryland, was chosen to organize the workshop. Held in
handling the "hot" radioactive source and with the the autumn of 1978, the workshop was attended by about
relative insensitivity of the detector (the only one 25 biologists, pharmacologists, and physiologists.
available at the time). Mass screening of compounds for their medical value
Scientists at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center still seems to be the best way to discover useful undersea
(GSFC), who have pioneered this field, decided with materials. The problems in screening under the sea, as
USGS in 1975 to initiate development of a pulsed neutron compared to land-based screening, are compounded
source. By bombarding tritium with deuterium, neutrons many times over. The search is difficult, harvesting
could be produced at will; this would eliminate the need requires special techniques, and re-collection and supply
for radioactive isotopes and their associated handling -present formidable tasks. Despite these difficulties, the
problems. GSFC also purchased an intrinsic germanium workshop participants stressed the importance of
detector with higher resolution and sensitivity than other pushing ahead with the development of technologies
solid state devices and with fewer cooling problems. which will solve these problems.
NOAA has supported studies on the marine packaging A final report on the findings of the workshop is in
problems of the system. preparation.

MARINE SCIENCE APPLICATIONS

This section summarizes activities that deal with practical were reoccupied. Variations in clam size and population
applications of scientific studies and missions, such as were noted. (3) The in-situ metabolic experiments
surveys of ocean dumping and dumpsites, deep-sea conducted on surf clams were successful; the results are
studies of fauna, fisheries potential, and assessments of still being analyzed. (4) The air-lift clam sampler did not
marine geologic features and processes. The missions function as well as expected; redesign of the dredge head
summarized herein are mainly U.S. coastal zone is being considered. (5) The quantitative photographic
endeavors conducted with MUS&T-provided submersi- quadrate system was not evaluated because of underwater
bles. Other scientific missions are described under the strobe light problems.
section on Interagency and International Activities.
NOAA supported four general types of manned Ocean Pulse and Herring Spawning Survey
underwater activities which were used in the marine
science applications described below. These activities Date: September 24-November 5, 1978
included surface-supported diving, a deep-water research Facilities and Operations: Surface-supported diving
submersible system, shallow-water research submersi- from M / V Barbara L., M / V Miss Paula, R / V Tioga; 202
bles, and saturation diving from a sea-floor-based dives, depth to 39.6 in (130 ft)
habitat. Location: Jeffreys Ledge and Cashes Ledge, Gulf of
Maine
Purpose: Technical-Evaluate NOAA Nitrox I gas
SURFACE-SUPPORTED DIVING mixture and Doppler bubble detector.* Scientific-
RESEARCH Herring Spawning Survey: (1) Define the distribution of
herring spawning grounds, substrate and thickness of egg
Surf Clam-Ocean Quahog and Ocean cover, and predation on adult herring and spawned eggs;
Pulse Survey (2) measure success of hatch as a function of substrate
type, egg layering, temperature, and other factors; and (3)
Date: July 25-August 4, 1978 study the general ecology of spawning grounds and newly
Facilities and Operations: Surface-supported diving hatched lar@ae. Ocean Pulse Survey: (1) Assess proposed
from R/V Kyma stations; (2) study "key indicator species" ecology; (3)
Location: Off Rockaway Beach, Long Island, NY photograph and collect species; and (4) train scientists in
Comment: This cruise was an extension of the deep diving techniques.
MUS&T-sponsored program conducted August 17-26, Participants: NMFS-Dr. Richard Cooper, Principal
1977. Investigator (NEFC, Woods Hole), MURT team, Dr.
Purpose: (1) Replant marked ocean quahogs and surf Harold Pratt (NEFC, Naragansett), William Phoel
clams; (2) investigate various clam-related parameters (NEFC, Sandy Hook), and Robert Ford (SEFC,
(density, depth, predators, and others); (3) investigate the Pasagoula); ERL-Richard Rutkowski (AOML, Miami);
practicality of studying the metabolism of surf clams and OOE (MUS&T)-Dr. J. Morgan Wells; UNH-Dr. Alan
ocean quahog communities in-situ; and (4) reevaluate the Waterfield (Durham, NH); URI-Eric Anderson (Kings-
efficiency of an airlift clam sampler versus diver sampling. ton, RI); S M U-Dr. James Sears (N. Dartmouth, MA.);
Participants: NMFS-Thomas Meyer, Principal In- Virginia-Mason Med. Ctr.-Richard Dunford (Seattle);
vestigator (NEFC, Woods Hole), and William Phoel Chris Davis (Osterville, MA).
(NEFC, Sandy Hook); U. of Rhode Island-Eric Accomplishments: Technical-Nitrox I gas mixture
Anderson (Kingston, RI); Manned Undersea Research was used on 66 of the 202 dives to depths of 130 feet. The
and Technology (MURT) team of NEFC. Dopple .r bubble detector was evaluated on the basis of
Accomplishments: (1) The surf clam and ocean approximately 200 readings taken of divers using both air
quahog marking and planting experiment showed that 80 and Nitrox 1. Test dives to a variety of depths will have to
percent of the surf clams and 20 percent of the ocean be conducted before a complete profile can be drawn of
quahogs were able to reburrow. The smaller ones were the advantages of Nitrox 1. Scientijtic-(I) A herring egg
better able to reburrow than the larger ones. (2) The I I *See full descriptions of Nitrox I and Doppler bubble detector in
ocean pulse stations established during the 1977 cruise section on Operational Effectiveness and Safety.

bed was located off Jeffreys Ledge at a depth of 25 Participants: ERL-J. Kofoed, Principal Investigator
fathoms. (2) A permanent Ocean Pulse station, at two (AOML), D. Lambert (AOML/MG&GL); Rice U.-J.
depths, was established at Pigeon Hill on Jeffreys Ledge, Warrne; U. of Delaware-H. Mullins
with the following accomplishments: (a) studied in-situ Accomplishments: Each dive obtained extensive color
the respiration of two starfish species; (b) permanent and black and white photographs. Scoop samples were
study transects established; (c) collected algae and sea collected of pteropods and surficial sediments of rocks
stars; (d) placed two multisurface racks at both study showing active bioerosion. Two cores were obtained of
depths for study of algae establishment; (e) documented the carbonate mud in the canyon axis. Sediment samples
species composition by random photography at both collected are expected to verify that Little Bahama Bank
study depths; and (f) collected all material within a is the source of the material.
randomly located 1/4-M2 area at 100-ft station.

DEEPWATER RESEARCH SUBMERSIBLE Baltimore Canyon Slump-Mission I
ACTIVITIES, 1977 Date: June 10-14, 1977
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/V Lulul
NMFS/Systematics Laboratory-Tongue Of R/V Pierce; 3 dives, depth 900 to 2000 m
.the Ocean Location: Vicinity of Baltimore Canyon on the
Date: January 4-12, 1977 continental slope
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin; 8 dives, depth Purpose: Observe and photograph the physiography
1337 to 3663 m of the continental shelf edge slump; determine the nature
Location: Tongue of the Ocean and Northeast of geomorphic change from layered to slumped
Providence Channel, Bahamas (Figure 18) sediments.
Purpose: Make firsthand observations on the biology Comment: Baltimore Canyon Slump-Mission Il is
of deepwater benthic fishes and larger invertebrates, and described under "Deepwater Research Submersible
take qualitative and quantitative data by visual and Activities, 1978."
photographic methods.
Participants: NMFS/ Systematics Lab-Dr. Daniel 701
Cohen, Principal Investigator; Smithsonian-Dr. D. L. 0702
Pawson; U. of Miami-Dr. J. Staiger
Accomplishments: Approximately 35 species of ben-
thic and benthopelagic fishes were observed. Among the
larger invertebrates observed, holothurians were the most 700s
abundant. Echinoids were relatively common. Plant AU".
-2
xb:-
debris was common in many areas. Sediment appeared to
0703
be extremely cohesive and very light colored. Much
particulate matter was present in midwater; luminescence
was relatively common. Results indicate that fish 698
population density is lower and diversity higher than the
696
similar depths near Hudson Canyon.
More than 96,000 M2 were surveyed in the depth range
(1337 to 3663 m). A deep, uncharted hole was discovered
and photographed.

Great Abaco Canyon Study
Date: May 17-24, 1977 24'-
6970
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/ V Lulu,
R/V Virginia Key; 2 dives, depth 100 m
Location: Great Abaco Canyon, Bahamas
. . . . . . ....
Purpose: This mission completed a series of cruises
begun in 1969 in support of the AOML/ MG&GL project
COMSED (Continental Margin Sedimentary Processes). 30. 1
These studies were done to obtain information on the I
ry 78' 30 \_@71
morphology, structure, stratigraphy, and sedimenta
transporting mechanisms of Great Abaco Canyon. This
final cruise was undertaken to sample areas of the canyon Figure 18.-Alvin Dive Locations for Tongue of the
head. Ocean Project

Participants: NOS-Dr. Alexander Malahoff, Dr. Accomplishments: An integrated data set was obtained
Richard Perry; Lamont-Doherty Ge-ol. Observ.-Dr. using 6 current measurements by dye injection, numerous
Robert Embley, Daniel Fornari bottom inclination measurements, 30 cores, 4 rock
Accomplishments. Observations showed no evidence samples, and photographs.
of recent sea floor movements. The entire area is
blanketed by a layer of fine-grained sediment about 40 cm Dive I-The presence of slump blocks was
thick. This blanket covers probable evidence of faulting confirmed, and integrated observations were made
and sliding. Studies on a box core at 2800 in depth near at three sites of massive slumping.
Baltimore Canyon showed a radiocarbon date of 5265 � Dive 2-Integrated observations were made across
210 years BP (before present) for a major debris flow. the boundary between the upper continental rise
and lower continental slope.
Dive 3-Integrated observations revealed a zone
slumping between 1000 and 1150 in below sea level
Atlantis Canyon Mission and homogeneous bottom above 1000 in.
Dive 4-Integrated observations made in Pamlico
Date: September 6-15, 1977
Canyon revealed abundant fresh garbage (food
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/V Lulu; 4
dives, 220 to 1886 in; observations recorded on videotape, wrappers, metal and glass containers) along the
voice tape, and 35-mm photos; rock and sediment canyon axis and termination of the canyon between
samples collected by externally mounted mechanical 400 and 500 in below sea level below the Outer
manipulator. Continental Shelf, confirming prior seismic reflec-
tion evidence that the canyon head is buried where
Location: Atlantis Canyon, southern New England the Gulf Stream impinges against the continental
continental shelf slope.
Purpose: Conduct biological and geological surveys of Dive 5-Integrated measurements made along a
the Atlantis Canyon axis and slope over the depth range transect from the northeast to the southwest wall of
of 200 to 1900 m. Pamlico Canyon documented the interaction
Participants: NMFS-Dr. Richard Cooper, Principal between axial canyon processes and the Western
Investigator (NEFC, Woods Hole); USGS-Dr. David Boundary Undercurrent flowing south transverse
Folger (Woods Hole) to the canyon axis.
Accomplishments. Preliminary impressions from the
diver series indicate: (1) Atlantis Canyon is geologically
similar to Veatch Canyon in depth range studied; (2) the Baltimore Canyon Slump-Mission 11
faunal distributions are similar, but notably less Date: June 6-16, 1978
abundant, species by species; and (3) the axis of the Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/V Lulu; 8
canyon, where occupied, was typically of low relief and dives, depth 170 to 1950 in
poorly defined. Geological observations included a silt
overlay over the canyon surface with some boulders. Location: Baltimore Canyon area
Species noted included lobsters, flounders, squid, red and Comment: Mission 11 was a sequel to Mission I
cancer crabs, tilefish, galatheid crabs, and one swordfish. (described under "Deepwater Research Submersible
Ghost lobster pots were noted and included one ghost Activities, 1977').
fishing string of pots. Purpose: Examine the continental shelf-slope break to
the upper rise to determine slump morphology, triggering
mechanisms, age of occurrence, and extent of encroach-
ment upon the continental shelf to evaluate the impact of
DEEPWATER RESEARCH SUBMERSIBLE continental shelf oil lease areas.
ACTIVITIES, 1978 Participants: NOS-Dr. A. Malahoff, Dr. R. Perry;
Lamont-Doherty Geol. Observ.-Dr. R. Embley, D.
Hatteras Transect Submersible Studies Fornari
Accomplishments: The Mission 11 dives were further
Date: May 23-June 5, 1978 south than the Mission I dives. One dive was in an area of
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/V Lulu; 5 zigzag relief to the north of Norfolk Canyon, three were in
dives, depth 315 to 3575 in different parts of Norfolk Canyon, and one was in
Location: Continental margin off Cape Hatteras Washington Canyon. As in Mission 1, there was no
Purpose. Observe the coupling mechanism of the evidence of biological activity contributing to erosion in
Middle Atlantic continental shelf sediment transport the canyons. An outcrop in Washington Canyon was
system-including entrained waste materials-to the dated as Miocene based on the diatoms found there. The
sediment transport system of the continental slope and continental slope and upper -rise in this area apparently
upper continental rise. have been subject to major slumping in the past, but there
Participants. AOML-Dr. Peter Rona, Principal was no evidence of recent movements. The uppermost
Investigator; Smithsonian-Dr. Daniel Stanley; Texas sediments appeared undisturbed; however, they could
A&M-Dr. David McGrail move if triggered by a major earthquake.

Oceanographer Canyon Survey SHALLOW WATER RESEARCH SUB-
MERSIBLE ACTIVITIES, 1977

Date: September 9-October 1, 1978 Reconnaissance of Proposed OTEC Pipe-
Facilities and Operations: DSRV Alvin, R/V Lulu; 6 line Route
dives, depth 300 to 2000 m. Three of the six dives were
made with a biologist-geologist observer pair; the other Date: October 21-22, 1977
three were made by a pair of biologists. Facilities and Operations: Submersible Star II; I dive,
Location: Oceanographer Canyon, southern New 600 m
England continental shelf (see Figure 19) Location: Off Keahole Point, Hawaii
Purpose: Conduct biological and geological surveys of Comment: The NOAA Office of Sea Grant contrib-
the Oceanographer Canyon axis and slopes over the uted a portion of the financial support for this mission.
depth range of 300 to 2000 m. Participants: U. of Hawaii-Edward Noda, Principal
Participants: NMFS-Dr. Richard Cooper, Principal Investigator
Investigator (NEFC, Woods Hole); Joseph Uzmann Accomplishments: The survey indicated that no severe
(Woods Hole); URI-Page Valentine (Kingston, RI) bottom conditions existed that would preclude the design
Accomplishments: The canyon axis was well defined and ultimate construction of a cold -water intake pipeline.
at all six points of entry and was generally overlain with a Bottom conditions were ideal along most of the surveyed
mantle of Pleistocene clay sediments with occasional route. In only one section was there any formidable
glacial boulders and patches of glacial till. Bioturbation problem: a gently sloping shelf, 548.5 m (1800 ft) wide,
was widely evident in burrows and excavations of red joins the main ocean bottom slope (30') at a depth of
crabs, pandalid shrimps, jonah crabs, and hakes. Some35 137.2 m(450ft). At this juncture rocky outcroppings were
species of invertebrates and fishes were encountered. The observed, with vertical drops of about 3 to 6 m and a
faunal list developing from this survey is qualitatively rocky surface texture. Interspersed among the rocky
similar to that of other southern New England canyons outcrops, however, are 3- to 6-m-wide sand channels
with the exception of first sightings of several species of which form a smooth transition from the gently sloping
octocorals and an unidentified sponge species. shelf to the main ocean bottom slope.

A.,

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-64 4

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9 Sub dives (dry) o SCUB4, Surfoce supplied, OL 510 100
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Figure 19.-Dive Sites on Mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf Missions

SHALLOW WATER -RESEARCH SUB- Facilities and Operations: M / V State Arrow, Submer-
MERSIBLE ACTIVITIES, 1978 sible Diaphus; 13 dives
Location: Continental shelf edge from Block Canyon
Slipper Lobster Investigation to Baltimore Canyon
Purpose: Gather geological information regarding the
Date: June 19-30, 1978 depth, nature, and rate of change with depth of bottom
Facilities and Operations: Submersible Diaphus, M / V sediment at both sharp and gradual shelf break slopes.
State Arrow, R/ V Rounsefell; 27 dives, depth 61 in (200 Participants: AOML/MG&GL-Dr. George Free-
ft) land, Principal Investigator; Universidad du Sol, Brazil,
Location: Northeast Gulf of Mexico and Columbia U.-Alberto Figueiredo; students from
Purpose: Determine the fishery potential in the Gulf of Brooklyn College, NY.
Mexico shelf area of the slipper lobster, Scyllarides Accomplishments: Above the shelf break, sediments
nodifer. were very fine grained sand with some silt and varying
Participants: U. of South Alabama-Dr. Robert amounts of shell debris. The bottom was relatively hard,
Shipp, Principal Investigator, and Dr. James Langdon; with traces of small ripples, giving the impression of being
Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Alabama Sea Grant Consor- swept clean frequently. Silt content and bioturbation
tium-Dr. Thomas Hopkins increased with depth.
Accomplishments: This research effort provided in-
formation regarding the species' value as a fishery
resource, including geographic, temporal, and spatial
distribution of lobsters, population life history character- Atlantic Continental Slope Geological
istics, and epifaunal associations and habitats. Investigation
Date: July 30-August 19, 1978
Mid-Atlantic Megabenthic Crustacean Sur- Facilities and Operations: M/V State Arrow, Submer-
vey sible Diaphus; 46 dives, depth 16.8 to 57.9 in (55 to 190 ft)
Location: Mid- and North Atlantic upper continental
Date: July 9-18, 1978 slope and Georgia Bight
Facilities and Operations: R/ V State Arrow, Submer- Purpose: Make observations of geologic hazards,
sible Diaphus; 15 dives, depth 150 to 400 m. especially slumping, off the Georgia Bight and Baltimore
Location: Wilmington, Baltimore, and Washington Canyon areas, and investigate the geology of the Georgia
Canyons Bight.
Purpose: (1) Define and photographically document Comment: In light of recent discoveries of natural gas
the surface geology of the submarine canyon over a depth on the mid-Atlantic continental shelf, these studies were
range of 150 to 400 in; (2) define the bottom-oriented undertaken to determine potential geologic hazards to the
fauna range and relate to the geologic features; (3) define siting of exploration wells, platforms, and pipelines.
the relative abundance of major fauna (lobsters, crabs, Submersible study permits correlation of seismic and
flounders, hakes, sharks, etc.); and (4) train NMFS and side-ocean sonar profiles to in-situ observation and the
academic scientists in submersible operations and resolution of small-scale features.
scientific applications. Sponsor: USGS
Participants: NMFS-Dr. Richard Cooper, Principal Participants: USGS-Dr. David Folger, Principal
Investigator, and Joseph Uzmann (NEFC, Woods Hole), Investigator for northern cruise (Woods Hole); U. of
and Peter Parker (SEFC, Beaufort, NQ; National Sydney, Australia-Charles Phipps; USGS-Mahlon
Shellfish Institute of North America-Edward Tolley; Ball, Principal Investigator for southern cruise (Woods
Marine Biological Laboratory-Jelle Atima (Woods Hole); Bureau of Land Management-Jesse Hunt (New
Hole) - Orleans); Skidway Institute of Oceanography-V.
Accomplishments: The scientific, technical, and train- Henry.
ing goals of the survey were accomplished. Surface Accomplishments: A total of 24 dives were made in
geology was similar for the three canyons studied; bottom slump and interslump areas along the uppermost
topography was relatively featureless. Few "Pueblo continental slope in Lease Area #49 in the Baltimore
Village" type communities with sheltered fauna (lobsters, Canyon trotigh area and south of the Georgia Bight. These
crabs, fish) were observed. The bottom-oriented fauna dives revealed slump scars characterized by slopes of 20 to
were primarily galatheid and jonah crabs, conger eels, 451, clay outcrops, and borings and depressions inhabited
squirrel hake, and black-bellied rosefish. Boulder "fields" by a diversity of megabenthic crustaceans and fish. Below
and mud anemone "forests" with their usual associated the scars, step topography, reverse slopes, and
fauna were scarce. hummocky sea floor were observed. Small slumps were
observed at shallower depth (170 to 366 in) than
Mid-Atlantic Continental Shelf Study previously had been by resolved by seismic profiles. In
contrast, areas with no slumps were characterized by
Date: July 20-28, 1978 smooth, gently dipping sea floor and sparse fauna.

A total of 22 dives at depths ranging from 16.8 to 57.9 m Location: Off Grand Bahama Island, lat. 26'41'4" N,
(55 to 190 ft) were made in the Georgia Bight area. long. 70000'8" W
Bottom observations correlated bottom features with Purpose: The purposes of the missions were to deploy,
fathometer records. via lockout from the Johnson-Sea-Link, photographic
emulsion detectors on the ocean floor in order to
41capture" cosmic ray particles such as mu mesons
Southeast Coast of Alaska Fisheries Inves- (muons). These particles reveal their energies and origins
tigation in their microscopic trails in the emulsions.
Sponsors: NOAA and Harbor Branch Foundation,
Date: July 15-August 6, 1979 Ft. Pierce, Florida
Facilities and Operations: Submersible Nekton Participants: OOE/MUS&T-Dr. Kurt Stehling; U.
Gamma, M / V A ntares, R / V John Cobb; 61 dives, depth of Washington-Dr. Jere. Lord; WWU-Dr. Peter
18.3 to 304.9 rn (60 to 1000 ft) Kotzer
Location: Southeast coast of Alaska from Lisianski Comments: The science and technology of these
Inlet to Boca de Quadra Inlet missions are described in "Applied Technology and
Purpose: (1) Survey the distribution, abundance, Advanced Concepts." See also K. Stehling, "A
habitat character, and depth zonation of precious corals Submersible Physics Laboratory Experiment," NOAA
and epibenthic fish, crab, and shrimp populations, and Technical Report OOE 1, Jan. 1979.
-behavioral responses to traps; (2) assess the nature of the
deep, rocky substrate as it applies to the design and use of
fishing gear; and (3) study the effects of logging debris on X-Ray Fluorescence Probe Evaluation
marine habitats. Date: June 26-30, 1978
Participants: NMFS, NWAFC-William High, Prin- Facilities: R/V Johnson, Johnson-Sea-Link I
cipal Investigator, Dr. Richard Straty, Louis Barr; Location: Southeast Florida outfalls
NMFS, NEFC-Joseph Uzmann; U. of Alaska-Dr. Purpose: Assess X-ray fluorescence technology for
Howard Feder; Alaska Department of Fish and Game- pollutant trace metals on the sea floor.
Timothy Koeneman; Hawaii Institute of Marine Sponsors. NOAA and Harbor Branch Foundation
Biology-Dr. Richard Grigg Participants: Battelle-Northwest Laboratories-Ned
Accomplishments: The investigation confirmed the Wogman, Principal Investigator; Harbor Branch Foun-
hypothesis that the coastal rocky areas of southeastern dation-Dr. R. Jones; MUS&T-William Muellenhoff.
Alaska are important as nursery areas for juvenile Comments. This mission is described under "Applied
rockfish. Schools of literally thousands of juvenile Technology and Advanced Concepts."
rockfish identified as Pacific Ocean perch were observed.
These fish were estimated to be young of the year and
averaged about an inch in length. Information was
obtained on the habitat occupied by both juvenile and
adult rockfish. A small, unidentified gorgonian was
observed in small numbers on the Cross Sound reef and
on the Goff Rock dives.
Visibility was generally poor (3 to 15 ft). The bottom
was heavily covered with silt, indicating a generally poor
or marginal habitat for the precious coral, although
occasional specimens have been collected by fishermen in
the area. Vertical stratification of invertebrates such as
shrimp, brittle stars, and juvenile halibut were
documented (see Figure 20).
It was found that the submersible was an appropriate
vehicle for observing both habitats, but not for "blind"
searches for gorgonians and similar organisms that may
have restricted habitats. _71IR

Cosmic Ray Photo Emulsion Detector
Deployment Missions

Date: October 4-7, 1977; March 16-19, 1978; October
2-7, 1978
Facilities and Operations. R/ V Sea Diver, R/ V
Johnson, Submersible Johnson-Sea-Link I; bottom- Figure 20.-Sculpins (Cottidae) on the Bottom of
sitting cosmic chamber Frederick Sound, Alaska

HYDAO-LAB REGIONAL PROGRAM SCI- Comparative Study of Chaetodontid For-
ENCE MISSIONS aging Patterns
Extensive research, sponsored by NOAA and other Date: May 25-June 2, 1978
agencies, is being conducted in U.S. coastal waters on a Purpose: Obtain quantitative behavioral, distribution,
wide range of environmental problems of national and feeding data for some chaetodontid and poma-
significance. As a part of this ongoing research effort, canthid fishes as part of a larger comparative study of the
NOAA initiated a cooperative national manned niche dimensions and overlap among species in these
underwater laboratory regional program designed to families between relatively comparable reef communities
provide facilities (underwater laboratories) and technical in the Caribbean and Indo-West Pacific.
support to these scientific missions, with the Hydro-Lab Participants: U. of Guam-Charles Birkeland, Prin-
at St. Croix as the first step*. cipal Investigator, and Steve Neudecker
The first announcement of opportunity for science Accomplishments: A microscopic examination of the
missions using saturation diving was sent to the U.S. stomach contents of fishes was done to provide verifica-
science community in November 1977. Thirty-one tion of the field observations on foraging behavior.
indications of interest were received prior to the first peer Individual fish were observed for 5-minute intervals to
review meeting in February 1978. Fourteen proposals obtain samples of feeding habits. Several individuals,
were reviewed at this meeting and nine proposals each of Chaetodon capistratus and Prognathodes
accepted. aculeatus, were observed near the transects at 15.2- and
The second peer review meeting was held in August 30.5 in (50- and 100-ft) depths along the east and west
1978. Eleven proposals were reviewed at this meeting and canyon walls during both morning and late afternoon. It
eight proposals accepted. Eight missions were completed was found that, despite traditional co 'nceptions of fish
in 1978 during which twelve science projects were feeding patterns in the Caribbean, one of the species
conducted. These missions are summarized in Table 22. studied fed predominantly on scleractinian corals.
Those science projects completed in FY 1978 (through
September 30, 1978) are discussed in the following The Role of Light in Nocturnal/ Diurnal
paragraphs. At the end of 1978 the Hydro-Lab habitat
was removed from the sea floor for refurbishment and Changeover Patterns of Certain Coral Reef
American Bureau of Shipping classification. Fishes
Following are concise descriptions of the scientific Date: June 10-17, 1978
missioias undertaken in the Hydro-Lab habitat during FY Purpose: Test the hypothesis that fish respond directly
1978. The reports are presented chronologically. The to light intensity each time they enter or leave their
specific location for all missions is Salt River Canyon, St. shelters.
Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands (see Figure 21). Participants: Sarah Lawrence College-Raymond D.
Clarke; Fordham U.-George Dale
*A grant was awarded by NOAA to Fairleigh Dickinson University's Accomplishments: Technical-Two recording hydro-
West Indies Laboratory at St. Croix, U.S. Virgin islands, to provide the photometers were designed and constructed specifically
support to operate the Hydro-Lab. for this project. These instruments were capable of

Table 22-Cooperative National Regional Underwater Laboratory Program
Hydro-Lab FY 1978 Science Projects (througb Sept. 30, 1978)

Investigating
Institution Dates (1978) Project
University of Guam May 25-June 2 Tropical Fish Feeding Patterns
Sarah Lawrence College June 10-17 Coral Reef Fish Reactions to Light
Fordharn University
American Museum of June 10-17 Colonization Behavior of Coral Reef Fishes
Natural History
University of Puerto July 24-31 Diurnal Changes in Distribution and Abundance of
Rico Herbivorous Fishes
Department of Agriculture, July 24-31 Diurnal Changes in Distribution and Abundance of
Puerto Rico Carnivorous Fishes
University of Texas September 1-7 Reaction of Squid and Octopus to Variations in
Light Levels
University of Puerto September 18-25 Spawning of Western Atlantic Reef Fishes and Coral
Rico Distribution in the Salt River Canyon

recording light levels three orders of magnitude lower Regulatory Mechanisms in Coral Reef Fish
than the minimum level observable by the unaided human Communities
eye. Scientific-The e.xperimenters used artificial lighting
to illuminate the study reef just prior to the normal
evening changeover in fish assemblage from diurnal to Date: June 10-17, 1978
nocturnal. The lighting seemed to delay the changeover Purpose: Determine whether habitat selection is a
but not prevent it. When the reef was darkened function primarily of size or of species-specific
prematurely by the experimenters, many of the changes advantages.
associated with evening changeover were initiated.
One of the striking features observed was the rapidity Participants: American Museum of Natural History-
with which the diurnal assemblage of fish was replaced by C. Lavett Smith, James C. Tyler
the nocturnal assemblage (18 minutes) and vice versa (15 Accomplishments: After preliminary censusing of five
minutes). This replacement did not include a quiescent separate reef patches, selected individuals representing
period, as some experimenters have reported; on the six species of fish (four gobies, two blennies) were
contrary, there was a period when the nocturnal and removed from their habitats. Subsequent observations
diurnal fishes were intermixed over the reef. For the first revealed that none of the spinyhead blennies-which have
time, light intensity measurements showed a correlation a very specialized habitat in abandoned worm tubes-
between light intensity and a predictable sequence of were replaced. Areas from which less specialized fishes
changeover events, supporting the theory that nocturnal were removed, however, were filled within 3 days. The
fishes use light intensity as a cue for the onset of rate of recolonization is apparently influenced by the
changeover behavior. The diurnal fish seem to be less availability of recruits that have recently transformed
dependent on light intensity, though it may still be from the pelagic larval stage. Therefore, there should be a
important in controlling activity patterns. strong seasonal effect on recolonization patterns.

SALT RIVER CANYON

V6 iE3 E2 el 20

E LINE
_Itp A LINE
<0
B LINE
Hydro-Lab

11P
C LINE
$3 2

1 EXCURSION LIMIT LINE
Sep - BASE OF CANYON WALL

FEET
0 5@ 100

Figure 21.-Transect Location Map for Hydro-Lab Scientific Missions

Diel and Depth Variation in the Population Response of Squids to Night Lights and
Densities of Herbivorous Fishes Reef Behavior of Octopuses

Date: September 1-7, 1978
Date: July 24-31, 1978 Purpose: Study the behavior and ecology of cephalo-
Purpose: Determine the variation in the population pods: determine the behavioral responses of squids to
densities of herbivorous fishes in relation to food various night lighting schemes, and evaluate the role of
resources and depth along the east and west walls of the the octopus as a prominent night predator.
Salt River Canyon. Participants: U. of Texas-Roger Hanlon and Ray-
Participants: U. of Puerto Rico-Ileana E. Clavijo, mond Hixon
Principal Investigator Accomplishments: Four squid species were attracted
Accomplishments: The results of the study show that to night lights set up by the experimenters. Observations
species diversity and abundance of herbivorous fishes of.their behavior near the underwater lamp indicated that
decreases with increasing depth. Three families of all species were attracted individually and not as a school,
herbivorous fishes were represented in the canyon: and that they did not subsequently group together. They
damselfishes, surgeonfishes, and parrotfishes. The seemed to be in a dazed or mesmerized state (see Figure
parrotfish, Sparisoma aurofrenatum, was most abundant 22).
on the east wall at depths of 15 m. The surgeonfish, The Salt River Canyon does not support as large an
Acanthurus bahanius, was more abundant on the east octopus population as other reef areas observed in the
wall than the west wall; the opposite was true of the Caribbean. Three species of benthic octopuses were
closely related doctorfish, A. chirurgus. These two species present in the area; all three are nocturnal. Two of the
have nearly identical diets; the differences may be due to species were found only in the restricted habitat charac-
competitive exclusion or habitat preference. The parrot- terized by cobble-filled tributaries with slope angles of
fishes observed appeared not to utilize the food resources approximately 15 to 20 degrees. Various aspects of their
on the canyon walls. hunting and movement patterns were observed. During
Herbivorous fishes, especially species in the farnily the dive, several octopuses were collected for laboratory
Scaridae, are not limited to shallow depths in their observation. One larval species was collected and taken to
distribution. The abundance of scarids decreases with the U. of Texas for rearing. If successful, it will be a first,
increasing depth due mainly to the decrease in the and the experimenters will be able to determine what this
quantity rather than the quality of plant foods. Certain animal looks like as an adult, something unknown
migratory species utilize deeper areas for shelter rather throughout 40 years of'investigation of that species.
than for feeding.
Spawning of Western Atlantic Reef Fishes
Diel and Depth Variation in Population Date: September 18-25, 1978
Densities of Commercially Important Car- Purpose: (1) Investigate the occurrence and duration
nivorous Fishes of spawning by western Atlantic marine shore fishes. (2)
Determine behavior and movement of various species
Date: July 24-31, 1978 before, during, and after spawning. (3) Collect eggs of
Purpose. Investigate population densities of commer- selected species for larval rearing.
cially important carnivorous fishes along the walls of the Participants: U. of Puerto Rico-Patrick Colin,
Salt River Canyon. Examine variations in densities over Principal Investigator, A. Charles Arneson, and Ralf
depth and time of day. Boulon, Jr.
Participants: Commercial Fisheries Laboratory, Dept. Accomplishments: Definite spawning was observed
of Agriculture of Puerto Rico-Deborah Arneson, for seven species of fishes, all in a limited area within 100
Principal Investigator, and University of Puerto Rico- in of the east wall "tank drop" area. Potential courtship
Linda Meiklejohn was observed in several other species, but no definite
Accomplishments: Thirty-seven species of fishes were spawning was observed.
recorded from eleven families. Each of the following Observations were made at various locations and times
families contributed more than 10 percent of the total of day, with emphasis on the late afternoon period. With
number of fishes recorded for each wall (east = 275, west = dawn representing 0% day and sunset representing 100%
540): Lutjanidae (snappers), Serranidae (groupers) day, the most intensive observations were made during
Pomadasyidae (grunts), Mullidde (goat fishes), an@ the period from 80- 100% day, and then extending to 2.5%
Carangidde Oacks). night (using the same system). This relative day length
For total number of fishes, there appeared to be no (RDL) measurement system is useful for comparison with
statistically significant differences over time or depth or similar observations at different locations and different
between most of the transect areas. Bottom type seemed times of year.
to be the most important factor influencing numbers of During the dive, 52 definite spawning events were
fishes. observed. Results correlated well with those gathered by

Figure 22.-School of Squid (Lofigo plet) under a night-light station

Principal Investigator Colin in Puerto Rico. In addition, Participants: U. of Puerto Rico-Patrick Colin,
the ability to observe complete courtship and spawning Principal Investigator, A. Charles Arneson, and Ralf
cycles confirmed many of the preliminary but untested Boulon, Jr.
hypotheses based on segmented observations of each Accomplishments: Percentage of coral cover was
cycle on a number of different dives. tabulated for the most abundant species along with total
Several relatively uncommon marine invertebrates distance photographed. A fist of coral species was
were found in the west wall area. These included the small compiled from observations made 'during excursions. The
lobster Palinurellus gundlachi and various slipper east and west walls of the canyon differ markedly in
lobsters. The lobster Justitia was particularly common in percentage of coral cover; this may be due to the
reef caves outside the excursion limit fine on the east wall. differences in substrate and vertical profile. The east wall
exhibited a change in coral distributions which appears to
be related to the change in vertical profile and substrate
characteristics. The west wall was fairly uniform in coral
Coral Distribution in the Salt River Canyon coverage, with an increase in its outer portions due to the
increased abundance of large, platelike Agaricia species
Ar.

Date: September 18-725, 1978 on the deeper portions of the wall. A relatively high
Purpose., Determine the gross distribution of sclerac- number of Western Atlantic hermatypic corals (at least
tinian corals on the walls of the Salt River Canyon, and 26) and some of the more common shallow water
compare the coral distributions of the east and west walls. ahermatypic corals were found in the canyon.

Comparison of Mediterranean and Carib- production on a selected area to study the metabolism
bean Benthionic Biological Systems rate of certain species and subsystems.
Participants: U. of Nice (France)-Prof. Raymond
Vaissiere, Principal Investigator, Dr. Alexandre Meinesy,
Date: October 9-16, 1978 and Dr. Claude Falconetti; U. of Liege (Belgium)-Dr.
Purpose: (1) Study the ocean-floor behavior of two Daniel Bay
current-oriented plankton nets; compare samples every 6 Accomplishments: The investigators are still analyz-
hours. (2) Study growth of different species of Caulerpale ing their results, which are expected to be published in
(algae) and the increase of thalles by first making 12 mid-1979.
plantings in I _M2 areas and then. harvesting one planting
per month. (3) Measure the oxygen consumption and

57.

INTERAGENCY AND
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES

NOAA has continued to cooperate with other federal were funded from FY 1977 appropriations. The calendar
agencies with interests in underwater activities and has year 1977 Alvin missions studying benthic fishes in the
participated in the manned underwater activities of Tongue of the Ocean, the sedimentary processes and
international oceanographic cooperative programs. stratigraphy of the Great Abaco Canyon, continental
As noted in the Fiscal Year 1976 Report, NOAA has shelf slump physiography in Baltimore Canyon, and
served as a coordinating mechanism for civil federal biological processes in Atlantis Canyon, were funded
agency program activities involving the use of manned from FY 1978 appropriations (see "Marine Science
underwater platforms. The results of a continuing Applications'). The calendar year 1978 Alvin missions,
assessment of these program activities are presented in the studying sediment transport coupling near Cape
Requirements and Systems Analyses section of this Hatteras, further continental slump physiography in
report, as are the utilization and status of undersea Baltimore Canyon, and biological processes in Oceano-
platforms through FY 1978. NOAA's use of manned grapher Canyon were funded from FY 1979 appropri-
underwater platforms for underwater physics research ations (see "Marine Science Applications').
has been a multi-agency effort, including cooperation Science proposals for Alvin missions are solicited from
with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Office of NOAA major program elements such as the Atlantic
Naval Research (ONR) of the U.S. Navy, as cited in the Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories and the
Applied Technology and Advanced Concepts section of Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory of the
this report. Of particular importance has been NOAA's Environmental Research Laboratories, components of
continuing cooperative efforts with the U.S. Navy diving the Office of Research and Development, the National
program, as noted in the Operational Effectiveness and Ocean Survey, and the research centers of the National
Safety section of this report- particularly in physiology, Marine Fisheries Service. These science proposals are
medicine, and diving technology. evaluated by a Scientific Program Review Committee of
This section presents additional major prograrns NOAA scientists with expertise in the major oceano-
involving interagency and international activities. graphic disciplines. The proposals are evaluated against
the unique capabilities of the Alvin system [e.g., depths to
3660 in (12,000 ft)] and agency goals and objectives. The
RESEARCH SUBMERSIBLE ALVINILULU results of the NOAA evaluation are forwarded to the
SYSTEM SUPPORT UNOLS DRV Review Committee which meets each
spring for scientific evaluation of all proposals for Alvin
The U.S. Navy-owned AlvinlLulu deep research use to determine the calendar year program formulation
submersible/ support ship system is operated by the and scheduling for the subsequent operating year.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution under a grant Supporting agency recommendations (based on in-house
from the National Science Foundation (NSF) with reviewsj play a key role in formulating the annual
support from NOAA and the U.S. Navy's Office of Naval schedule.
Research (ONR). The initial three year agreement for
calendar years 1975-1977 operation of the AlvinlLulu
system as a national oceanographic facility under the SUBMERSIBLE SAFETY
aegis of the University National Oceanographic Labora-
tory System (UNOLS) was renewed for another three NOAA, together with the U.S. Navy, supported the
years (1978-1980) by NSF, NOAA, and ONR. In the new U.S. Coast Guard's Underwater Safety Project in the
agreement, the three agencies guarantee utilization of the Office of Merchant Marine Safety in its contract with the
system for not less than 150 use days per calendar year, Marine Technology Society (MTS) to prepare a
with NSF responsible for 90 use days and NOAA and handbook of guidelines for the operational safety of
ONR 30 use days each. The NOAA projects in calendar submersibles. The results of this three-agency-supported
1976, described in the MUS&T Fiscal Year 1976 report contract will include inputs from leading experts in the

submersible industry from the United States, Canada, The purpose in undertaking this study is to assess the
and Europe and will be published as the third volume in current and projected requirements for UNOLS
the MTS series, "Safety and Operating Guidelines for submersible science facilities; to review the alternatives to
Undersea Vehicles." Included will be the results of an meet these needs; and to recommend specific systems
international symposium to improve the operating safety both in the short and long term, along with priorities and
of undersea vehicles and rescue response activity. The associated costs. Specifically, to establish priorities and
symposium was preceded by meetings in which groups costs with regard to:
(composed of experts in the undersea vehicle field) 1. Identification of short-term needs and directions for
drafted standards for the safe operation of undersea UNOLS submersible science and engineering:
vehicles. The symposium will produce (on the basis of the a. What is the useful expectancy of the present
draft standards) international consensus safety standards facilities meeting UNOLS' needs (Alvin and
for undersea vehicles. The major categories in which present Lulu).
guidelines are to be established are Personnel, Plans and b. What options exist for improvement within the
Procedures, and Equipment. short term.
NOAA requires that all the U.S. submersibles it leases 2. Identification of long-term needs and directions:
must have ABS classification or U.S. Navy certification. a. What are the specific capabilities the scientific
community will be looking for.
This establishes an acceptance level of submersible b. What options exist for meeting these needs.
characteristics and capabilities, including design and
construction integrity, safety and emergency capabilities, The objective of this study is to develop a
and proof of hydrostatic testing. Depending on the comprehensive facilities plan which identifies and
NOAA mission, various other requirements such as the satisfies UNOLS submersible science requirements from
extent of life support, endurance, and type of the present through the year 1980. The plan will consider
communications are often stipulated beyond ABS AlvinlLulu modifications, leasing of submersible sys-
minimums. In addition, all diving operations are tems, or capital expenditures for reactivation of existing
reviewed by the NOAA Diving Safety Board to assure facilities and/or construction of new or additional
conformance with NOAA safety diving systems. The systems, as well as plans for maintenance and operations.
activity in the undersea vehicle field now centered in the The plan will involve (1) assessing the needs for and a
North Sea area is expected to shift as exploration Of U-S- review and analysis of projected ocean science and
domestic sources of subsea energy expands. Development technology research programs, and hence to define
of safety standards for construction, equipping, and current and future UNOLS submersible facility require-
operation of undersea vehicles, as well as coordination of ments, (2) the definition of alternative operational
rescue efforts in the case of distressed submersibles, is the systems (submersible, support ship, and handling
responsibility of the Coast Guard. equipment) capable of satisfying the requirements
NOAA also joined the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast identified in (1), and (3) completion of detailed cost-
Guard in supporting a study by R. Frank Busby effectiveness analyses resulting in recommended opera-
Associates, under Navy Contract N 68463-77-C-0085, tion systems, including a discussion of arrangements for
which resulted in a July 1978 report, "Review of Manned operational and scientific program management.
Submersibles-Design, Operations, Safety and Instru- It is assumed that the facilities for which a need is
ments. defined will be National Oceanographic Facilities
available for use by qualified scientists from any
institution (academic, government, and other appropriate
UNOLS RESEARCH SUBMERSIBLE institutions) through an allocation procedure of a
FACILITY REQUIREMENTS STUDY UNOLS Review Committee. In addition to determining
the needs of the academic ocean science and technical
NOAA has joined with the National Science Founda- community for research facilities (such as those within
tion (NSF) and the Navy's Office of Naval Research NSF), the survey effort will include civilian government
(ONR) to fund a UNOLS-sponsored study entitled agencies (e.g., NOAA, DOE, EPA, USGS, DOT, BLM)
"Research Submersible Facility Requirements for Short- and the U.S. Navy through the Office of Naval Research.
and Long-Term Needs within the U.S. Scientific and The assessment of existing operational systems and
Technical Community."* Beginning in 1977, the UNOLS their components will include a determination of the
Alvin Review Committee worked with representatives general specifications and status of current and recently
from ONR, the Office of Oceanographic Facilities and active U.S. submersibles and foreign civilian submersible
Support in NSF, and the MUS&T Office to establish the systems which represent advanced developments in the
requirements for this independent study. As stated in the design of submersibles, support vessels, and handling
work statement approved by the UNOLS Advisory equipment. The study emphasis shall be on conventional
Council: manned submersibles.
The study is to be conducted as a UNOLS-sponsored
*Short-term refers to utilization (or updating) of existing facilities. effort, organized by the UNOLS Advisory Council and
Long-term refers to replacement and/ or procurement of new facilities. the Alvin Review Committee in behalf of UNOLS, the
This study should identify the associated time-frames. three federal agencies, and the U.S. scientific and

technical research community. Three components are to Beginning in FY 1976, funding has been provided by
be established for the effort: ERDA, and now DOE, for national diving safety
research projects which were cited in the UMS National
I . A Submersible Science Assessment Panel (Science Plan as priority items. NOAA has supported the
Panel) following projects through Department of Commerce
2. A Submersible Science Facilities Planning Task contracts and grants using DOE funding, most of which
Force (Task Force) are described in the Operational Effectiveness and Safety
3. A UNOLS Submersible Study Project Office section of this report: Hyperbaric Training for
(Project Office) Physicians-through 1978, five courses will have been
given through the UMS; Emergency Medical Technician/
The Science Panel's major responsibility will be to Diving Training Evaluation; Diver Technican Training at
assess the role submersible science plays in the larger the Florida Institute of Technology; coordination of a
context of ocean science and technology research and to Nationwide Diving Accident Network; and continuation
define the scientific requirements, if any, for UNOLS of the UMS Biomedical Advisory Services.
Submersible Facilities in the short and long term. The NOAA has continued to work with the U.S. Coast
Task Force's major responsibility will be to use the Guard and NIOSH in their efforts to develop diving
assessments of the Science Panel to develop the mission safety standards for commercial divers responsive to their
requirements (if any) for science submersible(s) and legislatively mandated roles and jurisdictions. At the end
develop specific recommendations, if warranted, for of FY 1978 (September 18, 1978), the Outer Continental
UNOLS Submersible Facilities in the short and long Shelf Lands Act Amendment of 1978 was signed into law
term. The Project Office, funded by an NSF grant as Public Law95-372. Section 21 (e) of Section 208 of Title
supported by NOAA and ONR, will provide staff and 11 of this Act tasks the Secretary of Commerce with the
technical support to the Science Panel and the Task responsibility to "conduct studies of underwater diving
Force, and shall coordinate the study and produce the techniques and equipment suitable for protection of
final report. human safety and improvement of diver performance."
This responsibility was assigned to NOAA by the
Secretary of Commerce on February 13,1979. Inorderto
NATIONAL DIVING SAFETY RESEARCH fulfill this responsibility, NOAA, with the assistance of
representatives of seven other federal agencies, is
As noted in a recent National Research Council Preparing a plan which identifies suggested areas of study.
Assembly of Engineering Marine Board Report, diving In the development of this plan, comments and advice
safety is the area where national and NOAA needs most will be actively solicited not only from the academic
nearly coincide.* As discussed in this and previous community and private industry, but from all concerned
MUS&T fiscal year reports, NOAA's funding for entities, to ensure that studies undertaken will contribute
research on shallow saturation decompression tables and to improvements in human safety and the performance of
for development of tables for excursion dives from a divers involved in offshore diving in the Outer
saturation base has produced useful decompression Continental Shelf regions. Accordingly, comments on the
protocols for this type of diving. This could only have plan will be sought with respect to the general objectives
been done with the cooperation of the U.S. Navy. and research and development programs cited as well as
NOAA's role in advancing the safety of diving for civilian suggestions pertaining to the relative priority of
scientific purposes is further evidenced by the standards programs.
and operating criteria for the'safety of NOAA divers To facilitate communication between the federal
published in the NOAA Diving Manual and its first government and the private sector, public forums and
complete revision to be published in late 1979. As noted in workshops are planned, at which time interested persons
the MUS&T Fiscal Year 1976 Report, NOAA has been may attend for the purpose of submitting written and/ or
working closely with the Department of Health, oral comments on drafts of the plan.
Education and Welfare's National Institute for Occupa- The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act Amendments
tional Safety and Health (NIOSH) concerning safety of 1978 were signed into law "to establish a policy for the
standards for commercial divers. The publication of the management of oil and natural gas in the Outer
"National Plan for the Safety and Health of Divers in Continental Shelf; to protect the marine and coastal
their Quest for Subsea Energy" by the Undersea Medical environment; to amend the Outer Continental Shelf
Society (UMS) in January 1976 was supported by Lands Act; and for other purposes."
NIOSH, the National Heart and Lung Institute, the The "Outer Continental Shelf" as used in this Act
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NOAA, and means that portion of the continental margin lying
ERDA, now the Department of Energy (DOE). beyond state boundaries but within U.S. federal
jurisdiction. The continental margin consists of the
continental shelf, the continental slope, and the
*"The Manned Undersea Science and Technology Program-An continental rise. Bounding the continental margin is the
Approach," A Marine Board NRC report dated October 1976 land (continent) on one side and the deep seabed on the
supported by Department of Commerce Contract No* 5-35219 to the
National Academy of Sciences. other (see Figure 23). A more specific definition of the

3 MO. Physiology and Technology, with Dr. James W. Miller as
Coastline Outer Continental Shelf
Stano. Fecloral Control U.S. Co-Chairman. A fourth joint meeting of the Panel
Contr.l was held in Buffalo, New York, in May 1977. A report on
Territorial the proceedings of that meeting has been published with
See
OCEAN papers presented as follows:
LAND CominewaW Shelf I . Review of Hyperbaric Physiology at the State
Continental. University of New York and Buffalo, by Hermann
slog. Rahn, M.D.
2. Review of the Diving Physiology and Technology
r@nrthwrnftl D.V Program of JAMSTEC, by Motobiko Matsuda,
Rhe SbW
Contloentel ftegin M.D.
'Although rncot state control h limited to 3 rnUe,, Florift 3. The Present State of Diving Fisheries in Ariake
and Taxes how control 3 marine loegm fron, the show
Jim, aWroximetaly 9 nautical miles. Bay, by Ichiro Nashimoto, M.D., Yoskiyuki
Gotoh, M.D., and Akinori Morita, M.D.
Figure 23.-Profile of Continental Margin 4. Diving Activities in Support of Coastal Research,
Pacific-Arctic Branch of Marine Geology, U.S.
Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) is difficult because the Geological Survey, by H. Edward Clifton, Ph.D.
legal meaning of the term "continental shelf" is- 5. Work Systems for Submersible, by David E.
inconsistent with the general scientific meaning, i.e., Adkins
variations in the state jurisdiction (some states have 3- 6. The Challenge of Writing a Standard for
mile limits while others have 3 marine league limits), Decompression, by R. W. Hamilton, Jr., R. E.
depth of water, and location and classification of shelf Peterson, K. H. Smith, and M. Beckett Kent
resources. 7. Pathological Review of Osteonecrosis in Divers,
Section 21 of the Act establishes procedures for study, by Mahito Kawashima, M.D., Takehika Torisu,
review, coordination, and, if necessary, revision of safety M.D., Ko Hyashi, M.D., and Motoo Kitano,
regulations to promote safety and health in the Ph.D.
exploration, development, and production of the 8. The Osteonecrosis Problem, by J. Leon Sealey,
minerals of the Outer Continental Shelf. Section 21(e) M.D.
state@: 9. Technology Applications in Diving Support of
Offshore Operations, by C. J. Lambertsen, M.D.
The Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the 10. JIM-An Armored Diving Suit, by Arthur J.
Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is Bachrach, Ph.D.
operating, and the Director of the National Institute for 11. Physiological Responses to Head-Out Immersion
Occupational Safety and Health, shall conduct studies of in Water at I I ATA (A Report on the Third UH-
underwater diving techniques and equipment suitable for JAMSTEC Cooperative Dive), by Suk Ki Hong,
protection of human safety and improvement of diver Ph.D., and M. Matsuda, M.D.
performance. Such studies shall include, but not be 12. Ultrasonic Doppler Detection of Blood Bubbles in
limited to, decompression and excursion table develop- Caisson Workers, by Ichiro Nashimoto, M.D.,
ment and improvement and all aspects of diver Yoshiyuki Gotoh, M.D., and Akinori Morita,
physiological restraints and protective gear for exposure M.D.
to hostile environments. 13. Survey of Decompression Sickness in Compressed
Air Workers, by Akinori Morita, M.D., Yoshiyuki
In accordance with Section 21 of Section 208, of Title Gotoh, M.D., and Ichiro Nashimoto, M.D.
II, paragraph (e) of the Act, the draft plan for this 14. Dissolved Carbon Dioxide: Evidence for a
program was developed by the three lead agencies, Significant Role in the Etiology of Decompression
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sickness, by Joseph S. DArrigo, M.D.
(NOAA), the Coast Guard, and the National Institute for 15. Problems Around the Job Site: Treatment of
Occupational Safety (NIOSH), with the assistance of the Decompression Sickness in Compressed Air and
Navy; the Occupational Safety and Health Administra- Diving Working, by Ichiro Nashimoto, M.D., and
tion (OSHA); National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; Yoshiyuki Gotoh, M.D.
the Department of the Interior (DOI), and the 16. Revised Ordinance on Prevention of Compressed
Department of Energy (DOE). Air Hazards, by Yoshihiro Miyano, M.D.

At the first meeting of the UJNR (the United
UNITED STATES-JAPAN PROGRAM States-Japan Cooperative Program in Natural Re-
Cooh_

sources) Panel on Diving Physiology and Technology
NOAA has continued its United States-Japan held in Tokyo in September 1972, a need for developing a
Cooperative Program in Natural Resources (UJNR), and U.S.-Japan cooperative research program in the field of
OOE/MUS&T participates in the Panel on Diving diving and hyperbaric physiology and technology was

recognized. Subsequently, such a cooperative program (mostly Buffalo and Hawaii) and Japanese scientists to
was developed between the University of Hawaii (UH) conduct a simulated saturation diving experiment to be
and the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center carried out at JAMSTEC in 1979. This will include study
(JAMSTEC) in 1973, and three cooperative saturation of-
dives were carried out as follows:
I . Effects of a 14-day saturation dive at 31 ATA on:
1. Saturation dive at 7 ATA (Seatopia) in 1973: a. Energy balance
JAMSTEC sponsored this dive and 4 UH scientists b. Body fluid balance
participated. c. Cardiopulmonary functions
2. Saturation dive at 18.6 ATA (Hana Kai 11) in 1975: d. Psychomotor functions
UH sponsored this dive and 4 JAMSTEC scientists 2. Effects of head-out immersion at 31 ATA on:
participated. a. Thermal balance
3. Saturation dive at I I ATA (Seatopia) in 1975: b. Cardiovascular functions
JAMSTEC sponsored this dive and 6 UH scientists c. Renal functions
participated.
The proposed research will consist of two phases.
These dives were designed to study primarily the effects Phase I will develop the final research plan and will
of a prolonged stay in the hyperbaric helium-oxygen include the results of a survey of the research facilities
environment on certain physiological functions (e.g.' available in Buffalo, New York, Hawaii, and JAMSTEC,
energy exchange, body fluid exchange, and cardiorespira- Japan. Phase II will consist of the actual research during
tory function) and resulted in the publication of the the summer of 1979, and it is planned that U.S. diving
following scientific articles: scientists from the State University of New York at
Buffalo and the University of Hawaii will be at
1. Matsuda, M., et al. 1975, Physiology of man during JAMSTEC for about a month.
a 10-day dry heliox saturation dive (SEATOPI A) to
7 ATA. 1. Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory
functions, Undersea Biomed. Res. 2: 101-118. UNITED STATES-FRANCE PROGRAM
2. Matsuda, M., et al. 1975, Physiology of man during
a 10-day dry heliox saturation dive (SEATOPIA) to
7 ATA. 11. Urinary water, electrolytes, ADH, and Cooperative efforts on man-in-the-sea have been an
aldosterone, Undersea Biomed. Res. 2: 119-131. integral part of the United States-France Cooperative
3. Hong, S. K., et al. 1977, Hana Kai 11: a,17-day dry Program of Oceanography, led by NOAA in cooperation
saturation dive at 18.6 ATA. 1. Objectives, design, with the French Centre National pour I'Exploration des
and scope, Undersea Biomed. Res. 4: 211-220. Oceans (CNEXO). The scientific leaders for the man-in-
4. Webb, P., et al. 1977, Hana Kai 11: a 17-day dry the-sea cooperative effort are M.D. Girard for France
saturation dive at 18.6 ATA. 11. Energy balance. (CNEXO), Dr. D.C. Beaumariage for NOAA, and Dr.
Undersea Biomed. Res. 4: 221-246. R.C. Bornman for the U.S. Navy. At the September 1977
5. Hong, S. K., et al. 1977, Hana Kai 11: a 17-day dry meeting in Bandol, France, a report was issued which
saturation dive at 18.6 ATA. Ill. Body fluid included the following topics in the man-in-the-sea
balance, Undersea Biomed. Res. 4: 247-265. portion of the overall program.
6. Matsuda, M., et al. 1978, Physiological responses to
head-out immersion in water at I I ATA. Undersea
Biomed. Res., March. Man in the Sea

Based on the success of the above cooperative program, 1. Research in Diving Medicine
it was decided at the third meeting of the UJNR Panel on 1.1 Intravascular Bubble Detection
Diving Physiology and Technology (held in Tokyo in Objective.- To determine ways in which intravascular
1975) to expand the scope of cooperation between the two bubble detectors can be used to help understand
countries. At the same meeting, Drs. Matsuda and Hong decompression, inert gas exchange, bubble formation,
were designated as coordinators for Japan and the U.S., and decompression sickness. Both moving and static
respectively, and were charged with the responsibility for bubble detectors are under study.
developing the next phase of a joint research program. At
the fourth meeting of the UJNR Panel on Diving Progress.- In July 1977, Capt. Bornmann met with Dr.
Physiology and Technology (held in Buffalo in 1977), the Guillerm at Centre dEtudes et de Recherches Technique
two coordinators agreed to conduct the next cooperative Sous-Marine (CERTSM) in Toulon. A transcutaneous
dive experiment at JAMSTEC in 1979. An initial grant bubble detector has been developed in France, and its
has been issued to the Research Foundation of the State characteristics have been sent to the U.S. A comparison
University of New York at Buffalo under the direction of of the U.S. and French decompression tables is planned
Dr. Suk Ki Hong to develop the plan for a group of U.S. using this instrument.

Plans: The U.S. Navy is investigating the development of (EUBS) workshop in Paris, in October 1977 and be a
a bubble detector using an alternate physical principle member of the dysbaric osteonecrosis committee.
which will permit the detection of nonmoving bubbles
within the body by means of an external instrument, for Plans: Compare results from the above studies when
which studies have been encouraging. Reports on the available. To extend cooperation, a French radiologist,
results of new instruments and experiments are planned. familiar with X-ray manifestations of aseptic bone
France will extend an invitation to the appropriate necrosis, was added to the Consultant Panel at Groton,
American scientists to visit CERTSM to discuss Connecticut, for the Fall 1978 meeting. The standardiza-
instrumentation. tion of data collection and recording procedures was also
a subject of discussion.
1.2 High-Pressure Neurological Syndrome
Objective: To understand the neurophysiological 1.5 Decompression Sickness
changes which accompany compression to deep depths. Plans: Since no exchange of information has occurred,
the subject has been abandoned.
Progress: In September 1976, the U.S. Navy completed a
427-m (1400-ft) chamber dive at the Ocean Simulation 1.6 Tolerance for cold
Facility in Panama City. Dr. Lambertson in July 1977 Plans: Since no exchange of information has occurred,
visited Toulon. A representative of the U.S. Navy the subject has been abandoned.
participated as an observer for the October 1977 Janus IV
deep dive off Toulon. 11. Joint Man-in-the-Sea Projects

1.3 Respiratory Functions a) Saturation Diving
Objective: To achieve a better understanding of I .Objective: To utilize the technique of saturation
respiratory physiology at great depths. diving for scientific and technological investiga-
tions, for example, in deriving necessary
Progress: Captain Broussolle and Cdr. Le Chuitton ecological and other biological information for
visited Bethesda and Panama City in October 1976. Plans fisheries resources management.
for the 1037-m (3400-ft) chamber now being installed at 2. Progress: French diving scientists have partici-
the Naval Medical Research Institute in Bethesda and the pated in saturation diving missions using Hydro-
planned research program were reviewed. Lab in 1974 and 1975 and also the Helgoland
Plans for a 1000-m research chamber in Toulon were laboratory near Lubeck in 1974. With the
also discussed. In May 1977, Mr. Girard also visited the purchase of the Hydro-Lab by NOAA and its use
Bethesda facilities. Captain Bornmann visited Captain for cooperative research and training programs,
Broussolle at CERB in Toulon in July 1977. further opportunities for joint French-U.S.
saturation science missions will occur.
Plans: A U.S. and French proposal to exchange 3. Plans: A possible combined program to evalu-
scientists for a 12-month period in 1978 or 1979 is under ate instruments used for benthic metabolic
consideration. The U.S. invited a team of French processes connected to man-induced pollution
scientists for an experiment using Bethesda's hyperbaric was also examined.
chamber when it is completed. Areas of cooperation
could include the measurement of blood and tissue gases b) Submersible Diving
.by means of hyperbaric mass spectrometry and I .Objective: To conduct mutually attractive scien-
respiratory problems of diving. tific or technological investigations that depend
upon manned submersibles.
1.4 Aseptic Bone Necrosis 2. Programs: French scientists have been working
Purpose: To understand the cause of aseptic bone independently with scientists from the U.S.
necrosis in diving and how it is produced by conditions of including Scripps Institution in preparation for
diving exposure, and to determine early indications of the East Pacific Rise program. The Alvin, jointly
bone necrosis in divers. funded by NSF, U.S. Navy, and NOAA, will be
used in 1979 on the above program, as well as
Progress: The initial review by the U. S. Navy of its divers French submersible Cyana in 1978.
for X-ray changes of aseptic bone necrosis was completed 3. Plans. Schedules of the planned Alvin use in
in 1976 with a final report sent to Dr. Merer. Dr. Merer is future years and NOAA's use of shallow water
organizing a similar study of such data in France, which submersibles will be made available to CNEXO,
in computerized form will be available in 1979. NOAA is and invitations are possible for French scientists
also completing a cooperative study of NOAA divers who and technologists to participate as observers. A
have had long-bone X-rays to note the possible presence planned UNOLS study of future submersible
of bone necrosis. Dr. Spahr and Dr. Merer met in Toulon science requirements to be made by NOAA in
in July 1977. A representative of the U.S. Navy was to cooperation with NSF and the U.S. Navy ONR
attend the European Underwater Biomedical Society was to be reviewed with CNEXO.

Ill. International Safety and Operating Standards for "Personnel Group"-Woods Hole Oceano-
Research Submersibles and Diving graphic Institution, COMEX, Subseaoil, IUC,
Canadian Navy.
1. Objective: To formulate and establish inter-
national safety and operational standards for use "Operational methods and procedure group"-
of submersible and related undersea platforms Vickers, Hyco, Harbor Branch Foundation,
and for diving. CNEXO,NOAA.

2. Progress: The U.S. Marine Technology Society "Equipment Group"-Perry, USN Sub Dev
(MTS) contract to develop international plans Group One, Intersub, P&O, Horton Maritime.
and procedures for standards of submersible
operations is well underway. Sponsored by the 3. Plans: As NOAA's plans for an expanded safety
U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and NOAA, and diving program, which will also be
meetings were held in May 1977 and May 1978 responsive to U.S. diving regulations, develop,
with three groups, as follows: they will be made available to CNEXO.

APPENDIX:
SURVEY OF FEDERAL-AGENCY CIVILIAN
MANNED UNDERSEA ACTIVITIES

This appendix presents the results of a fourth review of of this problem; and calibrate certain types of sampling
the civilian manned undersea activities of the federal gear such as otter trawls.
agencies. This review summarizes reported programs that Point-qf-Contact: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Center
have used or definitely plan to use manned underwater Remarks: Submersible operations from 30.5 to 305 m
facilities as well as those programs that are potential users (100 to 1000 ft) and also using deep water research
of such facilities. submersible Alvin.

Fisheries: Mollusk Assessments
REPORTED PROGRAMS Assess the abundance and ecology of clams, quahogs,
and scallops and calibrate such sampling gear as dredges
and air lifts.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- Poim-qf-Comact: N M FS, Northeast Fisheries Center
ministration (Department of Commerce) Remarks: Submersible operations from 30.5 to 91.5 in
(100 to 300 ft). Diver lockout is desirable.
Fisheries: Ocean Pulse
Monitor and compare the relative health of waste Fisheries: Offshore Reef Fish Assessment
dumpsites and control sites on the northeast coast.
Standardized observation and sampling several times per Define the distribution of coral/rock reefs off Cape
year will allow assessment of dumping activities related to Hatteras and qualitatively and quantitatively describe the
coastal fishery populations. fish fauna supporting commercial and sport fisheries.
Point-qf'Contact: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Center Point-qf-Coniact: NMFS, Atlantic Estuarine Fish-
Remarks: Use existing research submersibles from 46 eries Center
to 305 m (150 to 1000 ft). Remarks: Use existing research submersible opera-
tions in waters 30.5 to 244 m (100 to 800 ft) deep.
Fisheries: Herring Spawning, Eggbed Dynamics
Geology: Investigations of Seafloor Physical
Investigations to define the timing and location of Properties
herring spawning and the dynamics of the eggbeds and
ecological factors determining survival. . Program to obtain in-situ measurements of shear
Point-of-Contact: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Center strength, bulk density, pore water pressure, and other
Remarks: Submersible operations will be conducted mass physical properties of the bottom at ambient
in water depths from 30.5 to 91.5 in (100 to 300 ft). Diver pressures. Bottom sampling will include 12.2 in (40-ft)
lockout capability is highly desirable. cores that will also be analyzed at ambient pressure to
prevent changes resulting from decompression.
Fisheries: Megabenthic Crustacean Biology and Point-of-Confacl: Atlantic Oceanographic and
Assessment Meteorological Laboratory, Miami
Remarks: Initially, investigations are to be carried out
Assess the abundance and ecology of lobsters, crabs in water depths to 91.5 in (300 ft) and then to 305 in (1000
and shrimp; the effects of "ghost pots" and the magnitude ft). Diver lockout capability is desired.

Biology: Submarine Canyon Ecology and Geology Remarks: Have used submersible in past operations
and would like to continue the work in depths to 610 m
Assess the abundance and distribution of bottom fauna (2000 ft).
in submarine canyons; relate faunal distributions to
canyon geology and investigate the existence, composi- Geology: Geologic Research
tion, and interaction of communities maintaining a high
concentration of animals (Pueblo Village study). General geologic research on sediments, sedimentation
Point-Qf-'Contact: NMFS, Northeast Fisheries Center rates, and transport, and related to investigations of
Remarks: Program requires utilization of both a geologic hazards such as slumps and slope stability or
"shallow water" submersible for dives to 305 m ( 1000 ft) other critical geologic structures.
and a submersible with diving capability to 3050 rn Point-ol'Contact: USGS Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
(10,000 ft). Diver lockout capability is desired. Laborato ry, Woods Hole, MA
Remarks: Have used submersibles in the past and
desire to continue these investigations in Caribbean and
Department of Energy Gulf of Mexico areas in depths to 91.5 m (300 ft). BLM
fu nd i ng.
RDT&E: X-Ray Fluorescence Pollution Analysis
Oil Activity Research: Delineation of Unique
Program for test and evaluation of an X-ray Features
fluo-rescent sub-bottom sediment/ pollution analyzer.
The new instruments look at sub-bottom pollutants and This is a study program designed for delineation and
sediment characterization instead of only at the water- surveying of unique biologic and geologic features which
sediment interface. Use of a submersible is considered the should be protected from destruction by oil exploration
best way to carry equipment to the seafloor and over or production activities. This work is being conducted in
given navigational tracks. the Gulf of Mexico, but will continue into the South
Point-of-Contact: Battelle-Northwest, Richland, WA Atlantic Region in the near future.
Remarks: These study programs could utilize submer- Point-ol-Contact: Bureau of Land Management, New
sibles for several weeks per year for over 5 years or more ' Orleans OCS Office
Submersibles are presently being used for evaluation of Remarks: This program is funded, has utilized
the surface sediment analyzer instrument. submersibles in the past, and will continue to do so in
areas where submersibles are required.

Department-of the Interior
Geology: Geologic Structure Investigation Environmental Protection Agency

Investigation of ocean bottom geologic structures and Pollution: Ocean Dumping Research
processes as they may relate to or impact the management
decisions of OCS (outer continental shelf) lease blocks for This is an ongoing program related to R&D and
oil exploration and development. Efforts on the Atlantic regulatory efforts associated with dumping of low-level
Outer Continental Shelf have been made to assess radioactive wastes, toxic materials, and munitions in the
geologic hazards as related to production platforms, ocean. Have used submersibles in the past and feel that
pipelines, etc., and will continue. continued use is required.
Point-of-Contact: Bureau of Land Management, Point-qf-Contact: Office of Radiation Programs
Division of Marine Assessments, New York Remarks: Operated to 915 rn (3000 ft) off California in
Remarks: Submersibles have been used in previous late 1977; has used Alvin for R&D work in Atlantic.
investigations and will continue to be used if there are no Would like to engage in cooperative efforts with other
drastic changes in the ongoing program. These efforts agencies using manned facilities. Also plan to use
have been carried out in conjunction with USGS, remotely manned/ operated vehicles.
Woods Hole, MA.
Pollution: Ocean Dumping
Geology: Rock Drilling in Deep Reefs
Assessment of the effects and impact of ocean dumping
Testing and use of hydraulic rock drill to obtain cores in the Philadelphia and du Pont dump sites off Delaware
from deep reefs, particularly in the Florida Gulf of Bay via observation and sampling. One interest is in
Mexico region. Drill has been used by divers but could be solution of sample replicate differences that were
modified for submersible work in deeper reef areas. obtained via surface techniques. This would entail
Point-of- Contact: USGS Oil & Gas Branch, Fishers sampling sand wave ridge and trough sediments and other
Island Station, Miami Beach bottom sampling and monitoring.

Point-of-Contact: EPA Marine Protection Program, rate. These surveys would be made in the Gulf of Mexico
Philadelphia and South Atlantic.
Remarks: Submersibles have been used but sampling Point-of-Comact: NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Center
has been done primarily from surface ships. It is believed Remarks: These studies could utilize existing sub-
that submersible work is required to complete this mersibles with standard instrumentation suites.
project.
Fisheries: Porpoise/Tuna Relationships
Oil Activity Research: Biological Research
To assess the interrelationships of the location, activity,
Study of the effects of ongoing oil drilling operations and common prey items between porpoise and tuna.
and materials on corals, fish, and benthic organisms. The Especially want to monitor vertical migration of prey
work would be conducted in the Gulf of Mexico and St. items In areas of strong thermocline overlayingan oxygen
Croix, and would entail emplacement and observation of minimum layer.
contained organisms near a working well and sampling Point-qf-Contact: NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Center
and collection or organisms and sediments in the same Remarks: Initial feasibility dives with existing sub-
area. Would also expose coral reef community to drilling mersible to depths of 305 m (1000 ft) off western Mexican
materials and would monitor effects. coast.
Point-of-Comact: ERL, Sabine Island, Florida
Remarks: Initial stud.les have been made in the Fisheries: Seamount Ecosystem Study
laboratory. On-site research is needed to continue and
complete project. These efforts could utilize submersibles Seamount ecosystem study to assess the responsibility
and a habitat, depending on the project focus. of oceanic currents in establishment of large aggregations
of food fish. Major program in N M FS and would require
extensive surveys of the fish colonies and the physical
National Atmospheric and Space Admin- parameters which relate to the ecosystem.
istration Pomt-qf-Comact: NMFS, Southwest Fisheries Center
Remarks: These Pacific seamount operations will
RDT&E: Neutron Gamma Research require use of existing subs as well as lockout diving
facilities, but these must have 305 rn (1000 ft) depth
This project requires studies to verify a new "prompt capability.
effect" neutron gamma measurement technique which
could be used to measure metals in ocean dump sites and Fisheries: Northwest Hawaiian Islands Survey
to determine mineral concentrations. -
Poim-qf-Contact: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Cen- Long-term program to assess terrestrial, near-shore
ter, Solar Activity Branch slope, and pelagic sources of the northwest Hawaiian
Remarks: The equipment is ready and could be used Islands. Studies will include effects of trawling, analysis
on a "slip of opportunity" or with other ongoing bottom of substrate, and population dynamics of spiny lobster.
pollution or mineral assessment studies using submer- Point-of'Comact: Southwest Fisheries Center
sibles. Remarks: Existing submersibles could be utilized.

POTENTIAL PROGRAMS Fisheries: Shellfish Surveys

Studies related to understanding of existence and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad- ecosystems of deepwater shellfish which are not presently
marketed. Understanding of pertinent parameters would
ministration (Department of Commerce) lead to utilization of these deepwater species for food.
Point-qf-Comact: Alaska Fisheries Center
Fisheries: Standing Stock Survey; Reefs Remarks: These studies to 915 m (3000 ft) off the
northwest and Alaskan coasts could use existing sub-
Observation and survey of standing stock in reef and mersibles.
benthic communities in the North and Northwest Gulf of
Mexico at depths of 200 m. Fisheries: Harvesting Gear Evaluation
Point-qf-Contact: NMFS, Southeast Fisheries Center
Remarks: Would use existing submersibles. Observation of effectiveness of existing bottom
harvesting gear in fishing and unharvested areas. Should
Fisheries: Harvesting Equipment Evaluation lead to improved gear and also development of
equipment to harvest unexploited species in Alaskan
Bottom studies are needed to evaluate existing tile fish waters.
harvesting gear in terms of bottom substrate and catch Point-Qf-Contact: Alaska Fisheries Center

Remarks: Depths from 30.5 to 6 10 rn (100 to 2000 ft). Geology: Sediment Transport
Weather would severely restrict use of present sub-
mersibles. Survey and examination of large-scale sediment wave
patterns. Previous studies have indicated sediment waves
Fisheries: Fish Distribution, Alaska up to 30 ft high with wave lengths up to 3 to 4 miles long.
Details would have to be studied by submersible during a
Assessment of nursery and spawning areas of ground series of operations extending over several years.
fish species and the distribution, behavior, and predator- Point-qf-Contact: National Ocean Survey
prey relationships of herring along with the correlation of Remarks: These studies to be conducted first off the
their acoustic signals as an aid in determining accurate mid-Atlantic East Coast in depths from 91.5 to 366 rn (300
biomass and, thus, proper harvest levels. to 1200 ft). Later studies would be conducted in the Gulf
Point-ql-Contact: Alaska Fisheries Center of Mexico and off the West Coast.
Remarks: Depths from 55 to 183 m (120 to 600 ft)
using existing submersibles. Geology: Shelf Dynamics

Fisheries: Fish Migration, Alaska Studies' on fluid bed Interaction in preparation for
construction of offshore facilities. Measurements of sea
Study of fish migration and aggregation in Alaskan floor shape, sediment transport, sea floor stability, and
submarine canyons. Determine feasibility of placing nets factors affecting restabilization after liquefaction.
at strategic locations in canyons to capture fish. Indirect measurements are misleading; thus in-situ direct
Point-qf'-Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center measurements must be made.
Remarks: Two- to three-year observational program. Point-of-Contact: Office of Sea Grant
Could use existing submersibles. Remarks: Studies on both coasts would require
mobile autonomous submersible, with capability to
Fisheries: Black Cod Distribution hover and to precisely implant instruments on the sea
floor.
Survey, population dynamics, and design of catch gear Geology: Experimental Seismology
of black cod in the Gulf of Alaska.
Point-qf-Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center Precise emplacement of special instruments on the sea
Remarks: Operations required to 549 m (1800 ft). floor in areas in w 'hich fault creep is suspected. Would
Fisheries: Coastal Surveys also involve bottom coring and sampling.
Point-of- Contact: Office of Sea Grant
Development of extensive long-term programs in Remarks: West Coast survey, depths to 1220 m (4000
ft). Submersible would require precise maneuvering
coastal regions. Would accept proposals from experts in capability and coring, and sampling capabilities.
various fisheries fields and integrate them into the overall
program. Long-term aspect of program would allow Geology: Sediment Investigations
determination of effects of human activities as Well as
assess cyclic oceanic patterns in relationship to fish stock An extensive series of investigations related to
production. sediment substrate inventory, including seismic profiling,
Point-qf-Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center coring, and grab sampling with emphasis on sediment
Remarks: Would want to work in all depths utilizing transport as it pertains to ocean dumping. Related efforts
existing submersibles. involve depositional processes in submarine canyons.
Point-of- Contact: Environmental Research Labora-
Fisheries: Shellfish Surveys tories-Boulder (CO) Headquarters
Remarks: Have used submersibles in past. Study
Survey and study of king crabs and shrimp in early life ranges from 27.3 to 274.5 rn (90 to 9000 ft) and extensive
stages in Alaskan waters. operations desired.
Point-of-Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center
Remarks: Could use existing submersibles, to depths General Oceanography: Basic Ocean Research
of 183 m (600 ft).
Studies of sediment transport related to activity in the
Fisheries: Walrus/Clam Relationship bottom of the water column, internal wave study, and
basic study of gravity waves. Major interest is
Determination of the impact on the expanding clam determination of the effects of atmospheric storms on
industry on the population dynamics of Pacific Walrus. underwater "events."
Point-of- Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center Point-of- Contact: Environmental Research Labora-
Remarks: These studies in the Bering Sea could utilize tories; Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological
existing submersibles. Laboratories

Remarks: Operations could be from 305 to 915 in Biology: Ecosystem Study
(1000 to 3000 ft) or beyond. Could utilize existing
submersibles, but facilities with greater depth, duration, Basic study on biological oceanography and general
and refinement required. in future. food webs and the impact of oil spills on the Alaskan
marine environment. A three-year study has been
General Oceanography: Ocean Dumping and initiated.
Marine Ecosystems Point-of-Contact: Northwest Fisheries Center
Remarks: Could utilize existing submersibles.
There are several projects related to the observation
and assessment of the effects of ocean dumping. These Biology: Kelp Research
studies relate to most other marine disciplines and could
be used as a test bed for equipment and techniques as well An extended program on kelp with emphasis on the
as collecting required data. total ecosystem looking into such areas as kelp as a source
Point-of-Contact: Environmental Research Labora- of methane and other gases.
tories; Marine Ecosystems Analysis Point-of-Contact: Office of Sea Grant
Remarks: Have used submersibles in past. Work in Remarks: Could utilize small submersibles or a
New York Bight could use existing submersibles; would habitat.
be essentially an extension and refinement of past work.
General Oceanography: Micro-Bathymetry Biology: Galapagos Rift Vent Fish Survey
Study of the biology and geology of seafloor warm
Study of the origin of micro bathy metric features in the water springs with major interest in description of fish
shelf and slope environment. populations.
Point-ql-Contact: National Ocean Survey Point-qf-Contact: Systematics Laboratory, NMFS
Remarks: Existing mini sub mersi bles useful as base, Remarks: These dives to depths of 2500 to 2800 in 'in
but extensive instrumentation (i.e., undersea laboratory) the Galapagos Islands would require about a week of dive
needed. time and could be a part of the overall Galapagos project.

General Oceanography: Energy Dissipation
Studies on parcelling and dissipation of storm energy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Department
on real-time basis. Require capability for real-time in-situ of Defense)
analysis.
Point-of-' Contact:' Office of Sea Grant RDT&E: Arctic Ice Scoring Research
Remarks: Require mobile submersible capable of
operation throughout storm conditions. Standard Investigations of underwater ice relief and geometry,
oceanographic sensors. sub-bottom composition, bottom relief of .ice for k.eel
impact probability studies, contemporary ice gouging
General Oceanography: Submarine Canyon Cur- and scouring processes. This information would be used
rents to determine depths to which pipelines, wellheads, or
cables must be buried to prevent destruction by ice
movement. Knowledge of the dynamics of gouging and
Study designed to obtain data on current reversals in the resultant topographic lows can be applied to the oil
submarine canyons and their relationship to dynamics of pooling potential of these features should subsea
storm conditions. blowouts occur.
Point-of- Contact: Office of Sea Grant Point-of- Contact: Cold Regions Research and Engi-
Remarks: Would take place off both U.S. coasts and neering Laboratory, Hanover, NH
in the Pacific, where special conditions prevail which Remarks: Work would be conducted on Alaska Arctic
affect large weather patterns. shelf in depths of 61 in (200 ft). Low level of funding has
precluded the use of submersibles to date. Desires use of
Biology: Precious Coral Survey national facility when available.

Survey of precious coral distribution and density in Pollution: Effects of Dredge Disposal
Alaskan waters below scuba depths. Related to new
industry; could be studied coincident with other Possible investigation of environmental effects of
Alaskan fishery investigations. dredge material disposal activities.
Point-of- Contact: Alaska Fisheries Center Point-of- Contact: Environmental Effects Laboratory,
Remarks: Depths of 91.5 to 915 rn (300 to 3000 ft) Vicksburg, NIS
using existing submersibles. Remarks: Work is done on a reimbursable basis.

Typically the laboratory has little forewarning of future RDT&E: Evaluation of Volatile Sea Floor Con-
projects they will be asked to address. At present stituents
submersible utilization is remote.
Pollution: Environmental/Ecological Monitoring The program would entail measurement and evalu-
ation of volatile seafloor constituents such as mercury,
Comprehensive studies to evaluate the ocean disposal hydrogen sulfide, arsenic, and toxic heavy metals which
of dredged sediments. Multidisciplinary investigations to emanate from volcanos a.nd hot water springs on the sea
supplement surface sampling and facilitate the determl- floor. Would also investigate nutrient and heavy metal
fluxes from the seafloor. Results of these studies would
nation of benthic communities, textural, topographic, and describe formation, form, concentration and distribution
hydrographic characteristics of potential and historic of heavy metals the marine environment. Work would
ocean disposal sites. Investigations would include I
delimiting biological critical areas and documenting the be done p -rimarily in areas of submarine volcanos and hot
influence of currents, wave surge, and density-related water springs in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and East Pacific
currents on transport orerosion of dredged spoil mounds, Rise.
Point-of-Comact: Battelle-Northwest, Richland, WA
bioturbation, sedimentation, recolonization, and other
related phenomenon. Remarks: This type of work is being done presently by
Point-o -Contact: Environmental Analysis Branch, surface ship. Submersibles would aid in detailed studies if
V they were available.
New England Division
Remarks: A singular submersible survey was con-
ducted in the past, but present low funding level has been RDT&E: Investigation of Energy Production
a factor in eliminating programmed use. Investigator
interest has remained high, however. Studies related to both exploration and production of
energy and their effect on the marine environment. For
Department of Energy example, monitoring for low-level radioactive wastes in
nuclear power plant outfalls; biological effects of
Fisheries: Marine Mariculture and Toxicity petroleum products emanating from drilling or transfer
sites; and corrosion/ biofouling of intake pipes for OTEC
There may be requirements for the use of an undersea concept. This work would be conducted mainly by small
platform to investigate relationships of toxicity and submersible to maximum depths of 300 m. Lockout
upwelling in mariculture efforts, especially off the Pacific capability is considered useful.
Coast. At present, use of a habitat appears to be most cost Point-qfLContact: Battelle-Northwest, Marine Re-
effective. search Laboratory.
Point-of'Contact: Solar Applications Group Remarks: Sampling and investigation presently con-
Remarks: There are no plans to use undersea ducted from surface ships with onboard or laboratory
platforms in the immediate future. Analysis of present analysis. Seasonal use of submersible would be
studies could specify such a requirement in the coming particularly effective for monitoring of biota. Presently
years. No funds are presently available for use of manned no funds are available for submersible work.
undersea platforms.
Pollution: Seabed Waste Project Department of Health, Education and
These studies involve emplacement of in-situ heater Welfare
experimental equipment to simulate emplacement of
radioactive waste. This study, which would begin in 198 1,
would require 2 one-week periods of submersible use in RDT&E: Diver Safety
the North Pacific in depths to 6000 m. The only support
required would be a mother ship. The same type of Project would involve testing of diving tables and all
emplacement of biological effects experiment apparatus protective and life support equipment used by divers. This
would be done in 1982-1983 to study potential interaction could conceivably be performed in conjunction with
of emplaced radiation with the bottom dwelling other ongoing projects that make use of a habitat or
community. Assuming that the 1981-1983 tests are lockout submersible to depths of 305 to 610 m (1000 to
successful an extension of the study to North Atlantic 2000 ft).
areas in 4000- to 6000-m depths is intended in 1986. Point-of-Contact: National Institute of Occupational
Point-qf- Contact: Seabed Waste Project and Sandia Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Laboratory Remarks: This program is not presently funded, but
Remarks: Funding has not been allocated for the funding and diving capabilities are being pursued in
1980's field efforts but the planning of the field study conjunction with NOAA and the OCS amendment
(submersible) portion of these studies is underway. requirements.

Department of the Inte rior of slumps, their sensitivity to earthquakes, and the
influence of rock flour, volcanic ash, etc.
Fisheries: Research-Great Lakes Point-of-'Contact: USGS, Menlo Park, CA
Remarks: Submerishles used for these studies in the
There is departmental interest in solution of a problem Alaska area would be required to carry two observers and
related to natural reproduction of lake trout in Lake a large variety of measuring, sampling, and recording
Michigan. Hatchery-released trout survive to adult equipment.
stages, but apparently are unable to use deep water "reefs"
in the lake for deposition of eggs. The interest is in manual Geology: Offshore Background Studies
deposition of eggs on the reefs and determination if
hatchery fish eggs could survive there. Long-term studies are needed throughout deeper
Point-of-Contact: Office of Fisheries Research continental waters. These study requirements are
Remarks: This program is not funded, but there is reflective of the national expansion of territorial limits as
great interest in the project. well as deeper exploitation of mineral and other marine
resources offshore. Initial programs are presently needed
Fisheries: Behavioral Studies to define study requirements for future deep sea
programs.
Direct observations of the behavior of Great Lakes fish Point-QI-Contacf: USGS, Menlo Park, CA
species in the lake environment. These investigations Remarks: Existing submersibles could be used for
would include: the temporal and spatial aspects of use of specific missions. Greater sustained depth capability will
reef areas and artificial spawning reefs by spawning lake be required in the next decade.
trout, percoid fishes and their larval and fry stages; diet
activity patterns (schooling, resting, feeding behavior); Geology: Soil Engineering Studies
direct observation and sampling of physiochernical
conditions associated with eggs and early life history of Study of the behavior of marine sediments as a function
fry in-situ; and long-term observation of feeding mortality of the influence of gas, volcanic ash, rock flour, diogenesis,
and dispersal during newly planted lake trout fry. and hydrostatic pressure when samples are brought to the
Point-o Contact: Great Lakes Fishery Laborator
y surface. This information is needed for soil engineering as
Remarks: These programs in the management of applied to offshore construction
Great Lakes fishery resources have not used submersibles Point-of-Contact: USGS, Menlo Park, CA
in the past; however, their potential application as
observational platforms for day and night operations is Remarks: Operations to at least 183 m (600 ft); require
recognized. two observers, good visibility, manipulator and TV and
stereo cameras.
Geology: Sand Resources Geology: Bedform Dynamics
Investigations of extent and origin of sand resources
and development of biological baseline studies in vicinity To obtain information of dynamics and stability of
of these resources. bedforms as a function of tidal currents, sand transport,
Point-q11'Contact:. Office of Marine Geology, Corpus etc-
Christi, TX Point-qf- Contact: USGS, Menlo Park, CA
Remarks: Require submersible with sediment sam- Remarks: These operations in Alaskan waters would
pling and coring devices. Also require suite of standard be in depths of 39.5 to 137 m (130 to 450 ft). Would
instrumentation: current meters, seismic monitors, and require submersible for two observers and a large array of
soils engineering tools. navigational, sampling and measuring apparatus and
equipment.
Geology: Bottom Stability Biology: Biological Mapping
Assessment of ocean bottom stability for engineering
of pipelines, structures, etc., on shelf and slope areas, and Submersibles could be used if cost effective for
the reaction of bottom sediments to meteorological biological mapping activities such as reconnaissance of
phenomena. sea grass or other biological areas.
Point-of-Contact: Office of Marine Geology, Corpus Point-qf-'Contact: Bureau of Land Management, New
Christi, TX Orleans OCS Office
Remarks: Same comments as immediately above. Remarks: This project has not been funded.

Geology: Slump Morphology and Stability Biology: Arthopod Research

Studies of slump morphology and stability with the There is interest in developing a study to determine the
prime objectives being the understanding of the dynamics deepwater migration routes of the Florida spiny lobster.

This work would be done in the Portales Terrace region habitat could be used to provide a long-term base for
off southeastern Florida, particularly at depths where observation and measurement of the effect and dispersion
surface divers are ineffective. of drilling muds. The same effects could be assessed by
Point-qf-'Comact: National Park Service, Resources detailed submersible surveys conducted before, during,
Branch and after drilling operations.
Remarks: This project Is not funded but would use a Point-qf-Contact: Bureau of Land Management, New
small submersible, if available. This agency would Orleans OCS Office
consider joint operations with other groups In areas of Remarks: This type of operation could take place in
common interest. the Gulf of Mexico or off the Atlantic Coast. As
submersibles are made available they would be utilized in
Biology: Trophic Dynamics; Marine Birds and this program.
mammals

A submersible could be utilized in investigations of the Oil Activity Research: Drilling Effects and Resource
availability of food types for marine birds and mammals, Evaluation
their feeding behavior, and behavior to food levels.
Surface observations are being made in the Kodiak area Potential program could utilize a submersible for
in southeastern Alaska, and a submersible, if available, studies of the effect of shunted drilling muds to determine
could be used to depihs of 400 m. if restrictions imposed on the oil industry are realistic.
Point-qf-Comact: Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Other studies would include investigations of demar-
Biological Services, Anchorage, AK cation of resources, e.g., drill sites in live bottom sites, etc.
Remarks: This is an ongoing study. Neither funds nor Point-of- Contact: Fish & Wildlife Service, NSTL
a submersible have been available for underwater Station, MS
observation or study. Remarks: No immediate requirement for submersible,
RDT&E: Testing and Evaluation of Neutron Activa- but could be used in the future.
tion Equipment
Oil Activity Research: OCS Development Studies
Group has used neutron activation equipment
successfully in on-land borings for identification of coal, FWS is cooperating with BLM on determination of the
uranium, etc. They would like to try the same equipment effects of OCS development and production. There are
in bottom borings in the marine environment. The new several areas of possible investigation: determination of
solid-state equipment and sensors could best be handled areas with high concentrations of precious corals off
by submersible. Hawaii; determination of distribution of pink coral and
Point-of- Contact: USGS Physics Laboratory, Reston, productivity of substrates in lease areas off southern
VA California; and observation and monitoring of EPA
Remarks: USGS presently has capability of boring to designated dredge disposal sites. Present interest is
about 65.5 m (20 ft) from surface platforms. If undersea mainly in Hawaiian and California waters in depths to
facility and funding are available, would like to test new 1200 m with average study in depths of 100 m.
equipment and possibly extend boring depth capability. Point-of- Contact: FWS, Office of Biological Services,
General Oceanography: Background Studies Portland
Remarks: They are not presently funded for submersi-
Use of a submersible may be required to conduct ble projects, but feel that use of undersea facilities would
detailed environmental or background site surveys at greatly increase their observational study ability.
specific sites. These studies are being made more
frequently instead of the generalized large-area studies Oil Activity Research: Oil Lease Management
which have been the norm. The purpose of these studies is Survey
to provide data for management decisions concerning
offshore oil leasing activities. The Federal Antiquities Act requires that observed
Point-of- Contact: Bureau of Land Management, bottom anomalies, such as wrecks, be found and
Pacific OCS Office classified relative to historical value prior to installation
Remarks: No funding has been specifically allocated of drilling equipment or pipelines. The same areas are to
for background studies which would require the use of a be monitored during production with respect to the
submersible. environmental effects of production activities.
Point-of- Contact: Bureau of Land Management,
Oil Activity Research: Oil Production Monitoring Pacific OCS Office
Remarks: There is a potential requirement for use of
There is interest in monitoring the environmental submersibles for inspection of sites and environmental
effects of ongoing oil production activities in-situ. A monitoring. No funds have been allocated at present.

Oil Activity Research: Effects Investigations Remarks: This program is not presently funded, but
commerical pressure will require some sort of action in
Studies to monitor the localized effects of drilling the near future.
structures and activities. These investigations include:
monitoring bottom conditions (soils foundation para- Recreational: Education Facility
meters) at the site of a working platform, determining the
effects of drill cuttings, and observing the bottom There is interest in establishing a means of allowing
processes that occur after a rig leaves the work site. appropriate interested groups the opportunity of
Point-qf-Contacl: Bureau of Land Management, observing and photographing underwater flora, fauna,
Division of Marine Assessments, New York and geological structures.
Remarks: The benefit of submersible utilization for Point-qf- Contact: Heritage and Recreation Service
these activities is recognized and may come to fruition Remarks: No funding available or planned. Future
unless program direction drastically changes. Most of this potential use only.
field research will probably be performed by USGS with
BLM funding.
Inspection: Pipeline and Pipeline Route Survey U.S. Coast Guard (Department of Trans-
portation)
There is a growing requirement for detailed pipeline
corridor surveys and pipeline inspections. Submersibles Inspection: Underwater Safety Program
would provide effective tool for these surveys.
Point-of-Contact: Bureau of Land Management, Plan for safety of civilian undersea activities; maintain
Pacific OCS Office knowledge of on-going undersea operations; implement
Remarks: This work is not presently funded, and areas safety regulations and inspection programs as required;
of jurisdiction over the problem have not been fully and provide/ coordinate undersea search and rescue
decided. There is a future potential use of submersibles (SAR) services as needed. Manage frequency allocations
when the program becomes operational. in the undersea acoustic communication frequency
spectrum. Coordinate Coast Guard undersea mission
Inspection: Pipeline and Pipeline Route Survey support.
Point-of-Contact: Coast Guard
There is a growing requirement for detailed pipeline Remarks: Program may require occasional platform
corridor surveys and pipeline inspections. Submersibles use.
would provide effective tool for these surveys.
Point-of- Contact: Bureau of Land Management,
Division of Marine Assessment, New York Environmental Protection Agency
Remarks: This potential program is identical to the
one immediately above except this study would be on the
East Coast. Fisheries: Artificial Reef Investigations

Inspection: Structural Integrity Inspection Submersibles could be used to determine the
effectiveness of artificial reefs as fish propagation sites.
There is a possible need for submersible studies for The "reefs" were created in the Gulf of Mexico by sinking
inspection of dams or other fresh water structures for World War It Liberty ships.
structural integrity and to conduct detailed ecological and Point-of-Contact: Surveillance and Analysis Division,
environmental sampling surveys. Region 6
Point-of- Contact: Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Remarks: No plans for submersible use at present.
Remarks: Divers have been used in some studies in the Could work with other agencies on joint projects.
past, but a submersible might be useful for deeper
operations if they arise. Presently no requirements. Pollution: Ocean Spills and Ocean Dumping

Coral Harvest: Sustained Yield Studies Program related to preparation of guidelines and
regulations concerning ocean spills and dumping. The
Two federal laws prohibit collection of coral on the interest in submersible work is primarily related to
continental shelf without a Department of Interior obtaining first-hand data, information, or evidence
permit. To properly assess permit applications, surveys concerning effects of spills or dumping of hazardous
have to be made of coral resources and maximum materials.
sustained yields determined. A submersible would be Point-of- Contact: Oil and Special Materials, Control
required for this type of survey. Division
Point-of- Contact: Bureau of Land Management, Remarks: Would essentially want to work with other
Pacific OCS Office agencies that utilize submersibles and assist in establish-

ing means of gathering information required for the and organic analyses in areas adjacent to drilling sites.
establishment of regulations. Point-of-Contact: EPA Marine Protection Program,
Philadelphia
Pollution: Ocean Dumping & Oil Spill Assessments Remarks: Potential requirements for submersible use
are not possible to ascertain at the present time.
This program can visualize the potential for utilization
of submersibles to investigate ocean sludge dump sites
and their effect on the physical environment and biota Smithsonian Institution
and to make oil-spill damage assessments.
Point-qf-Contact: Surveillance and Analysis Division, Geology: Reef History
Region 6
Remarks: No plans for submersible use at present. Study to reconstruct history of Caribbean reefs by
Could work with other agencies on joint projects. means of underwater drilling, sampling and coring.
Point-ot-'Contact: Department of Paleobiology
Pollution: Ocean Dumping Research Remarks: Presently using divers; could utilize habitat
as base if available.
Program to investigate the effects of dredge spoils and
toxic substances on marine organisms. Studies include Biology: Reef Species Behavior
the emplacement of sterile soils and caged test organisms
on the bottom to determine metal fluxes and the reaction Study to gather data on species, behavior, and
of marine life to pollutants. These studies would also distribution of reef fishes in Indo-Pacific areas which are
include investigation of pollution dispersion rates and known to support the most diverse fish populationsin the
dynamics. world.
Point-qf-Contact: ERL, Naragansett Point-ol-Contact: Division of Fishes
Remarks: Have used submersibles in past. Would be Remarks: These operations to 93 m (300 ft) would require
able to utilize submersible as a placement and retrieval use of a habitat or a lockout submersible.
device. Could possibly be done in conjunction with other
programs. Biology: Echinoderm Study
General Oceanography: Environmental Data Col- Study of echinoderm density, distribution, and
lection behavior in depths to 3660 m (12,000 ft).
Point-qf-'Contact: Department of Invertebrate Zoo-
Program could use submersible on case-by-case basis, if logy
required, to assess effects of ocean pollution with regard Remarks: Have used Alvin in past and would like to
to legal cases. continue in deeper East Coast waters to depth of 3660 m
Point-of-Contact: National Enforcement Investiga- (12,000 ft).
tion Center
Remarks: Requirements solely dependent on cases- Biology: Deepwater Scallop Study
Potential use cannot be predicted.
Basic studies of deepwater scallops, particularly 'in
Oil Activities Research: Observation & Inspection areas such as sediment pockets between outcrops, where
of Oil Drilling Activities on Coral Reefs they cannot be sampled or studied by surface techniques.
Point-Qf-Contact: Department of Paleobiology
This potential program would investigate the effect of Remarks: Would observe and collect to 1000 m depths
drilling processes and the generated sedimentation cloud mainly off East Coast but also off the Antilles and New
on live coral reefs. Submersibles would also be a means by Hebrides. Could perform this work while submersible
which oil wells can be inspected to insure proper blowout engaged in other activities requiring slow transit and
prevention devices have been installed. periodic stops.
Point-qf-Contact: Surveillance and Analysis Division,
Region 6 Biology: General Biology
Remarks: These efforts would require the operation of
a manned facility in the immediate vicinity of operating Study general biology, vertical distribution and in-situ
drilling and recovery platforms. behavior of midwater fishes and the conditions and
reason for their bioluminescent characteristics. Investi-
Oil Activity Research: Drilling Monitoring gate the reaction of fish to dump sites. Would operate on
East Coast: dump sites, continental slopes, and Bermuda.
Assessment of impact of drilling activities around Requires standard biological sampling and observational
Baltimore Canyon. Jurisdiction has not been settled to capabilities.
date. Studies would involve grabs, trawls, water sampling, Point-of- Contact: Division of Fishes

Remarks: Desires short-term annual diving program. recording to test laboratory hypotheses. Would operate
Would frequently operate in midwater; would require in midwater in depths to 2000 m or more. Prior work in
good hovering and navigational facilities. Would operate Hawaii, but could potentially proceed in U.S. tropical
at 183 m (600 ft) and below. waters.
Point-of- Contact: Division of Mollusks
Biology: Cephalopod Study Remarks: Requires submersible for observation,
recocding, and live sampling of necessary specimens.
Study of cephalopods (octopuses and squids) and their Would have to be fitted with light intensity meters and
bioluminescence. Requires at-sea observation and standard water column sensors.

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