Ships

The Ocean Observatories Initiative encompasses a global network of deep-ocean moored buoy observatories, the regional, plate scale observatory NEPTUNE, and a network of coastal observatories. Installation of the full suite of Ocean Observatories will allow scientists to move from a solely expeditionary mode of conducting oceanography to being “present” in the oceans 24/7. Researchers and educators will be able to conduct adaptive observations of the earth-ocean system even under extreme weather conditions. The need for ships, however, will not go away - the ocean is largely unexplored, requiring discovery expeditions for many years. In addition, construction of ocean observing facilities, operations, maintenance, and sample return will require the presence of Global Class ships capable of hosting remotely operated vehicles, and Regional to Intermediate Class ships for coastal work. Industrial cable-laying ships will also be required for installation of the NEPTUNE backbone and for primary nodes. It is unlikely that the current US academic research fleet and existing deep submergence facilities will be able to meet the challenge of these growing observatory needs. Creative ways to augment these capabilities will be needed.