Other
Noteworthy News...

NSF Sees 8.4% Growth in FY 2002 Budget

For FY 2002, NSF received $4.789 billion - $373 million or 8.4% over FY 2001. Within this increase, the Research and Related Activities Account, from which the Division of Ocean Sciences is funded, received $248 million over last year, for a total of $3.598 billion. For further details, please go to the NSF web site at https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/congress/start.htm.

International Safety Management (ISM)
Code Being Implemented by UNOLS Vessels over 500GT

In the fall 2000 Newsletter we reported that the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Annex IX of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) would apply to UNOLS vessels over 500 GT (MELVILLE, KNORR, THOMPSON, REVELLE, ATLANTIS, EWING, and KILO MOANA) effective July 1, 2002. The objectives of the ISM Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment and property. Each ship operating institution subject to ISM is required to establish a Safety Management System that includes safety and environmental policy and procedures necessary to implement that policy. The operators of the above vessels (SIO, WHOI, LDEO, UW and UH) have worked together and with consultants to create and implement the required Safety Management Plans. The plans are based on each institution’s existing operating procedures and may not be identical. These plans are in the final stages of implementation and approval which requires that they be utilized and audited prior to final approval. The intent of the operators has been to make the implementation of this code as transparent to scientists as possible, but it will mean that adherence to safety and pre-cruise planning requirements will be more closely enforced. It is also the intent of the operators that this will improve safety and ensure that the operators are better prepared to achieve your scientific goals.

The immediate impact to scientific users under ISM will primarily be during the pre-cruise planning process. Documentation of requirements, procedures and equipment that will be utilized during a cruise will become even more important than it already is. Chief Scientists are encouraged to contact the research vessel operators early in the planning process and to participate fully by completing cruise plan forms and attending pre-cruise planning meetings. The primary thing to keep in mind is that the goal of the ship operators and of the ISM code is to achieve your scientific objectives while at the same time protecting the safety of the people involved and the environment. The pre-cruise planning process is an integral and vital part of achieving all of these goals. For more information on the background of the ISM code and how it will be implemented in the UNOLS fleet you can visit the website at http://www.unols.org/rvoc/safety.html.

Commission on Ocean Policy Holds Initial Meetings

The Commission on Ocean Policy, chaired by Admiral James Watkins, held meetings in Washington D.C. in September and November. The initial meeting succeeded in setting up a framework for the structure and operations of the Commission. In November, the Commissioners invited Members of Congress, national organizations and federal agencies to speak about key issues of interest to the respective groups. Dr. Rita Colwell represented the National Science Foundation. In the months to come, the Commission plans a series of nine regional meetings. More information on Commission activities is available at http://www.oceancommission.gov.

Committee on Exploration of the Seas
Established

In response to Congressional legislation, the Ocean Studies Board of the National Research Council has established a Committee on the Exploration of the Seas. Dr. John Orcutt, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, serves as the Chair of the Committee.

The Committee will assess the feasibility and potential value of implementing a major, coordinated, international program of ocean exploration and discovery. Drs. Margaret Leinen and Jim Yoder addressed the Committee on behalf of the National Science Foundation at their first meeting in November. Three additional meetings have been scheduled and a final report is anticipated in early 2003.

U.S. and EC Officials Sign Agreement to Foster Scientific Collaboration

In October 2001, the National Science Foundation and the European Commission signed an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperative Activities to promote greater collaboration in environmental research, including marine science and technology, in the coming years. A Steering Group has been established to coordinate implementation with NSF’s Dr. Margaret Leinen and the EC’s Dr. Christian Patermann serving as co-chairs.