Section XV outlines plans for United States Antarctic Program sponsored oceanographic expeditions during the 1998-99 season .

R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER

The R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER first arrived in the Antarctic Peninsula area in April 1992. The vessel is owned by Edison Chouest Offshore and is of United States Registry. The vessel will be on long-term charter to support the United States Antarctic Program. The R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER is ice-classed ABS A2, is 93.9 meters long, has a beam of 18.3 meters, a design draught of 6.9 meters, and displaces 6800 long tons. The vessel has 13,000 shaft horsepower driving two controllable pitch propellers. The vessel has a crew of 26 and accommodation for 39 scientists.

Research Capabilities.

The vessel is equipped with a satellite precision navigation system, side-looking and fish-finding sonar, INMARSAT communications and HF and VHF transceivers. The vessel is equipped with Dynamic Positioning. A deep sea trawl and coring winch and two hydrowinches are operated through stern and starboard A-frames. One hydrowinch, equipped with electromechanical cable, leads through a baltic-room arrangement, protected from the weather. The vessel is equipped with multi-channel seismic capability, a swath multibeam bathymetric system called SeaBeam, and is equipped with laboratories totaling approximately 520 square meters, all located contiguously on the main deck. The vessel also has a suite of portable lab vans.

Ship’s Master: Captain Joe Borkowski.

Scientific Programs in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The R/V NATHANIEL B. PALMER will conduct cruises in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, including Physical and Chemical Oceanography, Marine Geology and Geophysics, and Marine Biology.

Intended Tracks and Schedule

The vessel is currently scheduled for work in the Weddell and the Ross Sea. Ports of call include Punta Arenas and Talchuano, Chile, Lyttleton, New Zealand, and McMurdo Station, Antarctica.

R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD

The R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD first arrived in the Antarctic Peninsula in January, 1998, and is owned by Edison Chouest Offshore and is of United State Registry. The vessel will be on long-term charter to support the United States Antarctic Program. The R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD is ice-classed ABS A1, is 14.02 meters, has a design draught of 5.48 and displaces 3400 long tons. She will be a multidisciplinary research platform, designed for year-round operations in polar regions.

Research Capabilities

The vessel is equipped with a satellite precision navigation system, side-looking and fish-finding sonar, INMARSAT communications and HF and VHF transceivers. A deep sea trawl winch and two hydrowinches are to be operated through a stern A-frame and starboard side-hydro davit. Various over-the-side sampling equipment will be handled through use of an articulated Hiab crane on the ship’s fantail. The vessel will also have single channel seismic capability. In addition, it is equipped with laboratories totaling 99 square meters and an additional 27 square meters in portable laboratory vans. Zodiacs will be available for ship-to-shore transport and sample collection.

Ship’s Master: Captain Warren Sanamo

Scientific Programs in the Antarctic Treaty Area

The R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD will support research and logistic support cruises October 1998 through September 1999. Research to be conducted includes biological, chemical, and physical oceanography as well as marine geology and geophysics. The R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD will also serve to transport scientists, cargo, and personnel to/from Palmer Station.

Intended Tracks and Schedule

The R/V LAURENCE M. GOULD is scheduled to begin the 1998-99 season at sea from Punta Arenas, Chile, September 24, 1998. The vessel will transport support personnel to and from Palmer Station on this and all other cruises. The vessel will perform approximately 10 cruises in the Antarctic Peninsula area during 98-99 season.