University of Miami proposes to support technical services on two research vessels, one operated by the University?s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (RSMAS) and one operated by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution (HBOI). Both are operated as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) research fleet. Ships to be supported include R/V Walton Smith (RSMAS) and R/V Seward Johnson (HBOI). As part of their basic operations they will provide one (Smith) or two (SJ) technicians on each seagoing research project, and will maintain, calibrate and provide for qualified users items from their pool of shared-use research instrumentation. The budget included with this proposal is for the first year of a 3-year continuing grant.
The Marine Technology Group provides shipboard technical support to research vessels through the University National Oceanographic Laboratory Systems (UNOLS). A daily rate is established for all vessel users and includes technician support, shared instrumentation and an advanced data collection system of vessel mounted and over-the-side oceanographic sensors and instruments. For this 2009-2011 proposal period, technical assistance was provided primarily aboard the University of Miami’s R/V WALTON SMITH with one full time Marine Technician, and a second Marine Technician providing relief. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s R/V SEWARD JOHNSON’s final UNOLS schedule was supported in 2009. Other academic vessels have requested additional support from our group due to our experience and positive feedback in the RVTEC community as well as from the NSF Ship Inspection Team. Other vessels include RV THOMAS THOMPSON (UW), RV ATLANTIC EXPLORER (BIOS), RV MARCUS LANGSETH (LDEO), and USCGC HEALY. The Group also works closely with scientists looking to obtain ongoing, real time oceanographic data on ships of opportunity, such as Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Explorer of the Seas and Allure of the Seas. Funding support includes annual oceanographic sensor calibrations, technical development software subscriptions, electronic components, equipment repairs, travel, shipping and handling, specialized tools and technical supplies, such as fiber optic network cables, computers and networking equipment, communications equipment and satellite communications services, and administrative support.
