This project will provide renewed support to the Lamont-Doherty Geological Observatory of Columbia University for shipboard technician activities associated with the research vessel CONRAD. This is an extensively instrumented, 209-foot ship that is operated by the University, and is specially outfitted for geological and geophysical research. A significant portion of the ship's operating schedule during 1987 is in support of NSF-sponsored research projects. The Shipboard Technician Program has two components: an at-sea component and an ashore component. The at-sea component consists of instructing scientific personnel in the use of shared shipboard equipment; maintenance, repair, and calibration of scientific instrumentation; instruction and supervision of deck operations; and providing logistics assistance to on-coming and off-going scientific parties. On shore activities include the maintenance, repair, and calibration of shared use seagoing equipment and assisting scientific personnel in preparing for field work on the vessel. Shipboard technicians funded by this award have broad responsibilities for providing the coordination and assistance needed for the successful completion of research projects at sea. The level of activity and amount of support are closely related to the vessel's operating areas and schedule for the calendar year, the size and capability of the vessel, and its scientific outfit and capability.
