Oregon State University will operate the R/V WECOMA during 1990 as a general oceanographic vessel in support of NSF-funded research projects. The R/V WECOMA is a 177' general research vessel constructed in 1975 and owned by the National Science Foundation. OSU operates the WECOMA under a charter agreement with NSF. The ship operates primarily in the North Pacific. This vessel is part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research projects. Most oceanographic research projects require highly specialized equipment and extensive support from a ship's crew members. An increasing number of research projects require equipment that must be permanently installed on a ship and for which the ship must be specifically designed. Such equipment also requires highly trained crew members for maintenance and operation. These vessels do not operate in the same manner as general cargo or fishing vessels, and therefore, NSF supports the operation of a variety of vessels specifically dedicated to oceanographic research. These vessels are operated by universities and research institutions around the country.
