The University of Washington will operate the R/Vs CLIFFORDA. BARNES and THOMAS G. THOMPSON during 1991 as general purpose oceanographic vessels in support of NSF-funded research projects. The R/V BARNES is a 65 foot general research vessel built in 1966, the R/V THOMPSON is a 274 foot general research vessel built in 1991. The BARNES is owned by the National Science Foundation and operated by the University of Washington through a charter party agreement with NSF. The THOMPSON is owned by the Navy and operated by the University of Washington through a charter party agreement with the Office of Naval Research. These vessels are part of a fleet used by the National Science Foundation to support oceanographic research projects. Most oceanographic requires highly specialized equipment and extensive support from the ship's crew. An increasing number of research projects require specialized equipment installed on the vessel and for which the ship has been specially designed. Such equipment requires highly specialized crew members for operation and maintenance. The vessels do not operate in the same manner as commercial cargo or fishing vessels, 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. The R/V BARNES operates primarily in the coastal waters of the northwest U.S. The R/V THOMPSON will operated as an all oceans vessel and will be operating out of foreign ports as required by cruises. These vessels are capable platforms for these operations, and the University of Washington has maintained an excellent program at modest costs.
