This award to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts will provide equipment in support of oceanographic research on R/V Atlantis, R/V Knorr and R/V Oeanus, three research vessels operated by the institution as part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System research fleet. Specific equipment to be acquired includes fire fighting equipment, an air compressor, vibration monitoring equipment, exposure suits, an outboard engine, a sheave and tool van to support remotely-operated vehicle operations, an upgrade to an X-band radar, and replacement tubes for one rigid-hull inflatable boat. In addition to equipment for their own vessels, WHOI will acquire vibration monitoring systems identical to their own to be installed on sister vessels R/V Wecoma (Oregon State University) and R/V Endeavor (University of Rhode Island), and funds are provided here for training of ships' personnel at all three sites. The shared-use equipment supported here will assist marine scientists conduct studies from Woods Hole research vessels throughout the world ocean during 1999 and future years. ***
