NSF 02-055
(Replaces NSF 01-127)
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Other
Noteworthy News...
NSF Sees 8.4% Growth in FY 2002 Budget
For FY 2002, NSF received $4.789 billion - $373 million or 8.4% over
FY 2001. Within this increase, the Research and Related Activities Account,
from which the Division of Ocean Sciences is funded, received $248 million
over last year, for a total of $3.598 billion. For further details,
please go to the NSF web site at https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/congress/start.htm.
International Safety Management (ISM)
Code Being Implemented by UNOLS Vessels over 500GT
In the fall 2000 Newsletter we reported that the International Safety
Management (ISM) Code, Annex IX of the International Convention for
the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) would apply to UNOLS vessels over
500 GT (MELVILLE, KNORR, THOMPSON, REVELLE, ATLANTIS, EWING, and KILO
MOANA) effective July 1, 2002. The objectives of the ISM Code are to
ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and
avoidance of damage to the environment and property. Each ship operating
institution subject to ISM is required to establish a Safety Management
System that includes safety and environmental policy and procedures
necessary to implement that policy. The operators of the above vessels
(SIO, WHOI, LDEO, UW and UH) have worked together and with consultants
to create and implement the required Safety Management Plans. The plans
are based on each institutions existing operating procedures and
may not be identical. These plans are in the final stages of implementation
and approval which requires that they be utilized and audited prior
to final approval. The intent of the operators has been to make the
implementation of this code as transparent to scientists as possible,
but it will mean that adherence to safety and pre-cruise planning requirements
will be more closely enforced. It is also the intent of the operators
that this will improve safety and ensure that the operators are better
prepared to achieve your scientific goals.
The immediate impact to scientific users under ISM will primarily be
during the pre-cruise planning process. Documentation of requirements,
procedures and equipment that will be utilized during a cruise will
become even more important than it already is. Chief Scientists are
encouraged to contact the research vessel operators early in the planning
process and to participate fully by completing cruise plan forms and
attending pre-cruise planning meetings. The primary thing to keep in
mind is that the goal of the ship operators and of the ISM code is to
achieve your scientific objectives while at the same time protecting
the safety of the people involved and the environment. The pre-cruise
planning process is an integral and vital part of achieving all of these
goals. For more information on the background of the ISM code and how
it will be implemented in the UNOLS fleet you can visit the website
at http://www.unols.org/rvoc/safety.html.
Commission on Ocean Policy Holds Initial Meetings
The Commission on Ocean Policy, chaired by Admiral James Watkins, held
meetings in Washington D.C. in September and November. The initial meeting
succeeded in setting up a framework for the structure and operations
of the Commission. In November, the Commissioners invited Members of
Congress, national organizations and federal agencies to speak about
key issues of interest to the respective groups. Dr. Rita Colwell represented
the National Science Foundation. In the months to come, the Commission
plans a series of nine regional meetings. More information on Commission
activities is available at http://www.oceancommission.gov.
Committee on Exploration of the Seas
Established
In response to Congressional legislation, the Ocean Studies Board of
the National Research Council has established a Committee on the Exploration
of the Seas. Dr. John Orcutt, of Scripps Institution of Oceanography,
serves as the Chair of the Committee.
The Committee will assess the feasibility and potential value of implementing
a major, coordinated, international program of ocean exploration and
discovery. Drs. Margaret Leinen and Jim Yoder addressed the Committee
on behalf of the National Science Foundation at their first meeting
in November. Three additional meetings have been scheduled and a final
report is anticipated in early 2003.
U.S. and EC Officials Sign Agreement to Foster Scientific Collaboration
In October 2001, the National Science Foundation and the European Commission
signed an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperative Activities to promote
greater collaboration in environmental research, including marine science
and technology, in the coming years. A Steering Group has been established
to coordinate implementation with NSFs Dr. Margaret Leinen and
the ECs Dr. Christian Patermann serving as co-chairs.
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