A MERCHANT VESSEL AS AN OCEANOGRAPHIC PLATFORM

James E. Wager

Peer Reviewed

Abstract:	The pressing need for oceanographic studies has been very well expressed by many in the past few years. There should be no need to dwell on this point here. However, I would like to take the time to quote President Kennedy on the subject. He said, "Knowledge of the oceans is more than a matter of curiosity. Our very survival may hinge on it." The present work in oceanography is extensive, but represents a very small percentage of the work that can and should be done. In other countries we find some that are doing extensive work although many are confinign their research to specific questions such as fisheries. Russia is working very hard in oceanographic fields. They use their fishign fleet, oceanographic vessels, and even their large fleet of submarines. I understand from those that have inspected their equipment that their instrumentation is inferior, but the volume of data beign taken is quite extensive. At this state the volume of data may be more valuable than excessive accuracy. With the pressing need for oceanographic study and exploration of the seas, it is apparent that we must get on with the work without any further delay. Unfortunately, there is the financial aspect that seems to be ever present in all undertakings of this type.
Published in:	NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Volume 12, Number 2
Pages:	114 - 117
Cite this article:	Wager, James E., "A MERCHANT VESSEL AS AN OCEANOGRAPHIC PLATFORM", NAVIGATION: Journal of The Institute of Navigation, Vol. 12, No. 2, Summer 1965, pp. 114-117.
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