Shipboard Scientific Support Equipment: Oceanographic Cable

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

Proposal - 0124219 P.I. - Alberts The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, on behalf of the Academic Research Fleet proposes to undertake a multiple procurement of electro-mechanical oceanographic cables, torque-balanced wire rope, and fiber optic cable to meet the needs of the research fleet for a 12-month period beginning 1 November 2001. Since 1982 similar efforts in the procurement of both electro-mechanical oceanographic cable and wire rope have resulted in substantial cost savings as compared to procurement by individual laboratories, as well as a better utilization of available stock. In the past reels of cable were consigned directly to universities at the time of manufacture to meet their immediate needs. Subsequent requirements were filled from "Pool" inventories. In 1992, the procedure of delivering all new procurements to the cable pools in San Diego and Woods Hole was initiated. The result is that currently all cables are allotted to UNOLS vessels from the pools as the need arises. This will continue. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution proposes to act in the management role for the inspection, acceptance, maintenance, record keeping and storage of the cables and ropes. The pools will remain under the control of the National Science Foundation.