DBCP-XXI/Doc 8.6.1
p. 1
WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION______ / INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION (OF UNESCO)
______
DATA BUOY COOPERATION PANEL
TWENTY-FIRST SESSION
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
17-21 OCTOBER 2005 / DBCP-XXI/Doc. 8.6.1
(19.VIII.2005)
ITEM: 8.6.1
ENGLISH ONLY
Deployment opportunities and strategies
(Submitted by the Technical Coordinator)
Summary and purpose of documentThis document reports on present DBCP strategy in terms of deployment opportunities. It also reports on support provided by JCOMMOPS to programme managers for getting information on deployment opportunities
ACTION PROPOSED
The panel will be invited to to comment, and particularly make decisions or recommendations, as appropriate on the following topics:
(a)Consider DBCP implementation strategy in terms of deployment opportunities;
(b)Consider making commitments to JCOMM trust fund once established for deployments of drifters;
(c)Review existing deployment opportunities by country (annex A and B) and possibly suggest modifications;
(d)For Member States which do not appear in the list (annex B), provide the Technical Coordinator with appropriate information;
(e)Review list of National Focal Points for logistical facilities.
______
DISCUSSION
1) Introduction
In order to support (i) existing programmes looking for deployment opportunities in ocean areas where they are not necessarily used to deploy instruments, and (ii) new programmes, JCOMMOPS is maintaining information on deployment opportunities in its database and web site (
The Panel is invited to check (see annex A and B) whether information on deployment opportunities obtained from Panel Members that appears on JCOMMOPS web site is accurate and up to date. Changes should be submitted to the Technical Coordinator. Panel members that do not appear In the list but who have deployment opportunities to offer are invited to provide information to the Technical Coordinator.
Also, list of National Focal Points for logistical facilities can be obtained from JCOMMOPS web site at the following URL:
Panel members are also invited to check accuracy of the list (see annex C).
2) DBCP implementation strategy
At its last session, the Panel agreed to develop its implementation strategy in such a way that it is consistent with the JCOMM OCG phased-in implementation plan. In this context, it noted that the number of drifter deployments had increased substantially in the last 12 months and was likely to increase again during the next intersessional period. The DBCP drifting buoy network is indeed now completed and the Panel needs to be working on its sustainability.
The Panel was also invited to consider establishing a voluntary contribution fund for the exploitation of deployment opportunities, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, and asked its Chair to pursue this issue during the intersessional period. Following JCOMM/OCG recommendation, JCOMM-II has been discussing the opportunity to establish a JCOMM trust fund for bulk purchase and consumables. Secretariats will be invited to report on JCOMM-II outcome in this regard. If established, the trust fund could be used for purchasing deployment opportunities as well provided a budget line is set up for this purpose. In that case, Panel Members are invited to make contributions to this trust fund.
The Panel also noted the request by the Chair of OOPC to enlist support from the SOOP, VOS and ASAP Panels of the JCOMM SOT. The Panel agreed that it should indeed establish closer links with SOT members to that end.
DBCP-XXI/Doc 8.6.1
Annex A, p. 1
NAVOCEANO AIR DEPLOYMENT INFORMATION
This information was kindly provided by Elizabeth Horton of the Naval Oceanographic Office for operators interested in air deployment of drifting buoys or sub-surface floats.
1.Contact points
Elizabeth Horton (elizabeth.hortonnavy.mil), Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) drifting buoy program manager, Navy representative for DBCP
Or
Etienne Charpentier (charpentierjcommops.org) DBCP and SOOP Coordinator.
2.Deployment area and times
NAVOCEANO conducts surveys in support of Naval operations primarily in the Northern Hemisphere during 10 months of the year, generally re-visiting areas on a quarterly basis. In June and September, we deploy drifters in the typhoon spawning area near Guam. In August, we deploy drifters in the North Atlantic and in the Arctic. The remaining months are devoted to requirements in those areas, the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean. June, September and August are fixed; if deployments are needed in those areas, or along the way, we could consider them. We would recommend, however, that deployment locations be determined, and we can let the PI know when we will be working in the area. Deployments must be carried out on a not-to-interfere basis with operational commitments. Range is a separate issue, to be dealt with later. A note of caution: if the United States becomes involved in a conflict or humanitarian aid mission requiring activation of military airlift, the availability of aircraft is dramatically reduced.
3.Aircraft taskings
Aircraft taskings are validated three months prior to the mission being flown; therefore, coordination must be completed prior to the submission of the flight plan. NAVOCEANO needs to know at least two weeks prior to the submission of the flight plan the requested deployment locations. There is a fair amount of restricted airspace around the planet, so we must check to make sure that all deployment locations are within the capability of our aircraft to get there.
4.Number of buoys that can be deployed during one deployment
This depends on what type of buoy being deployed. The aircraft can carry up to 10,000 pounds of load, so total number of buoys is rarely the limiting factor. We deployed 32 WOCE drifters on one major deployment, but more typically we deploy about 20, and usually a mixture of types.
We must answer to US taxpayers with optimum usage of the aircraft, so although the range of the aircraft is 3,600 miles per day, we cannot justify the usage of the aircraft to drop only one buoy. We typically drop between three and seven on a given day, with a total range of 2,400 miles.
5.Formalities
Drifter deployments are conducted as training missions; therefore, they are not military surveys. Deployments are conducted in accordance with the US Air Force Foreign Clearance Guide, and are coordinated through US embassies with all countries where deployments occur inside their EEZ, or where over-flight approvals are needed.
6.Constraints
6.1.Certification
To ensure the safety of the deploying aircraft (and to allow us to survive the deployments) an air certification is required. This means that 10 drifters must be safely deployed from a C-130 aircraft and signed off by a safety inspector. Type of equipment which can be certified includes:
- Drifters.
- FGGE type meteorological drifting buoys.
- Sub-surface floats.
Complete list of certified equipment authorized for air deployment by Navoceano is given in the annex.
Manufacturers will be able to quote a price for airdrop packages (which include parachutes). Most materials (cardboard boxes, etc.) are biodegradable. Scripps has developed an airdrop package that will likely be tested at year’s end or a little later. Currently, NAVOCEANO rigs WOCE SVP drifters for air drop. Materials cost about $1700 US per buoy and take two experienced riggers three hours each to rig.
6.2.Certification process
We will have to review requests for certification on a case-by-case basis. All of this work must be done on a not-to-interfere basis with normal operations, nor is our program funded for air certifications.
6.3.Other constraints
We rarely have requirements in the Southern Ocean, so we rarely fly there. We also need to make repairs to the aircraft, when necessary, and get gas, so there are limits to where we can land.
If NAVOCEANO agrees to deploy another party’s hardware, they must have the hardware to us in sufficient time for us to get it palletized and delivered to the deploying aircraft unit. Our schedules are inflexible, so the date given for the aircraft to leave is the date it really will leave. We cannot delay because of a missed shipment, or for any other reason. We will need proper documentation so that we can get the hardware through Customs, as necessary. In most cases we can carry the equipment with us, and we will walk everything through Customs. In some cases (e.g. EGOS Program) it may be more convenient to pick the equipment up along the way during the survey. We will notify the owners of the date their equipment will be deployed, and submit a deployment report as soon as possible after the deployment. In exchange, we need to be able to provide our aircrews with an initial post-deployment location as soon as the aircraft lands from that day’s mission. So far, this has been handled by allowing us access to the drifter data for a short time.
Annex: EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZED BY NAVOCEANO FOR AIR DEPLOYMENT
- Christian Michelsen Research AS: Arctic ICEX-Air
- Clearwater: SVP, SVP-B, Code/Davis
- Marlin-Yug: SVP, SVP-B
- MetOcean: XAN series, SVP, SVP-B, SVP-WSD, TOGA, TOGA-WSD Code/Davis
- Technocean: SVP, SVP-B
- Webb Research: APEX profiling float
These manufacturers have met the requirements to have NAVOCEANO airdrop the drifters specified. Approvals are for specific hardware by manufacturer, since this is a safety issue. If the equipment changes by more than 10% of the originally tested configuration, the NAVOCEANO airdrop authorization is no longer valid, and the equipment must go through another 10-unit (successfully) test deployment. This list will be updated as manufacturers complete the safety tests, or if a drifter is no longer authorized for airdrop. Any questions can be directed to Elizabeth Horton atelizabeth.hortonnavy.mil.
DBCP-XXI/Doc. 8.6.1
Annex B, p. 1
Deployment opportunities by country as obtained by JCOMMOPS
Argentina
Contact point:
Lic. Ariel Hernán Troisi
Director
Centro Argentino de Datos Oceanográficos
RNODCSOC
Servicio de Hidrografía Naval
Av. Montes de Oca 2124
C1270ABV Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA
Tel/Fax: +54 11 4303 2240
Email: atroisihidro.gov.ar
Web:
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / South-western Atlantic and Southern OceanTime period, regularity / All year
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Commercial & Research ships, Icebreaker
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Possibly
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Possibly
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Possibly
October 2004: Icebreaker is planning a cruise visiting South Orkney, 25 de Mayo (King George) and Antarctic peninsula.
Potential air deployment opportunities: None
Australia
Contact point:
Mr. Graeme Ball
Marine Observations Unit
GPO Box 1289K
Melbourne Vic 3001
Tel: ( +61)-3-9669 4203
Fax:( +61)-3-9669 4168
Email:g.ballbom.gov.au
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean on regular shipping routesTime period, regularity / On going
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Mostly all commercial ships. Limited opportunities away from regular shipping routes using research and fishing vessels and occasionally the Royal Australian Navy.
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Minimal
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Possible
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Deployment and servicing of moored buoys by charter vessel
Potential air deployment opportunities: No
Drifting Buoy Deployment Plan 2004/2005:
NUMBER / TYPE / DATE / LATITUDE / LONGITUDE / VESSEL1 / / Sept 2004 / 17 S / 95 E / TBA
2 / / Sept 2004 / 20 S / 109 E / TowerBridge (IX-1)
3 / / Oct 2004 / 30 S / 90 E / MSC vessel
4 / / Nov 2004 / 14 S / 120 E / RAN
5 / / Dec 2004 / 45 S / 110 E / Shirase
6 / / Dec 2004 / 50 S / 110 E / Shirase
7 / / Dec 2004 / 55 S / 110 E / Shirase
8 / / Dec 2004 / 53 S / 74 E / TBA
9 / / Dec 2004 / 62 S / 88 E / Aurora Australis (V2)
10 / / Jan 2005 / 20 S / 109 E / TowerBridge (IX-1)
11 / / Jan 2005 / 17 S / 95 E / TBA
12 / / Mar 2005 / 14 S / 120 E / RAN
Key to buoy type: / = FGGE-W / = SVP-B
Canada
Contact point:
Yvonne Cook
LCM, Surface Networks
Meteorological Services of Canada
4905 Dufferin St., Downsview
Ontario, M3H 5T4
Canada
Tel: +1 416 739 4468
Fax: +1 416 739 4261
Email: yvonne.cookec.gc.ca
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
- North Eastern Pacific Ocean:
Potential area, ship routes / Ocean Station Papa (50N, 145W)
Time period, regularity / Three trips per year.
The usual times are, February, May/June and September.
Trips vary in length, from two weeks in
February to a likely 4-week trip in the spring.
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Research vessel, John P. Tully
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Competent technical people on board who could be used to assist or execute deployments
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Technicians can be embarked for other purposes depending on the availability of space. Space is usually available on the
February and September trips, usually however there is massive competition for bunk space on the spring trip
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / The ship will stop frequently and extra stops could be programmed in. Station Papa is at 50N, 145W. The usual
trajectory is from the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca (48 30N, 124 30 W) directly to station Papa, then northwards
one degree, and returning to either the Queen Charlotte Islands or the northern tip of Vancouver Island
- North Western Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean navigable waters:
Potential area, ship routes / Within the 200 mi. limit along the East coast and Labrador coast.
Time period, regularity / Several trips per year
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / DFO/Fisheries patrol vessels. Bedford Institute of Oceanography research vessels. Coast Guard buoy tenders/ Icebreakers
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Moderately crewed
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Usually unsuitable for tech. to join as cruises are usually long duration and accommodation limited. Some coastal buoy
tending operations would be more
suitable for technicians to embark and disembark from the ship.
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Ships could be easily stopped for short periods.
Potential air deployment opportunities: No
Chile
Contact point:
Ricardo L. Rojas
Errazuriz 232, Valparaiso
Chile
Tel: ( +56) 032 266 674
Fax:( +56) 032 266 542
Email:rrojasshoa.cl
Web:
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / Pacific routes, and Valpariso - New ZealandTime period, regularity / Valparaiso - New Zealand 3 times a year
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Commercial ships.
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Minimal
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Chile can provide technicians for launching XBTs
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Unlikely
Comment / Assistance to facilitate entry of instruments to Chile (custom)
Potential air deployment opportunities: No
Italy
Contact point:
Dr. Enrico Zambianchi
Instituto di Meteorologia e Oceanografia
Universita Parthenope
Via Acton 38
80133 NAPOLI
Italy
Tel: +39 (81) 5475583
Fax: +39 (81) 5513679
email: enrico.zambianchiuninav.it
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / Italy-Antarctica via New Zealand and Indian OceanTime period, regularity / Italy-New Zealand: Nov.-Dec.
New Zealand-Italy: March
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Research ship.
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Yes
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Yes
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Unlikely
Comment
Japan
Contact point:
Dr. Kensuke Takeuchi
Professor, Institute of Low Temperature Science
Hokkaido University
Tel: +81 11 706 5470
Fax: +81 11 706 71 42
Email: takeuchilowtem.hokudai.ac.jp
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / Pacific, Indian oceansTime period, regularity / All year
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Commercial & Research ships
(see Mirai 2003: map, schedule)
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Possibly
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Possibly
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Possibly
New Zealand
Contact point:
Julie Fletcher
Manager Marine Observations
Meteorological Service of NZ Ltd
PO Box 722
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: ( +64)-4-4700 789
Fax:( +64)-4-4700 772
Email:fletchermet.co.nz
Potential ship deployment opportunities:
Potential area, ship routes / See maps belowTime period, regularity / On going
Type of ship (e.g. VOS, research ship, navy ship) / Mostly all commercial ships
Availability of crew onboard (none, minimal, moderate, high) / Minimal
Whether technician(s) can embark the ship (needed for floats, XBTs, moored buoy servicing) / Possible
Whether the ship can stop (needed for moored buoy servicing) / Unlikely
Potential air deployment opportunities: No
Typical ship routes: No
South Pacific Ocean:Tasman Sea:
RossSea:
New ZealandIslands:
Norway