A proposal for an ocanographic vessel based upon experience and observation

The design of the pioneering oceanographic research vessels dictated that command and control be located at or near the stern. This arrangement was logical since, with no communications other than voice, the Captain and the Naturalist needed to be in close proximity as the work progressed. As sailing vessels evolved into power, the command center was placed nearer the bow in most new designs. Most sampling devices remained on the stern, near the screws, and out of sight of the bridge (except for pictures provided by closed circuit TV cameras). This paper will attempt to demonstrate that the ideal location for scientific workspaces on deck is forward of the bridge and that the "van" concept can make one vessel into a true multidisciplinary platform.