Proceedings magazine is a communication tool for the Coast Guard's Marine Safety & Security Council. Each quarterly magazine focuses on a specific theme of interest to the marine industry.
Issue link: https://uscgproceedings.epubxp.com/i/149372
The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center evaluates Arctic operational capabilities. Scientifc Understanding Scientifc Support by MR. RICHARD L. HANSEN Branch Chief U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center DR. JONATHAN M. BERKSON Marine Science Program Manager U.S. Coast Guard LCDR KENNETH J. BODA Strategic Analyst U.S. Coast Guard Science operations, research, and development in the Arctic have long been signifcant U.S. Coast Guard mission sets. Modern research projects help the service to meet hazards and threats in this remote locale. In support of these missions, the U.S. Coast Guard created the Research and Development Center (RDC), a facility that provides research and development, as well as testing and evaluation services. These efforts are broad and varied, support the acquisitions and regulatory processes, and improve overall Coast Guard operations and mission support. Evaluating Arctic Capacity The center's efforts in the Arctic region include delivering a high latitude study in July 2010, which evaluated polar icebreaker capabilities, requirements, and Arctic and Antarctic mission needs. To address the aging polar-class icebreakers, RDC also conducted a business case analysis that explored several options from major overhauls to icebreakers Polar Sea and Polar Star, as well as new build and lease options. The Department of Homeland Security forwarded this report to Congress in November 2011. www.uscg.mil/proceedings Arctic Oil Spill Response An Arctic oil spill can cause major environmental damage, and the harsh weather and lack of logistical support would present huge challenges for response agencies. As such, the RDC has worked to evaluate and develop methods and equipment to respond to Arctic spills.1 One fnding: Equipment deployment exercises had not been conducted in ice, due to the lack of availability of ice-strengthened ships or icebreakers. In 2009, the Research and Development Center initiated efforts to evaluate technologies and determine a comprehensive approach to responding in ice. Results from that investigation led to the frst dockside demonstration at USCG Sector Sault Ste Marie in April 2011, where initial results highlighted the need for improved equipment. In January 2012, a second demonstration took place, consisting of a four-day sea trial, with demonstrations and observations on selected equipment, including four different skimmers, one fre boom, a remotely operated vehicle, and a vessel's fre-monitor system. Summer 2013 Proceedings 77