UNOLS was founded in September of 1971
- Collaborating for the Future of Ocean Science
The University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) is a consortium of 58 academic oceanographic institutions collaborating with U.S. Federal Government agencies to ensure widespread access to advanced research vessels, submersibles, and related facilities crucial for robust research and educational programs in ocean sciences.
- Facilitating the US Academic Research Fleet & Facilities
The U.S. Academic Research Fleet consists of 17 research vessels operated by 13 different institutions. These ships are scheduled through the UNOLS Ship Scheduling Committee and are consistently available to all federally funded users and maintained to meet the needs of academic oceanographic programs. Vessels are operated in compliance with the UNOLS Research Vessel Safety Standards and undergo regular inspections, such as NSF Ship Inspections or INSURV. All ships are equipped with state of the art observational instrumentation and are crewed with highly qualified marine technicians to operate it.
- Advancing the Blue Workforce
Through programs sponsored by the federal funding agencies, UNOLS facilitates programs to provide much needed training opportunities to future scientists, technicians, and ship crew.
- Taking U.S. Oceanography into the future
UNOLS coordinates 10 different standing committees to serve the U.S. Oceanographic Community. Committees are scientific, technical and operational in nature. These committees discuss the current and future capabilities and think of requirements for the future. Participants are all volunteers and are made up of scientists, technicians, and operators.
- Supporting Science in the Polar Regions
The UNOLS Community is actively supporting science in the Arctic.
AICC –The Arctic Icebreaker Coordinating Committee provides scientists with planning assistance and serves to liaise and facilitate communications between Arctic scientists, funding agencies, and facility providers. The AICC is focused on the support provided by USCGC HEALY and R/V Sikuliaq.
AMRCC –The Arctic Marine Research Capabilities Committee is currently developing Science Mission Scenarios and Science Mission Requirements for newly acquired Arctic Surface Capability including the U.S. Coast Guard’s recently purchased USCGC STORIS and the anticipated future Arctic Security Cutter.
