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![handle is hein.gao/gaobaaxnb0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
DOCUMENT INSURI
06437 - [B1726757]
Ned for Improvinq management of U.S. Oce&nographic Assets.
CED-7d-125; B-145C99. June 16, 1978. 22 pp. + 2 dppendices (3
pp.).
Leport to Rep. John Breaux, Chairmar-, ouse Committee o
ffeicbant Marine and Fisheriess Oceancgraphy SubcosAittee; by
Robert F. Keller, Acting Comptroller General.
Contact: Community and Bconomic Development Div.
Budqet Function: National Defense: Dcpartment 02 Ditense-
Military (except procurement 6 contracts) 1051J; General
Science Space, and Technolocy: General Science and Basic
Researc.- (251) o Natural Veso.arces, Environment# and Ene:RgL:
Other Katural Resources J306%.
Orqanizatioa Concerned: National Oceanic aid A';orpheric
Administration; Department of Defense; National Science
Foundation; Department of Transportation.
Conqressional Reie7ance- Rouse Committee cc Merchant t.anine and
Fisheries: Oceanojrapny Suaiecasittee. Rep. John rA aux.
Authority: S. Res. 222 (93r4 Conq.).
in response to congressional concerns, the Nationts
ocean research/survey ileet was reviewed, and in.formation was
co2piied on the fleets costA and operations.
Findiaqs/Conclusions: eanagial and cFeratizq ocean
research/surviy vessels is still highly det ,'nali=ed throughout
the Pe~'-,l Government. Federal oceanic activities are conducted
by 21 orqanizations in 6 departments ard 5 agencies. There is no
overall Government-wide guidance, limited review of operations,
and no formal system to assess the necessary lieels of
operations or to plan needed assets tor a raticual program. This
fraqentation has contributed to inefficient use of the 2ation's
ocean research/survey fleet. 1isu, iredequate vessel acacunting
standards make it difticult to compaze costs fcr similar
services from other sources. A comparative analys .3 with foreign
oceanoqrap'ic capabilities showed that the Sovift Union, France,
and the Uaited Kingdom have centralized management and
conprehensive ocean policies. Although the Soviet Union has
achieved a qreat deal ii oceanographic research, the quality of
the U.S. effort is still superior. Recommendations: Until a
comprehensive national ocean policy is established, the Congress
should desiqnate a siuqle manager fox Governent-wide civilian
aqency ocearoirapk.ic vessel operations who will insure that:
uniform operea'ons policies and procedures are established for
monitoring vessel activities, effective management of eiisting
vessels is accomplished, viable alternatives are considered
before authorizing new vessel construction, and standardized
vessel accountinq procedures are established and saintained. An
alternative to a single manager would ke a Government-wide Ileet
Allocation Council. Iho Secretary of refense should direct the
Secretary of the Navy to reorganize and consolidate management](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaobaaxnb0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)