Ship Operations & Marine Technical Support

Contact: Bruce Appelgate, Associate Director, Ships Operations and Marine Technical Support (SOMTS)

Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego has one of the largest academic research fleets in the world, with three research vessels plus a purpose-built coastal research vessel. Scripps vessels play a critical role in exploring our planet and conducting important research in all the world’s oceans. Services are available to plan a scientific research cruise using Scripps’s ships and services. The UC Ship Funds Program solicits proposals from students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and staff for ship time aboard research vessels operated by Scripps.

Shipboard Technical Support

Shipboard Technical Support (STS) provides specialized expertise, personnel, instrumentation, and support. STS also designs, builds, and sells specialized equipment and instruments unavailable on the commercial market.

STS is composed of groups that each provides a distinct set of services and expertise (emails to each group provided below):

• Computing Resource Group - Manages and maintains STS computing resources.
• Oceanographic Data Facility - Provides hydrographic measurements and support services.
• Shipboard Electronics Group - Designs and develops instrumentation; Maintains and repairs electronic equipment.
• Marine Research Technician (ResTech) Group - Oversee deck operations; Manages mechanical instrumentation
• Shipboard Geophysical Group - Provides seismic services.
• STS-Calibration Laboratory - Provides temperature and pressure calibrations
• CCHDO - CLIVAR and Carbon Hydrographic Data Office