The National Science Foundation West Coast Winch Pool

Deep-sea traction winch
The West Coast Winch Pool's deep-sea traction winch in use aboard a UNOLS research vessel in 2012.

Contacts | Inventory | Sponsor

Scripps Institution of Oceanography maintains the National Science Foundation (NSF) West Coast Winch Pool for the benefit of U.S. ocean scientists. The winch pool is a shared-use facility that procures, maintains, upgrades, and makes available a variety of portable oceanographic winches that are used by scientists aboard a broad range of research vessels. Winches are shared following community-based scheduling methods administered by the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).

The West Coast Winch Pool also serves as a ready source of technical assistance for UNOLS scientists and institutions.  We have a licensed engineering staff equipped with state-of-the art analysis tools, and we’re well versed in the design of oceanographic handling systems, as well as pertinent regulations such as UNOLS Safety Standards (including Appendix A and B).  Call on us to resolve your engineering issues.

The West Coast Winch Pool also manages the SIO Equipment Pool, another source of portable equipment available for short-term use.  The SIO pool includes winches, spooling equipment, portable cranes, and a variety of other gear.

Contacts

Wes Hill Winch Pool Manager 858.534.5568 whill@ucsd.edu
Aaron Davis, PE Winch and Wire Engineer 858.246.0376 aed001@ucsd.edu

Inventory

Dynacon Traction Winch

Dynacon Traction Winch

Heavy-duty oceanographic winch for ROV and towed instrument deployment

Dynacon Traction Winch

Dynacon Traction Winch

Heavy-duty oceanographic winch for ROV and towed instrument deployment

The West Coast Winch Pool is supported by National Science Foundation award OCE-1219328.