
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
Heavy-duty oceanographic winch for ROV and towed instrument deployment

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.
- R/V Sally Ride
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R/V Roger Revelle
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Handbook
- Section 1: Welcome Aboard
- Section 2: Specifications
- Section 3: Vessel Layout Description
- Section 4: Ship's and Scientific Equipment Description
- Section 5: Technical Services and Special Equipment
- Section 6: Navigation and Communications Capability
- Section 7: Safety
- Section 8: Ship Organization
- Section 9: Scientific Berthing Plan
- Specifications
- Schematic Drawings
- Berthing Plan
- Scientific Equipment
- Major Shipboard Equipment
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Handbook
- R/V Robert Gordon Sproul
- R/V Bob and Betty Beyster
- Emeritus: R/V Melville
- Emeritus: R/V New Horizon
- Research Platform FLIP (FLoating Instrument Platform)
- Preventing harassment and discrimination
- Alcohol and illegal drugs: Zero tolerance
- Departure & arrival times
- Pregnancy and Lactation at Sea
- Accommodating Disabilities
- Minimum Age At Sea
- Isotope Use on Scripps Ships
- Geophysical survey requirements in California waters
- Export controls and compliance
- Scientific shipments to Scripps vessels
- Ship to Shore Communications
- Internet use policy
- Winch and Wire Regulations
- Ship Usage Rates
- Data and Sample Distribution Policy
- Stable Isotopes on SIO Ships
- Carryforward of Ship Time
- Using non-UNOLS vessels
- Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC)
- Naval Clearances
- Notice to mariners
- Volunteering Aboard Scripps Ships
- USCG Rules for Buoys