DSRV ALVIN : a review of accomplishments

Abstract

ALVIN, a deep-submergence oceanographic research submarine, is owned by the Office of Naval Research of the U.S. Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (W.H.O.I). Completed in 1964, it began routine diving for scientific research in 1966. Since that time the submersible has made over 650 dives in many areas of the Atlantic Ocean including the Azores, Spain, the Bahamas, the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Maine. Many of the dives have been for vehicle test and training purposes, and a significant number have been required by the U.S. navy for various engineering and salvage operations. These activities are summarized briefly and a short list of related Navy reports is given. Extensive engineering research and development in support of the ALVIN project has been provided by personnel from W.H.O.I., U.S. navy laboratories and private industry. Over 100 technical reports and papers have been produced as part of their effort and they are listed here. Nearly 300 dives have been competed for purely scientific purposes. These latter dives are described briefly in chronological order, and a list of 92 of the resulting scientific publications is presented.