National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF)

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Human Occupancy Vehicle Alvin (photo provided by WHOI)

The National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) hosted at WHOI, is a federally - funded center that operates, maintains, and coordinates the use of three vital deep ocean vehicles. 

To request use of the National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) vehicles, please submit a UNOLS Ship-time and Marine Equipment (SME) request form requesting the vehicle(s). 

NDSF Vehicle Debriefs

In order to better track the status of NDSF vehicle and system performance, DeSSC will conduct debrief interviews of Principal Investigators who use Jason, Alvin, and Sentry. Agendas for DeSSC meetings will include summary reports of these debriefs. Participation in the debriefs will include a DeSSC representative, the science user, and the NDSF Chief Scientist (Anna Michel). A list of items that have been identified as problems or areas where improvement is needed will be documented.

Standardized questions have been developed for use during the debrief interviews, see them here.

The following individuals are the current DESSC representatives who will conduct debriefs:

  • ROV Jason – Roxanne Beinart / URI
  • HOV Alvin – Jill McDermott / Lehigh 
  • AUV Sentry – David Carress / MBARI

Debrief summaries and corrective actions are reviewed as part of the bi-annual DeSSC meetings.  

Other Important NDSF - Related Resources

Historic Resources