Zeeleeuw• Refit Pilottender• Operated by VLIZ & Dept. Fleet • Coastal Zone• Daytrips, short time scheduling • 150 days at sea

Belgica• National RV• Operated by MUMM & Navy• Southern Bight North Sea & beyond• Weekcruises, annual programme• ± 200 days at sea

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Highlights

• E-learning Project “Planet Sea”

• Agreement between Min. Science & Public Works to substantiate our “Research Facilities” task through new funding for newbuild coastal RV & landbased facilities

• Early January, while berthed ship was rammed by Ferry

“New” landbased facilities

• House : Lab facilities & lodging • 4 Hangars (storage)• Maritime Archeology, ROV UGent

New Coastal RV

• Project started in 2005 • Complementarity with Belgica• End 2006 : concept • Aug 2007 : 1.1 mil €/yr (ship + land based facilities)• Operational costs remain responsibility of Dept. Fleet• Project under financial evaluation• 12.5m € (incl vat & sci equip)• Tender out late 2008/ early 2009

New Coastal RV

• Simon Stevin • approx. 35m• 10 scientists• mainly daytrips but more frequently multiple day cruises• Operational costs remain responsibility of Dept. Fleet• Near coastal area Belgian Continental Shelf • Hull - Le Havre - Bremerhaven

Scientific Diving

• Diving as an indispensable tool for aquatic science disciplines• Nationally varying levels and training• Many national commonalities• National considerations impede european co-operation• 2000 : ESD & AESD standards harmonising rules & procedures, though never adopted but included in some national health & safety regulations

European Scientific Diving Committee

• equivalent to AAUS (US) / ANZSDA (AUS-NZ)• founded end 2007• BE, FI, F, D, I, PL, S & UK• Main Objectives

- advance diving supported scienceannual meeting & synergies with ERVO, OFEG

- promote scientific excellence- establish harmonised rules & guidelines

promoting ESD/AESD stdtrainingfacilitate partnership