USCG Research and Development Center kicks off Arctic awareness initiative

The US Coast Guard (USCG) Research and Development Center (RDC), together with its scientists, technicians and engineers from 14 other agencies will depart for the Arctic to advance the Coast Guard’s perceptive and stewardship of US Arctic waters.

As part of the Arctic Shield 2014 initiative, members of the involved agencies will carry out research and assess new equipment and technologies aimed at expanding knowledge and enhancing ability to offset potential hazards and emergencies due to increased vessel traffic through the region.

During their trip to Arctic, RDC and their partner members will assess and study a range of technologies including unmanned aerial and submersible vehicles, information management systems, and tracking buoys, which assist in monitoring chemical spills.

The Arctic research will be carried out aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Healy, a 420ft icebreaker.

RDC chief scientist Rich Hansen said: "One of our goals as part of Arctic Shield 2014 is to broaden the Coast Guard’s partnerships with Alaskan communities, especially along the North Slope.

"With that in mind, the RDC coordinated with Alaska’s state government and tribal communities and invited representatives to travel with us and observe our research."

As Arctic ice retreats, the USCG’s area of responsibility increases, creating new avenues for maritime traffic, further bringing in new challenges.

Hansen added: "Our goal is to help the Coast Guard identify new technologies and discover better ways to perform in the extreme environment of the Arctic.

"That’s a goal we’ll only reach by sharing knowledge and working together."

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Image: USCG academy physical education instructor Barry Hurst and 1st Class Cadet Gabriel Patterson working to test a submersible remote operated vehicle. Photo: courtesy of US Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert.