Enabling the Telepresence Paradigm for the UNOLS Community - Guidance for Scientists and Ship Operators

Telepresence, as applied to ocean science, refers to a suite of communication technologies and methodologies that provide a means for individuals or groups to participate in oceanographic research cruises from remote locations. The implementation of telepresence allows for shore-based users to participate at sea without being physically present on ship. This is not necessarily a new idea, however its application for supporting seagoing ocean research is relatively new, particularly with the advent of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA-OER) Program. Ships such as the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and the Ocean Exploration Trust’s E/V Nautilus have implemented telepresence-based operations that can serve as models for other ships and programs. The technology has also been tested on several University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) vessels for purposes of conducting remote science and remote cruise participation, in addition to facilitating live interactive educational broadcasts. Coordinated through UNOLS, the Research Vessel Technical Enhancement Committee (RVTEC) and the Ship/Shore Communications Subcommittee, has compiled recommendations for improving satellite bandwidth across the fleet, with an approach toward supporting telepresence operations in the future on certain ships. We will report on the compilation of a document entitled “Telepresence Guidance for Scientists and Ship Operators” to provide recommendations and best practices for groups who seek to support or implement the telepresence paradigm in their operation. The document presents examples for the different levels of telepresence including shipboard equipment provisioning, personnel staffing and bandwidth requirements, and need for various levels of shore-based support, depending on the need.