April 1983 - Maritime Reporter and Engineering News

SNAME-Pacific Northwest Hears Two Student Papers

The Pacific Northwest Section of The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers held its student meeting recently in Seattle, Wash. Two papers and a slide show were presented.

David L. Gray of the University of Washington presented a paper, "Estimating the Time of Arrival of Assistance for Ocean Vessels in Distress." The paper examined many of the transoceanic commercial trade routes to estimate the time required to reach a ship in distress. A computer program, based on a statistical model, was presented which developed contour lines representing the estimated time of arrival of assistance. The charts were for the summer months, and were based on data gathered on the sailing of ships from various ports. The paper provided fishermen an estimate of time before assistance arrived, and provided navigation routes to reduce the waiting time for assistance, as well as search and rescue groups a model of areas that are adequately covered.

Peter G. Noble of Arctec Canada Limited, Calgary, Alberta, presented a paper, "Arctic Offshore Engineering, An Overview." The author noted that in drilling in the Arctic, the structures have to be designed to withstand ice that is IM2-2 meters thick. A second threat comes from deepkeeled ridges which scour the sea floor and can damage equipment on the ocean bottom, i.e.

blow-out preventers. Mr. Noble noted that the first drillings in the Arctic used artificial islands which are still used in deeper waters with modification (Caisson Island). Floating drillships are also being used with modifications.

Support vessels including icebreakers and ice-reinforced supply/tugs vessels, and dredges were among the subjects to be treated.

The slide show presented by Richard Eitel traced the river and overland odyssey of the 100- ton ferry Columbia Princess to its place of service, Lake Roosevelt, Wash.

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