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In only ten years the Argo Program has grown from an idea into a functioning global observing system for the subsurface ocean. More than 3000 Argo floats now cover all the oceans from the seasonal ice of the Antarctic to the tropics to the Arctic seas. The value of Argo data in ocean data assimilation and other applications is being demonstrated and will grow as the dataset is extended in time and as experience of using the data set leads to new applications. The spatial coverage and quality of the Argo dataset are improving. Argo data products of value in ODA modeling are being developed and Argo data is being tested to confirm its consistency with related satellite and in situ data. Maintenance of the Argo Program for the next decade and longer is needed for a broad range of climate and oceanographic research and for many operational applications in ocean state estimation and prediction. Here plans are summarized for enhancing Argos value in the coming years with attention to ODA applications. Plans include improvements to data coverage through array design and implementation and improvements to data quality all of which are described. A look is taken at Argo data products that are needed for use in ODA models and for evaluation of those models. Attention is paid to the need to examine the consistency of Argo and in situ and satellite-derived surface datasets. This is another key issue for integrating global observations through ODA models.

The ability to scientifically predict the performance degradation resistance and usable lifetime of marine cables and connectors is highly desired and valued by design engineers and program managers. Historically the most frequently encountered failure mechanism for marine cables and connectors has been delamination of the polymeric over-molding compound from metal connector backshells. Over the years several testing protocols have been developed. The purpose of these ALT (accelerated life test) protocols is to determine the resistance to degradation of various metal-primer-polymer combinations used on cables and connectors in a marine environment. Unfortunately many of the existing ALT protocols show technical and-or scientific deficiencies that compromise their ability to provide meaningful data for the prediction of service life and the understanding of the cause(s) of hardware failure in the marine environment. These problems include but are not limited to: choice of failure mechanism model; differences in activation energy for materials or reactions or processes; maintenance of the proper corrosion current density and voltage; and maintenance of the proper ALT fluid medium chemistry. All of these issues are important for the successful completion of an ALT yet ALTs are often carried out without addressing one or more of these critical issues. After presenting the problems and pitfalls some suggestions for improvements are made. Conclusions are drawn.

Two new significant standards produced by the American Petroleum Institute (API) in 1993 are discussed. The RP 75 "Recommended Practices for Development of a Safety and Environmental Management Program for Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Operations and Facilities" addresses the identification and management of safety and environmental hazards in design construction startup operation inspection and maintenance of OCS oil and gas drilling and production facilities. The RP 14J "Recommended Practice for Design and Hazards Analysis for Offshore Production Facilities" gives information on process and mechanical design analysis and provides methodologies for analyzing hazards of offshore production facilities.

The basic critical path concepts presented in this book have primarily grown out of the work of two groups. One group developed what is known as the Critical Path Method (CPM), in connection with maintenance and construction work, and the other developed Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) as a management control system for the development of the Polaris Missile system. The approach take in this book is that there is a critical path methodology that is common to both of these methods and to their variations.

The semi-submersible crane vessel built in 1986 as Microperi 7000 renamed the Saipem 7000 is now working as a pipelyer in the North Sea. At the time of construction the rudderpropellers type SRP 4500 ZSU were the largest steerable thrusters worldwide and since commissioning in 1997 have operated for 60000 hours in service. The thrusters are serviced in a workshop enabling a careful and detailed examination. The regular maintenance program for the thrusters is described.

Principles and technology of diesel engine condition control systems are discussed with attention to: requirements and schema; significant static and dynamic measurements; computer based analysis (using the program DIESEL PROF) to assess thermal and mechanical condition fuel oil consumption and fuel oil quality (in terms of the CCAI number); and use of the diagnosis in planned operation and maintenance. Illustrative examples demonstrate condition monitoring applied to the slow speed diesel engines of a large bulk carrier and a land based power station.

Inspection and maintenance are a significant part of pipeline operations costs. This paper discusses the philosophy and benefits of a risk based approach for planning these activities describes which damage types can be addressed using a RBI approach and how these are incorporated in available software tools. The principles and benefits of a risk-based program are presented and a tier approach to the inspection planning process is described including different applications of qualitative and quantitative methods.

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has developed a lifecycle management and information network known as SafeNet. The management of a fleet of vessels including operation maintenance and regulatory compliance is assisted by an easy-to- use computer program. Core fleet management modules information models and various information directories are involved. The enhanced modules to develop an on-going survey strategy to take into consideration factors such as corrosion structural stresses component reliability coating breakdown and fatigue are also highlighted.

A complete system of valve testing both continuous and discrete methods has been developed. These two approaches cover the entire information system of the power blocks for the maintenance planning and checking and for selecting a suitable valve type for the pipeline system positions. The experience with the ANBS 4 data analysis system and with the HCE II measuring equipment is evaluated. Complete diagnostics of the big size valves used in pipeline systems and the data processing for long distances are described.

Prediction of sand erosion in pipe systems is outlined for both complex geometries and for standard pipe components. A general procedure to calculate sand erosion in three-dimensional flow geometries is outlined based on the computational fluid dynamics program CFX4. Validation examples show good comparison with experiments and it is demonstrated that the procedure can be used to visualise the erosion mechanisms and to optimise inspection and maintenance routines as well as being a valuable design tool.

Current developments of mooring systems for deep and ultra-deep waters are presented in the context of the Petrobras Procap-3000 Technical Innovation Program in Ultra-deep Water Exploitation Systems. Three solutions are considered: spread catenary; taut leg; and DICAS (differentiated compliance) mooring systems. For each system four main aspects are investigated: materials; design procedure and criteria; installation and maintenance. Results already obtained show that it is economically feasible to moor exploration and exploitation floaters in water depths up to 3000 m. The most cost-effective options for these moorings are discussed together with key parameters to select design install and operate them.

To improve the reliability of bolted connections a joint industry project" "Corrosion protection and maintenance of bolting and fasteners" was initiated by DNV in 2001. The initial part of the project is to provide a summary of the best practice for corrosion protection of bolted connections for offshore application. The main part of the project is a 10 year testing program of pretensioned stud bolts. In this paper a look is taken at bolts and fasteners offshore.

This is the summary report of the study made to serve as the first phase of a multi-phase Ship management Information System Program, in which the Maritime Administration supported the development of computer/communication applications in diverse areas such as payroll, shipboard maintenance and crew data. It brings the summary of all tasks carried out by the study.

This study was made to serve as the first phase of a multi-phase Ship management Information System Program, in which the Maritime Administration supported the development of computer/communication applications in diverse areas such as payroll, shipboard maintenance and crew data. This was carried out in different tasks. This volume brings the result of tasks III and IV, which consist of evaluating computer system vendors, the products of whom could be feasible systems aboard ship, and to establish data processing standards for implementation of any shipboard system.

A diesel diagnostic engine fault simulator is presented in which a mathematical model simulates an engine operation under various conditions and introduces various defects. The model has been implemented in a software program which is used for teaching the relation between the diesel engine technical state and its operating parameters. The software can also be used for maintenance strategy teaching. The simulator is low cost and therefore can be used for stand-alone education. This makes it very attractive for low-budget colleges in developing countries and for ship owners since it could be installed on board.

The ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) and NSSC (Naval Sea Systems Command) have worked together on the ship classification process of many sealift and naval auxiliary programs over several decades. They are now engaged in a strategic partnership to extend the long-proven process of ship classification to naval combatants. Together they have developed classification rules for naval vessels and are currently applying them in both the LCS Programs and the DDG-1000 Program which have required that the vessels by built and delivered in class to the Naval Vessel Rules. As a further extension to this policy to evaluate potential application to future programs the Navy's operational Fleets have decided that the LCS platforms will be retained in class as part of the ship's lifecycle maintenance philosophy. If this is successful then it is likely that the DD-1000 will also be retained in class. The background supporting this initiative is reviewed. The concept of retention in class is described and the approach adopted is outlined. The current status of application is reviewed.

An attempt is made to explain how ships under the Australian White Ensign are operated and maintained. In this case 6 ships are looked at the youngest of these being fifteen years old and the oldest being nearly thirty. After some introductory information a look is taken at the history - past present and future. Next each of the 6 ships - one off types of ships (orphans) under the control of the Amphibious and Afloat Support System Program Office or AASSPO - are listed with brief information. This is followed by consideration of some differences between merchant and naval practices. Lastly the challenge of the AASSPO to manage the process of maintenance and sustainment of this aging group of ships is looked at.

New regulations mean almost the entire world fleet of oil tankers need replacing by 2010. The MarC Guardian tanker project participants decided to concentrate on life expectancy environmental factors and cost to deliver cargo instead of shipyard price. The unique aspects of its design and construction have been verified by a detailed R and D program. This has also illustrated the relevance of traditional methods to its structural behaviour and evolved an efficient production method. MarC Guardian also has a hull girder design excluding high tensile steel. The MarC Guardian double hull is thought to improve resistance to collision grounding damage and create exceptional survivability. Attention has also gone to simplifying maintenance.

NOS (the National Ocean Service) CO-OPS (Centre for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services) manages the NOS Real-Time Monitoring Infrastructure. CO-OPS provides the national infrastructure science and technical expertise to monitor assess and disseminate coastal oceanographic products and services necessary to support NOAA's dual mission of environmental stewardship and environmental assessment and prediction. CO-OPS strengthens core capabilities through additional partnership links with outside groups including private organisations. A CO-OPS operating principle is to focus the core workforce capability on the establishment and maintenance of NOS program and technical standards validation and certification of data and information products research and development and QA-QC (quality control-assurance) of data and information products. Validation certification and QA-QC all link to the liability associated with CO-OPS data information products and services. (Page 5 is blank.)

RBI (risk-based inspection) and on-site maintenance are the key points to ensure the success of a structural integrity management program for FPSOs. Generally as the structure gets older and some operational changes or extended life are requested by the operators the in-service planning of the inspection and repair activities increases in complexity. This paper provides guidance on in-service planning and management drawing directly from the operating and risk-based inspection experience of a fleet consisting of five Petrobras' units located at Campos Basin. Specifically the paper outlines the inspection planning that addresses these unique features and applications and discusses experiences related to the implementation of the inspection plans. It also provides general guidance on the organisation presentation and steps to ensure the asset is fit-for-purpose while being functional and easy to manage and implement for operations.