A Call for National Ocean Education Policy for 1980s and Beyond

Sooner or later marine industries-at-large will be undergoing metamorphis in terms of technical skills and knowledge oriented needs in view of advances in high tech., laser and optical fiber tech., biotech., robotics, hazzardous waste processing to name a few. If so, then what is the prepardness, notably by the partners: academia, government and industry to meet the challenge? Do we have a coordinated plan on a national level for marine education for 1980S and beyond? The present study has two-folded objectives: one, to make the marine community aware of the existing dearth of a pragmatic marine training program through this communication, and two, to proposed a comprehensive and a viable marine sciences program which will evolve into a national ocean education policy. According to the proposal, in formulation of a workable marine program due consideration will have to be given to computer design instruction (CAD), computer aided instruction (CAI), computer aided manufacturing (CAM), industrial-laser-processing, biotechnology, hazzardous waste technologies and other allied frontiers of today. Specifically, the proposed program emphasizes "expanded multidisciplinary", or more appropriately "multitechnologies" approach. Currently, two bills, one in the House of Representatives (H.R. 2853), and second, in the Senate (S. 1238) are awaiting. If these bills are passed, they would facilitate creation of a new National Ocean Policy Commission, reminiscent of Stratton Commission of the 1960S. Hopefully, the new Commission, if and when becomes functional will consider the issue of formulating a National Ocean Education for 1980S and beyond as suggested.