NOAA's National Undersea Research Program

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to understand ocean and Great Lakes' environments and their resources, and develop the capability to predict environmental changes. This mission requires a comprehensive oceanographic research program,, including the use of undersea technologies. The in situ undersea approach to ocean science allows acquisition of otherwise unobtainable observations, samples, and experimentation. NOAA's National Undersea Research Program (NURP) places scientists underwater directly through the use of submersibles, underwater laboratories, and wet diving, or indirectly using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and ocean observatories. Scientific diving is an integral part of NURP's research efforts. The program seeks to safely maximize the capabilities of the nation's scientific diving community through direct assistance from program experts, and development of new and improved technologies. NURP is also the only federal program with the legislative mandate to improve the safety and performance of divers.