Identify/Describe the Problem and Build a Case
The Marine Academy of Science and Technology’s research vessel has been in use since 1980, for 34 years. Normally, research vessels last about 15-20 years before they are put out of commission. After this extended length of service, Captain Andrews (the captain of the Blue Sea) is beginning to find issues; areas are losing steel (particularly the bow and right side of the stern), the steering has been broken before, and structural replacements are continually needed. Additionally, the Blue Sea does not have a large cabin and does not meet the standards of some of the teachers anymore. This issue must be addressed, because the Blue Sea will eventually need replacing, and when the time comes, MAST will need to have plans to work from.
Large wheelhouse and cabin (B W S Sailing)
The Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MCVSD MAST)
R/V Blue Sea (National Blue Ribbon Schools)
MAST Students (TRT NJ)
NJROTC Cadets (Google)
Identify/Describe the People and Stakeholders Involved
The MAST students and faculty are main ones that will be affected by the eventual retirement of the Blue Sea. MAST Students will be affected because of the fact that the lesson structures around the Blue Sea will drastically change. Particularly for the oceanography students, some of who may have to completely rearrange their senior project. As for the teachers, the most dramatic change will be the numerous amounts of options available for lesson plans. In Naval Science, navigation and other hands-on sailing methods may be taught. The main stakeholders involved in the creation of a new research vessel for MAST are the Monmouth County Vocational School District administrators and Mr. Moore himself. These two parties are affected because of the amount of money they will be putting towards new research vessels.
NJROTC Cadets (USA Today)
Monmouth County Vocational School District (Communications High School)
MAST Students (USA Today)
The Harbor School (New York City Government
MAST Faculty (Career Tech NJ)
Products for Similar Tasks
There are multiple different types of research vessels that are found throughout the East and West Coast. The average size of a research vessel is roughly 40 feet long. However, MAST’s Blue Sea is not a research vessel – it is considered a crew boat. As exemplified by Mr. van Hemmen’s own research, there are multiple different uses for varied types of vessels on the coast. For example, there are police boats, coast guard ships, and NOAA research vessels (such as Okeanos Explorer. Also, other schools like MATES and the New York Harbor School have needs for research vessels like the Blue Sea.
NOAA Okeanos Explorer (NOAA News)
Police Boat Profile (Austal)
Coast Guard Ship (Wikipedia)
Police Vessel (Austal)
NOAA Research Vessel (Ocean Explorer)
MAST R/V Blue Sea (National Blue Ribbon Schools)
Intended Mood of the Design
The mood for the design of the research vessel will depend on the ideas of the faculty. Although there will be a defined natural look of it, one to match that of the scenery surrounding Sandy Hook. Also, the space for learning will be a much more calming environment, designed to help students feel comfortable. Too many times, vessels are white, with no variation in color. In order to match the beauty of Sandy Hook, there needs to be beauty in the new research vessel. In addition to the beauty the new vessel will hold, the design will also look much more high-tech.
New Research Vessel (Natural Environment Research Council)
Soft Beige Color Scheme (Main Cottage Colors)
High-Tech Catamaran (NOAA)
NOAA Catamaran (NOAA)
NOAA Monohull Research Vessel (NOAA)
Conclusion
The issue at hand is the fact that the Blue Sea is not the best research vessel for MAST students and faculty. The Blue Sea is outdated, and therefore not as useful to the teachers as a renovated/new research vessel will be. The main concern of the stakeholders is the fact that the MCVSD may be paying to keep and out-of-date ship up and running, when a new ship would be much more practical. In Mr. van Hemmen’s evaluation document referring to Palmer Station in Antarctica, a few research vessels had already gone in and out of service. From the time the research vessels start service to the time that the research vessels end service is generally about 20 years. In the next few years, the Blue Sea will be reaching the end of its’ life. It is imperative to create an updated research vessel.
Okeanos Explorer (NOAA)
MAST Cadets (USA Today)
MAST R/V Blue Sea (National Blue Ribbon Schools)
MAST Students (TRT NJ)
Soft Beige Color Scheme (Main Cottage Colors)
Writing overall is very passive and can be reworded for more clarity and conciseness.
ReplyDeleteText that needs attention:
faculty are main ones - awkward
some of who may have to - not a complete coherent sentence
In Naval Science, navigation and other hands-on sailing methods may be taught. - this does not match the prior text that has a more negative meaning
Although there will be a defined natural look of it, one to match that of the scenery surrounding Sandy Hook. - makes no sense for a ship - explain how it will look more high tech
Omit all "its"
You should be building a case for changes made to the design of the blue sea, not that we need a new one. discuss what changes will enhance the vessel and allow more learning to take place.