1. Zeeleeuw Refit Pilottender Operated by VLIZ & Dept. Fleet Coastal Zone Daytrips, short time scheduling 150 days at sea

2. Belgica National RV Operated by MUMM & Navy Southern Bight North Sea & beyond Weekcruises, annual programme ± 200 days at sea

5. Highlights E-learning Project “Planet Sea” Agreement between Min. Science & Public Works to substantiate our “Research Facilities” task through new funding for newbuild coastal RV & landbased facilities Early January, while berthed ship was rammed by Ferry

6. “New” landbased facilities House : Lab facilities & lodging 4 Hangars (storage) Maritime Archeology, ROV UGent

7. New Coastal RV Project started in 2005 Complementarity with Belgica End 2006 : concept Aug 2007 : 1.1 mil €/yr (ship + land based facilities) Operational costs remain responsibility of Dept. Fleet Project under financial evaluation 12.5m € (incl vat & sci equip) Tender out late 2008/ early 2009

8. New Coastal RV Simon Stevin approx. 35m 10 scientists mainly daytrips but more frequently multiple day cruises Operational costs remain responsibility of Dept. Fleet Near coastal area Belgian Continental Shelf Hull - Le Havre - Bremerhaven

9. Scientific Diving Diving as an indispensable tool for aquatic science disciplines Nationally varying levels and training Many national commonalities National considerations impede european co-operation 2000 : ESD & AESD standards harmonising rules & procedures, though never adopted but included in some national health & safety regulations

10. European Scientific Diving Committee equivalent to AAUS (US) / ANZSDA (AUS-NZ) founded end 2007 BE, FI, F, D, I, PL, S & UK Main Objectives - advance diving supported science annual meeting & synergies with ERVO, OFEG - promote scientific excellence - establish harmonised rules & guidelines promoting ESD/AESD std training facilitate partnership