JASTEC/deep tow system

The development of JAMSTEC/Deep Tow system began in the late of 1970s and presently two systems, which have depth capabilities of 6000 and 3000 meters, are operated. The characteristic features of the JAMESTEC/Deep Tow system are as follows: (1)Real time visual observations are possible by black and white or color TV which is used with 7800 or 4500 meters of tow cable respectively. (2)Selective bottom sampling could be carried out by visually observing the sea flow with the use of grab and dredge equipped on the deep tow. (3)Quantitative monitoring of the tow cable is possible by a special deep tow sheave named "Gimbal Sheave". (4)A delicate ship control in the deep towing and operation in the rough sea conditions are possible by a sem-submerged catamaran (SSC) "Kaiyo". In present, the JAMSTEC/Deep Tow is indispensable for the site survey of manned submersible and the deep sea research in JAMSTEC.