The Government of Argentina has forwarded a request to the IOC Secretariat dated 9 August 2006 within the framework of the IOC Criteria and Guidelines of Transfer of Marine Technology approved by the 22^nd session of the IOC Assembly. IOC´s mission is to act as a clearing house mechanism to assist developing countries in the search for marine technologies which may improve the wise management and sustainable development of the coasts and ocean.

Part XIV of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), (Development of Marine Technology) calls for all States “to cooperate in accordance with their capabilities to promote actively the development and transfer of marine science and marine technology on fair and reasonable terms and conditions” (free of charge or at a reduced rate)

Therefore, you are kindly invited to explore with the relevant institutions or companies in your country the possibility to help the Argentine Government in its purpose of acquiring an oceanographic tow winch, to be installed on board the Icebreaker A.R.A. “ALMIRANTE IRIZAR” in order to sum up the project Drake Bioseas ID-192.

The required installation is necessary for the project “Drake Bioseas”, presented to the international community in the International Polar year (IPY) for the development of scientific investigations for the years 2007-2008.