to coordinate ships' schedules and to focus on the replacement of federally funded vessels. Early on, the Research Vessels Operators Council (RVOC), which had existed for some time, was incorporated into UNOLS to serve as an expert advisory group directly involved with the operation of vessels. During the first year, UNOLS' efforts began to focus on the development of coastal ships, uniform standards of operation, foreign clearances, uniformity of technical services, national facilities, and of course, the fleet replacement. Attention was also directed to specialized facilities. These included the expeditionary vessel Alpha Helix, the deep submersible, Alvin, Scripps aircraft, and other unique facilities that would be available to the entire oceanographic community.

During the first years of its operation, UNOLS membership changed. Stanford, Florida State, and Nova dropped out, while Texas, Delaware, and Moss Landing became members. Associate memberships (non-ship operators) were created in order to involve more of the research community.