termdescriptionFloat:ProfilingA free-moving platform that is equipped with sensors and records vertical profiles of water properties at regular time intervals.TripodA three-legged platform that can be equipped with a variety of devices.BoatA watercraft of modest size (smaller than a ship) that operates at the water surface.ShipA large watercraft that operates at the water surface.ElevatorA platform that is used to transport samples or equipment from the seafloor to the surface and vice versa.WeatherStationCollects multiple types of weather-related dataSatelliteSpace-borne instrument platformThermosalinographInstrument that measures sea surface temperature and salinity using a water intake systemSeismic:MCSUsed primarily for entry_event_line_set Multi-Channel SeismicsSeismic:SCSUsed primarily for entry_event_line_set Single-Channel SeismicsAUVAutonomous Underwater Vehicle such as ABEMooringAn instrument platform typically attached to the seafloorSledA frame on which devices are mounted. It is connected to a mother platform by a wire. It is without autonomous propulsion. Examples are WHOI TowCam, and WHOI DSL-120 platforms.FloatA platform that is carried passively by ocean currentsCTDCTD cage to which other instruments can be attachedArrayA complex platform type that is characterized by a suite of instruments/devices that are designed to operate as a unit. Arrays can be towed or deployed on the seafloor. An example is a multi-channel seismic array.ROVRemotely Operated Vehicles are tethered to their mother platform (typically a ship) from which the vehicle is operated. ROVs do not carry personnel. An example is Jason II.HOVHuman-Occupied Vehicles are submersibles that carry personnel. Alvin is an example.AircraftPowered airborne platformCabled ObservatoryInfrastructure that enables live access to instruments on the seafloor via cabled connection.HROVA Hybrid Remote Operated Vehicle (HROV) is a submersible that can be operated in two different modes, either as a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) or an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV)CORKCirculation Obviation Retrofit Kit. A sealed subseafloor Borehole ObservatoryGliderA type of autonomous underwater vehicle that uses small changes in its buoyancy in order to move up and down like a profiling float. ASVAutonomous Surface VehicleUSVUncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)