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Since the analysts performing the instrumentation procedures are often not trained to
rnaintain and calibrate their instrunEnts and have to rely on service technicians for thist
analytical throughput can be everely impaired. This is understandebb if ingtrurnent troubles
were generally of such magnitude as to require the eervice of sr:ch technicians (e for
example when a single element of a multi-elernent chip fails), but very often the problem is
as simple s a blown fuse.
The Regional Seas prograrnme needs therefore to initiate a rational programme of
instrurnentation maintenance, calibration, and, if necesaary, repair to ensure the continuing
flow of data. Such capabilities have already been perceived &r necessary in many countries in
the region. Perhaps tiis could be put into effect immediately by training the analysts to do
routine maintenance and calibration m their own instrunpnts together witH their training in
instrurnental nethods rnentioned in the previous eection.
Conelusion
This sfrort paper has examined some of the problems and bheir possible solutione which
face a Regional Seas programme for Eest Asia given the capabilities and limitations of the
institutions in the region. Tfc Philippines heve been taken as a reference point, hrt the same
general probtems +ply to nnst of the other countries of the rcgion. Hqefully these points
will be considered in the design and implementation of the Esst Asian Seas regional
programme of co-qeration.