Between the years 1959 and 1965, forty research ships of 23 countries assayed the Indian Ocean together. This ocean, having an exceptional position because of the monsoons and being surrounded by developing countries, was the least known sea area. The abutters should have gotten an opportunity to start their own sea and fishing research programs. In 1958 the prelude was formed by the American ship "Vema", other ships joined in between 1959 and 1960: "Diamantina" (Australia), "Commandant Robert Giraud" (France), "Vitjaz" (USSR), "Argo", "Requisite" (USA) and the "Umitaka Maru". West Germany followed with its "Meteor" in 1964/64.