In 1960, off the coast of La Jolla, California, researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Office of Naval Research were struggling to find an adequate way to gather forms of data from oceanic sub-surface data. Buoys could not support a crew or adequate instrumentation, but larger vessels like submarines had trouble remaining stable for the long periods of time necessary for a satisfactory sample set. An idea emerged that a weighted vertical vessel might be able to meet the necessary requirements. The notion stuck and the Floating Instrument Platform was launched on 22 June 1962. The vessel can support eleven scientists on month-long excursions with a crew of five. While other naval research vessels designed to stay afloat, this one is unique in that it was designed to sink.