Instructions To Authors

Authors for The Journal of Ocean Technology fall into one of two categories: Peer-Review (PR) or Non-Peer Review (NPR). Each is detailed below.

Table of Contents

1.0 PEER-REVIEW PAPERS (PR)

Each issue of the JOT features approximately 3 peer-review papers. The lead-time from initial expression of interest through to publication can be as short as three months (see Process below), but longer lead times should be expected. While the JOT tries to select papers based on the theme for a particular issue (The JOT publishes four themed issues a year), unsolicited themes and papers are also welcome. The Technical Editors manage the review process.

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1.1 Process

The process for the submission of Peer Review Papers is as follows:

  1. Authors are encouraged to submit papers that align with (or are related to) the themes identified in the JOT Publishing Schedule at a Glance.
  2. Author submits a request to publish, including an abstract of 500 words or less (see Format for Abstracts below). Requests may be sent to the JOT in one of several ways (See How to Submit below).
  3. Authors are required to provide their Complete Mailing Address, Email Address and their Direct Telephone Number in their initial communication.
  4. Abstracts are reviewed by the Managing Editor and Technical Editors
  5. The JOT selects abstracts of interest and contacts the Author to request the full paper.
  6. Author supplies JOT with full paper in acceptable format (see Format for PR Papers below)
  7. Technical Editors review the paper, which is generally sent to at least 3 reviewers, some of which may fall outside the published list of associate editors.
  8. Reviewer feedback, including suggestions and/or requirements for changes, is sent to the Author for consideration.
  9. Final draft of paper is returned to JOT with corrections to satisfaction of Technical Editors.
  10. JOT prepares galley proof (final format as published in journal) and sends to Author for final approval.
  11. Author signs "Authorization to Publish" form
  12. Author is forwarded a short questionnaire and a request for a high-resolution photo of self (see Photo Format below). This information is used to prepare an introductory summary page for the paper, highlighting points of interest for the reader (a high-visibility executive summary prepared by JOT).
  13. JOT prepares the draft introductory summary page and forwards to the Author for approval.
  14. Author approves introductory summary page.
  15. Author is advised of final publication date and is sent a confirmation that all materials have been received.
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1.2 Format for Abstracts

Abstracts should be 500 words or less in length. Only abstracts submitted in English will be considered. Abstracts can be submitted in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) or Microsoft Word format.

1.3 Format for PR Papers

PR Papers should be in the range of 3,500 - 7,500 words plus figures and photos. Depending on length, the JOT will publish approximately 3 peer-review papers per issue, for a combined length of approximately 40 pages. While some exceptions may apply, we would ask authors to stay within these guidelines.

1.4 An Important Note on Exclusivity

Authors submitting PR papers in The Journal of Ocean Technology are not permitted to have the submitted paper published in any other periodical, before or after the date of publication in the JOT.

The Author of a PR paper featured in the JOT is permitted to deliver a presentation version of that paper at a conference, only following the end of the Quarter in which the JOT issue is published. Any inclusion of the said paper in related conference proceedings should reference The Journal of Ocean Technology as the source of the paper, citing the appropriate issue and page number.

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1.5 What Are We Looking For?

The JOT is interested in publishing cutting edge developments in ocean technology and related disciplines. It is our objective to publish world-leading papers and articles that will set the standard for the ocean technology community.

PR Papers, by their very nature, should contain sufficient information about how conclusions were reached so that the methodology and / or experiment could theoretically be reproduced and validated by peers. By adhering to this simple rule-of-thumb, Authors will be helping to remove any uncertainty on part of our international editorial board and, in doing so, increase their chances of being published. In short, papers should be cutting-edge and reflect a clear progression from hypothesis through to conclusions.

1.6 Re-Packaging the Scientific Paper – A JOT Exclusive

As part of our strategy to popularize ocean technology, we have adopted a new approach to packaging the peer-review paper for more general consumption. Prefacing every PRP, the JOT editorial staff prepares a one-page, introductory summary page that summarizes why the paper is important and identifies key practical applications of the results. Each author is required to answer six questions and to supply the JOT with a high-quality photo of themselves. In this way, we hope to attract interest from solutions-starved industry, commercialization groups, funding agencies and others.

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1.7 What are the Questions?

While our editorial staff will write this piece, selected authors are asked to answer the following questions as the basis for the article. Final copies of the draft introductory summary piece will be sent to the author for his/her comments and final approval.

  1. Who is the author and what is their special area of expertise? (3 sentences)
  2. What is the nature of the work and how is it innovative? (4 sentences)
  3. How can the results benefit the ocean community? (3 sentences)
  4. When will the technology be available for commercial application? (2 sentences)
  5. Why should the oceans community read this paper? (3 sentences)
  6. Who should read the paper? (1-2 sentences)

1.8 How to Submit

You have three ways in which to submit your abstract, paper and other related materials.

  1. Send an email to: papers@journalofoceantechnology.com
  2. Send us your materials by regular post at: Managing Editor, The Journal of Ocean Technology, c/o CCMC, P.O. Box 8454, St. John’s, NL, Canada, A1B 3N9
  3. Send us your abstract and paper by fax at +001-709-579-0495 to the attention of the Managing Editor (full script will eventually be required electronically)
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1.9 Deadlines

The following deadlines should be followed when submitting PR manuscripts for publication in The Journal of Ocean Technology.

Volume 3 (2008)
Issue:No. 1Ocean Sovereignty - Fencing the Continental Shelf.
Submission:February 22
Issue:No. 2All the Fishes that Swim - Counting, Catching and Sustaining Stocks.
Submission:April 25
Issue:No. 3An Eye on Poseidon - Ocean Observing Systems.
Submission:May 9
Issue:No. 4Wrecks, Treasure, Antiquity - A Special of Marine Archaeology.
Submission:June 27

2.0 NON PEER-REVIEW ESSAYS AND ARTICLES (NPR)

The JOT is interested in publishing essays that present well-informed observations, conclusions and identify key issues for the oceans community in a concise manner, using easily understandable language. Essays should be both educational and thought provoking. The JOT will make a practice of proactively approaching authors for essays that specifically address the identified themes. Comparisons with the peer review papers/process are not necessary. Editorial decisions for all NPR submissions are the responsibility of the Managing Editor. Depending on the essay or article, however, the Managing Editor may request a review by one or more of the JOT’s international editorial board.

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2.1 Manuscript Length

Essays and articles occupy the front one-third of the JOT. Typical essay lengths range from 350 to 3,000 words, with target lengths in the 750-word range. The JOT has flexibility in accommodating essays of varying lengths.

2.2 Author Biographical Information

As part of a submission, the JOT requests a short (50 words or less) biography on the author, including the full name and title, organization, and a sentence or two on current activities, responsibilities and key areas of expertise and/or interest.

The JOT is an equal opportunity periodical offering publishing opportunities to authors worldwide.

3.0 PHOTOS AND FIGURES

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3.1 Photo Format

The JOT places a great deal of importance on providing high quality and innovative photographs. Digital photographs are preferred and, generally speaking, the higher the resolution, the better. At a minimum, a photo should be a minimum of 300 dpi and are preferred in JPEG, TIFF or EPS format (approximately 5-6 megapixels each). Photos should be reproducible in a minimum 3” x 5” format (76.2mm x 127mm).

Photographs for the cover photo competition must be at least 7.375” x 10.375” (187.3mm x 263.5mm).

The number of photographs that can be used in any manuscript is subject to space availability and layout requirements for each issue. Except in cases where photos or figures are an integral part of a paper, authors submitting photographs or other graphical material for inclusion in the JOT are requested to rank photographs in order of preference.

3.2 Photo Credits

Each photograph or graphical image for publication in the JOT MUST be accompanied by (1) the name of the source of the photograph or image (photo credit), and (2) the caption describing the image.

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3.3 Figures

Any figures, drawings, maps and other images should be submitted in camera-ready quality. Vector-based images or images with plain backgrounds are preferred. Graphics should be sent separately from manuscript text. Recommended placement of images should be appropriately referenced in the article or paper (i.e. insert photo 1 here. Caption: The Cruise Ship, Ocean Princess passes under the Bridge of the Americas on its way to the Atlantic. Photo Credit: John Joe Photography, 2006).

4.0 THE COST TO PUBLISH

There is no cost to Authors wishing to publish either PR papers or NPR essays or articles in The Journal of Ocean Technology. An equal opportunity is therefore provided for every potential author to participate.

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5.0 A GENERAL NOTE ON COPYRIGHT AND REPRODUCTION

The Journal of Ocean Technology, ISSN 1718-3200, is protected under Canadian Copyright Laws. Reproduction of any essay, article, paper or part thereof by any mechanical or electronic means without the express written permission of the JOT, is strictly prohibited. Expressions of interest to reproduce any part of the JOT should be addressed in writing. Peer reviewed papers appearing in the JOT and being referenced in another periodical or conference proceedings must be properly cited, including JOT volume, number and page(s).

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