Thursday, May 13, 2010

Multibeam Sonar

Multibean sonar for ABP Southampton - by David Goodfellow


Associated British Ports Southampton has commissioned a Reson SeaBat 7101 multibeam sonar for shallow water hydrographic and engineering surveys of port confines.

Reson is to install it on the port’s survey launch, Protector, together with an Applanix POS MV WaveMaster turnkey system providing accurate attitude, heading, heave, position and velocity data. The company will also undertake training of port survey personnel in use of the assembly and associated sensors.

Reson says that the 7101 system provides a number of new and novel features. They include a top side transceiver providing an integrated multi-port serial card which is available with data acquisition coupled with display and data processing on the same hardware platform. Four video outputs allow multiple survey and helm displays to be run. Other new features include quality filtering and advanced diagnostics for increased overall survey efficiencies.

The ABP Southampton contract follows recent commissionings of other SeaBat systems in the US, with Reson due to supply 7125-SV units to Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s National Deep Submergence Facility in Massachusetts and the government operated National Ocean Survey. A similar unit has also just been delivered to Derinsu in Ankara for pipeline and geophysical surveys in and around Turkey.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY DETAIL-SANDAKAN

16.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter briefly describes the hydrographic details of the Sandakan Coast both the present status as well as data available and some of the major issues of concern if any. The hydrographic details of each of the following are briefly discussed:

1. Islands.
2. Rocks and Sand Bars.
3. Reefs.
4. Sea Bottom.
5. Depths.
6. Tides and Current.
7. Siltation.
8. Hydrographic survey

16.2 PRESENT STATUS

16.2.1 ISLANDS

Presently, there are 8 major islands in the area of Sandakan as listed below. There is not much development on the coast of these islands at the moment except for residential and tourist purposes. Updating the coastline is in progress using aerial video mapping technique by the Department of Hydrography, RMN.

Major islands in the Sandakan area are:

Pulau Silingan.
Pulau Libaran.
Pulau Nunuyon Laut.
Pulau Nunuyon Darat.
Pulau Berhala.
Pulau Duyong.
Pulau Bai.
Pulau Timbang.

16.2.2 ROCKS AND SAND BARS

It has been known that submerged rocks are present in the south and southwest of Pulau Bai, north of Tanjung Siagil, south of Pulau Timbang and the coast between Pulau Tikus and Sungai Gum-Gum. These submerged rocks, because of their submerged nature poses dangers to vessels that navigate in the area.

Apart from submerged rocks, there are also two prominent sand bars in the area (1958 survey) which lies on the northern side of Sungai Kinabatangan and Trusan Duyong. The shape and orientation of these sand bars (and/or others) are subject to change (over time) due to changes of underwater currents as well as effect from the nearby river. Hydrographic survey is being carried out to update the data.

16.2.3 REEFS

In Sandakan area, coral reefs extend from the coast of Tanjung Gisow in easterly direction up to Pulau Nunuyon Darat, and the vicinity of Pulau Silungan, Pulau Gulisan, Pulau Libaran, Pulau Bangkawan, Pulau Tikus, Pulau Nunuyon Laut, Pulau Berhala and Pulau Bai.

Presently, it is very hard to predict the present status of the coral reefs in this area as no available data on the growth rates, conditions and the abundance of the coral reefs. No marine habitat survey has been done specific to this area by the Navy. Nevertheless, hydrographic survey is being carried out at present for the purpose of comparison and updating the data from the 1958 survey that was conducted for charting purposes.


16.2.4 SEA BOTTOM


The main components of sea bottom texture in the area are mud, sand, coral, rock and their mixture. Sea bottom also consists of other marine habitats such as seaweeds, seagrasses and other benthic organisms. No study or survey has been carried out to determine the condition and status of the sea bottom habitats.

16.2.5 DEPTHS

The depth pattern of the marine waters in the area varies considerably. At the western side, shallow patches cover a wide area of the waters with depth below 18 feet. At the northern side however, although the depth of the water measures a maximum depth of more than 84 feet, the navigable waters is constrained by islands and coral reefs with maximum depth of only 24 feet. At the eastern side, deeper water is found that are navigable by bigger vessel. At the Sandakan Harbour approach, the channel narrows down and is also restricted by Pulau Berhala and Pulau Duyong (1 mile wide) with a minimum depth 60 feet. The depth also decreases at the approaches of Pulau Bai and furtheocks are found.

Bathymetric survey is in progress to update the present nautical chart.

16.2.6 TIDES AND CURRENT

The tidal streams are generally influenced by stream from Balabac Strait (flood direction to south-easterly with rate of 1 knot) and stream from Sibutu Passage (flood directing to north-westerly with rate of 1 knot).

The tidal at Sandakan is mainly diurnal with a range of 2.8 metres (during astronomical tides) and at the rate of 1.25 knots during spring flood and 2 knots during spring ebb.

Current observation continuously for 32 days is in progress near Pulau Berhala overseen by RMN and is expected to complete by end of this month.

16.2.7 SILTATION

A survey was jointly conducted by the Sandakan Ports Authority, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Marine Police on 12th May 98 to find out if siltation is a problem in this area. The results of the survey showed that silting in the port area is negligible. A survey was also conducted by RMN ship on 7th May 98 to check if there is silting outside Sandakan port. The result of the survey showed that siltation is not a problem and the depth remains the same as per the chart. Charts of the survey result are appended for reference.

It is suggested here that periodical survey every six months at specific sites should be conducted to observe the changes of the depth for future expansion of marine activities as well as to keep the siltation problem in check.

16.2.8 HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY

Hydrographic survey by the Department of Hydrography in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Navy is currently in progress for the Sandakan waters. Data collection is expected to be completed by end of this month, while thorough analysis and compilation of results is expected to be completed by end of the year. The hydrographic details will be updated accordingly when the survey result is finalised.

16.3 AVAILABLE DATA

Apart from the siltation survey conducted in May 1998, most of the data used in this report are based on data from very old survey. These data are:

Hydrographic Details - British survey 1958 (Admiralty Chart 1649).
Meteorological Data - British Observation 1943 - 1970 (Pilots Book).
Tidal Information - RMN and National Mapping Department (1994 - 1996).

Other data for this section are shown in Figures 16.1-16.6

16.4 MAJOR ISSUES

The major issues of concern in the Sandakan waters that need to be addressed is the destruction of marine habitats particularly the coral reefs, seagrasses, seaweeds and to a large extend the fish population due to illegal activities such as fish bombing and other illegal fishing methods. Pollution by indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes from the ever increasing squatter population along the Sandakan coastal areas is also one of the major issues in the Sandakan waters. Measures on land reclamation along the coastal areas should also be taken to avoid siltation. Such measures will require concern, and the developers of coastal areas must comply with procedures of all relevant departments.

Figure 16.1: Average Observation of Meteorological Data 1942-1970

Figure 16.2: Tidal Range from 1994 – 1996

Figure 16.3: Islands within Sandakan District

Figure 16.4: Bathymetric Chart of Sandakan Waters

Figure 16.5: Sea Bottom Texture of Sandakan Waters

Figure 16.6: Tidal Stream Diagram for Sandakan Waters

Monday, May 10, 2010

CHS survey launch




NEW SEASON OF HYDROGRAPHIC SUREYS SURVEY LAUNCH

The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) began its hydrographic survey season on Quebec’s navigable water bodies on April 19, 2010. The surveys focus particularly on the maintained channel in the St. Lawrence, the ports of Montreal, Trois-Rivières, Sorel, Sept-Îles and some harbours on the Gaspé Peninsula. Other surveys will also be conducted in the Lower North Shore, Gaspé Peninsula and Magdalen Islands areas as well as on the stretch of the St. Lawrence between Québec and Montréal.

The surveys are conducted using hydrographic launches equipped with highly precise echo sounders and electronic positioning systems; the information gathered – on the location of shoals, for instance – is used to update the official nautical publications and charts produced by CHS, the ultimate goal being to ensure the safe navigation of waterways. By the end of the season in December, the hydrographic teams will have covered over 10,000 km to monitor the condition of the St. Lawrence channel.

Report hazards

Mariners are invited to notify CHS when they discover a hazard (or an apparent hazard) to shipping or if they observe changes in the data recorded on nautical charts. To make it easier for CHS teams to spot reported hazards, it is important for the people making the reports to indicate the nature of the hazard, its position, the date and time it was observed, etc. Information can be reported by phone (418-775-0502) or by e-mail (chsinfo@dfo-mpo.gc.ca). Current nautical charts are essential to safe navigation.

The Canadian Hydrographic Service is responsible for mapping Canada’s navigable waters. It prepares, publishes and updates the nautical charts and official nautical publications that are essential to all mariners. Its Quebec catalogue features 60 nautical charts.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Earth Quake hit southern Peru-Magnitude 6.4

(AP) – 1 hour ago

LIMA, Peru — A magnitude-6.4 earthquake shook southern Peru near the Chilean border late Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. There were reports of toppled electricity poles in the Peruvian city of Tacna.

The USGS said the quake's epicenter was 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Tacna at a depth of 11 kilometers (6.8 miles). It struck at 9:42 p.m. local time.

Local radio station RPP said the quake toppled telephone poles in Tacna, but there were no immediate reports of casualties. The station said Peru's Geophysical Institute put the quake's magnitude at 6.5.

On Aug. 15, 2007, a powerful earthquake killed 596 people and reduced the Peruvian town of Pisco to rubble.

Tacna is near Peru's border with Chile, where a huge magnitude-8.8 quake hit Feb. 27, triggering a tsunami and killing 486 people. Since then the region has been shaken by dozens of smaller quakes.

The latest quake was felt in northern Chile, but there were no reports of serious damage. Chile's National Early Warning Center said some telephone and electricity outages were reported in the port of Arica.

Dozens of people reportedly fled coastal homes in fear of a tsunami, but the navy's Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service said none was expected.

That part of Chile is hundreds of miles north of the area hit by the February quake.

Associated Press Writer Eva Vergara in Santiago, Chile, contributed to this report.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Underwater Positioning Systems and Transponders

Underwater Positioning Systems and Transponders

Kongsberg Maritime has launched during OTC a new range of acoustic underwater positioning systems and transponders, designed to harness the power of 'Cymbal' signal processing protocol whilst also being backwards compatible with the HPR 400 protocol and analog transponders. Other systems on display at OTC include HiPAP 501/451/351/351P, which are the second generation acoustic underwater positioning system offering improved position accuracy, longer range capability and faster data telemetry.

Kongsberg maritime CNode transponderThe new cNODE series of transponders consists of three models: Maxi - a full size transponder with large battery capacity, floating collar and release mechanism, and long life operation, designed primarily for seabed deployment. Midi - a short transponder with good battery capacity perfectly suited for subsea construction work and Mini - a small transponder for ROV/AUV mounting and subsea construction work. cPAP, a new compact subsea transceiver, designed for ROV positioning is also part of the new transponder family.

cNODE transponders feature full acoustic telemetry links and can operate with both Cymbal and HPR400 acoustics so vessels not using the new Cymbal protocol can still benefit from the performance of the new transponders. Because cNODE transponders are modeless, they can operate on both SSBL and LBL positioning without changing the mode of the transponder.

All cNODE transponders have aluminium housing and 4000m depth rating as standard. They feature a modular design based on standard housings (a steel transponder housing for special operation is available) that may have various add-on modules attached, including different transducers (from omni to very narrow beam width), remote transducer, different internal sensors (inclinometer, depth, sound velocity), interface for external sensors and release mechanisms. A Transponder Test and Configuration unit (TTC cNODE), for acoustic test on deck, configuration and software download is also available.
The new, Kongsberg Maritime developed Cymbal acoustic protocol used by cNODE and the second generation HiPAP family is designed for accurate positioning of subsea transponders in SSBL/LBL mode and data communication with subsea transponders, and BOP control systems. It utilises Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) signals for positioning and variable speed data communication, and can be adapted to the acoustic communication conditions; noise and multi-path.

The Cymbal protocol provides new characteristics for both positioning and data communication, including: Improved range capability and accuracy to 0.01m, reduced impact from noise, directional measurements for more robust positioning, expanded power management for greater battery lifetime, variable data rate to secure longer range and highly reliable communication, and integrated navigation and data link that sends critical data between the positioning signals.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Marine Surveying

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) as the professional body for marine surveying, recognises the need to promote the profession and the professionals within it to the highest level.

In collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, we have developed a range of Diplomas that will provide students with the underpinning knowledge and skills that can provide a lead into a BSc (Hons) Degree and MSc Course in Maritime Studies.

The Diploma programme allows you to decide when and how long you want to study. If you travel, you can take the modules with you.

The benefit of studying with the Institute is that you become a Student Member of the Institute whilst training and you can therefore participate in all institute activities, including one day courses, seminars and conferences.

One of the most beneficial factors of distance learning study is that you apply your learning immediately. As the course progresses you can apply the knowledge, skills and expertise gained to your work.

The institute is also grateful to our industry partners and thank them for the great support and encouragement that they have given us throughout the production of the Diplomas. The quality and diversity of our partners reflects the wide appealing nature of the syllabus and how pertinent it is to this growing and exciting industry.

The IIMS is an independent, non-political organisation that aims to advance the reputation of international marine surveying by:

* Promoting professionalism and the advancement of knowledge in the profession of marine surveying
* Maintaining high professional standards decreed in a Code of Conduct
* Recognition from Government Organisations
* Putting into practice the high standards of the institute
* Conferring professional status on those who contribute to and encourage safety
* Bringing together experts
* Organising and evaluating the training of future marine surveyors.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Hydrographic Survey Category "B" Course

9th Hydrographic Survey Category "B"Cuorse - 22-08-2011 / 11-11-2010

Skilltrade can provide courses and training in five areas by combining theoretical with field experience material:

1. Hydrography Course – recognized by the International Advisory Board (formed by representatives of parent organizations: FIG, IHO and ICA) for the Category-B- Hydrography course.
2. Introductory and generals courses in hydrography, land survey, positioning and mathematics, depth sensors, motion sensors, survey sensors, underwater acoustics, offshore construction. Advanced courses in geophysical sensors, ROV sensors and electronic troubleshooting.
3. General courses in project management and change management.
4. ROV pilot technician training.
5. Survey Engineer training.

General

Full Hydrographic Survey curriculum encompassing all basic and essential competencies of the Hydrographic Surveyor as defined by the FIG/IMO/ICA International Advisory Board on Standards of Competence for Hydrographic Surveyors for a Category B Course.

Entry level

Entry level competency is determined by an evaluation committee consisting of members from STC and those qualified to assess hydrographic competency based on their experience in the survey industry. Students may apply for exemptions of a particular subject or may be required to complete additional courses in order to qualify for a diploma. The course will be taught in English and therefore all candidates should have a good command of the English language.


Hydrographic Survey Category ”B” Course - Module (ST-HBI3) Short Description All professional competencies of the hydrographic surveyor as defined by the standards for a "Class B" hydrographic surveyor Essential subjects: Bathymetry, Water levels and Flow, Positioning, Hydrographic Practice, Hydrographic Data Management, Environmental Science & Legal Aspects Possible Optional subjects & Practical exercises.
Participants
Duration Mimimum 13
8.5 weeks
Price € 9.300,00 per person