July/August Cover Story

By Marine Sonic Technology Limited

The intricate details of what lies beneath the water’s surface are now easier to discover, thanks to the newest sonar system from Marine Sonic Technology, Inc. The High Definition Sonar (HDS) system is the latest technology developed by Marine Sonic. Best known for its Centurion sonar system, the Virginia-based company added the new program to its inventory several months ago.

While the HDS has more bells and whistles than the Centurion, both products are

available to meet customers’ needs and preferences. A comparison of the HDS and the Centurion finds the two systems are similar, but the HDS is even more intuitive, user-friendly and affordable than its predecessor.

Both systems work with a tow fish set-up that “swims” through the water as it is towed behind a vessel and establishes bottom features for a standard underwater survey. The HDS system integrates a navigation plotter with National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) electronic navigational charts (ENCs), essentially turning a laptop into a chart plotter. Real-time navigation information (depth, aids to navigation, charted wrecks, etc) is available at the click of a mouse. The Centurion runs on an analog system, so it requires a special type of computer to operate. The newer HDS is all digital and was designed with the Panasonic Toughbook in mind, but it can be used with any computer running a Windows operating system (XP through 7). It also comes with 100 meter and 30 meter cables.

Deployment with the HDS has been simplified through the latest technology. The user needs to be present with a laptop and a Simple Topside Unit (STU). This separate component establishes communication with the tow fish. The new STU is compact and durable. About the size of a VHS cassette, it can be toted nearly anywhere and used on nearly any type of watercraft. It runs off a 12 Volt power source and does not require an adapter.



Sturgeon in the James River

One unique feature of the new HDS software is the Marker Management Tool. When the user drops a marker during a survey, this tool can create a screen grab of the area and can capture latitude and longitude with just one click of the mouse. It can be done quickly and in rapid succession with multiple objects so that nothing is missed during travel. The information can be retrieved later as needed. At any point in the survey, latitude and longitude of present location is easily accessible.

The data can then be imported into a professional quality report function with customizable features. It relays information for every data marker, including latitude and longitude location with a time stamp.

For those who like to make changes and adjustments to data, a new feature has been added that eliminates the danger of losing any original information. It is similar to the “undo” feature on typical computer software. No matter what is changed, the original data is still available. For example, if the gain level is adjusted, it can be changed back if necessary by restoring the original information. The new changes to the data can be saved as well.

This sonar technology is not disruptive to marine mammals because the equipment transmits at such a high frequency. It is certified to meet medical acoustic safety standards set forth by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), making it safe for people and mammals. This is the same set of standards the ultrasound scanners meet for humans in obstetric medicine.

There are a variety of uses for the HDS system. While the stereotypical idea is that this technology is for search and recovery operations by law enforcement agencies, its uses are far more reaching.

Towfish, laptop and STU.

Hydrographic Survey
The detailed imagery produced by the HDS is ideal for hydrographic surveys when creating navigational charts. The high resolution imagery simplifies underwater feature classification.

Maritime Archaeology
Effective for finding shipwrecks, the HDS gives a very detailed view of sunken vessels. It not only tells you that there is an underwater structure, it gives enough detail that users can clearly see the identifying features.

Biological Survey
An important part of marine research is the use of biological surveys. The HDS is helpful for observing fish and shellfish. Bottom structures and biologics in the water can be monitored accurately and easily.

Oil Rig Inspection
Structural integrity is a key component of oil rig safety. The system is used for inspection of rigs and the oil lines connecting them to the shore. Engineers can see structural anomalies or deficiencies in detail, then use the information to prevent leaks and spills.

Search & Recovery
Marine Sonic sonar systems are used by all levels of law enforcement, fire and EMS for discovery of crime scene evidence and victim recovery. The program has helped find underwater objects from guns to vehicles to sunken watercraft.

Homeland Security
One of the more unique features of the HDS is utilized by Homeland Security forces. A variable angle bracket allows the user to change the angle of the tow fish. Rather than viewing the ocean floor, equipment can be adjusted to focus on the bottom of a ship, side of a tunnel or on a seawall. This is an efficient way to find potential explosive devices.

New Innovations
The Virginia-based company is celebrating 20 years of serving the industry. Still a pioneer in sonar technology, Marine Sonic is heading in a new direction, focusing more on the practical application of the latest digital sonar technology and components, while still supporting its existing analogue equipment used by law enforcement and government agencies.

Screen grab of the HDS software. The chart plotter is to the left and bottom imagery to the right.

Sea Scan HDS is also available for use onboard Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Rather than being towed, this system is embedded in the vessel. Very small in size, it has a low power consumption of seven watts. This is practical for AUV missions as space and power are very limited.

Marine Sonic Technology, Ltd. makes quality high resolution sonar equipment and custom components at affordable prices. Headquartered in Gloucester, Virginia, all of its products are manufactured in the United States and are available worldwide. For more information about the HDS and Centurion systems or components for the AUV, call Marine Sonic Technology at (804) 693-9602 or visit their website at www.marinesonic.us/ocean