RE18232 UKRI-NERC 3D Profiling Sonar

Real-time 3D sonar system with fixed head to be mounted on the BGS Seabed Rockdrill 2, to provide a means of surveying the seabed in real-time and in 3D, allowing safer, more efficient drill landing, as well as providing an assist for accurate positioning against site survey data. Competition is absent for technical reasons as the 3D imaging sonar must be on a fixed head as there are limited positions on the underside of the RD2 system that offer both a clear downwards view to the seabed, and are sufficiently protected to mount an imaging system.

A swath-style system would require mounting on a 'Pan and Tilt' unit to allow for the scanning movement. This configuration would require the swath head to be mounted right at the base of the RD2 frame in an area with limited to zero protection from impact with the seabed, which is often uneven.

In such a setup, there would be a very high risk of damaging or destroying the swath head on landing the RD2 rig. A moving sensor head is technically impossible to accommodate on the drill, and time would be required to build the 3D image.

Real-time 3D monitoring of the seabed under the drill is a critical requirement of the system. Additionally, a moveable swath head is unable to provide real-time imaging of the seabed, so it does not function as a real-time guide for landing the RD2 system for technical reasons, competition is absent PCR 2015, Regulation 32(2)(b)(ii).