Advanced Underwater Awareness Through Acoustic Technology

Underwater environments present challenges for conventional optical and radio-based sensing. SONAR uses acoustic signals and their reflections to help operators understand what lies beneath the water's surface.

Depending on the selected equipment, sonar systems can support vessel navigation, bathymetric surveys, underwater object detection, harbour monitoring, and inspection of submerged structures.

TOTALOFFTEC supports the sourcing and integration of marine technology solutions according to project requirements. The appropriate sonar system depends on the operating platform, water depth, required detection or mapping performance, environmental conditions, and data integration needs.

SONAR Technologies

Forward-Looking SONAR

Provides acoustic information about underwater terrain and potential obstacles ahead of a vessel. Suitable systems can support navigation awareness in challenging or poorly charted waters.

Multibeam SONAR and Echosounders

Collect depth measurements across a wider area to support bathymetric surveys, seabed mapping, and hydrographic data collection.

Teledyne Marine

Side-Scan SONAR

Produces acoustic imagery of the seabed to help survey teams identify and assess submerged objects and underwater features.

Passive SONAR and Acoustic Monitoring

Receives underwater sound using hydrophones without transmitting its own acoustic pulse. Applications depend on the sensor configuration and signal-processing capabilities.

Navy Environmental Protection Agency

Imaging and Inspection SONAR

Supports underwater surveys and inspection of structures, pipelines, harbour facilities, and other submerged assets using compatible imaging equipment.

Applications

Navigation and Obstacle Awareness

Help crews assess submerged terrain and potential underwater hazards in conjunction with charts and other navigation systems.

Hydrographic Surveying

Support depth measurement, bathymetric mapping, and the collection of underwater terrain data.

Harbour and Port Infrastructure

Assist underwater inspection and survey activities around piers, docks, quay walls, and submerged structures.

USV, ROV and AUV Integration

Integrate compatible sonar payloads with unmanned surface, remotely operated, or autonomous underwater platforms for remote data collection.

Underwater Survey and Object Detection

Support the search, identification, and assessment of submerged objects, subject to system capability and operating conditions.

Key System Considerations

When selecting a sonar solution, consider:

Operating frequency and range: Appropriate frequency depends on the application, water conditions, and required resolution.
Detection and imaging performance: Review manufacturer specifications, target conditions, and demonstrated test performance.
Platform compatibility: Confirm transducer mounting, vessel speed, power, and integration requirements.
Data and display: Assess chart overlays, acoustic imagery, data logging, export formats, and compatible software.
Environmental conditions: Consider water depth, salinity, temperature, noise, and seabed characteristics.
Installation and support: Confirm commissioning, operator training, maintenance, and availability of replacement components.