RN MBES Training Rick Read Flagship Training Ltd

In the Beginning  Theoretical topic - Senior Instructor attended UNB Course No. 2 in Denmark.  1996 – RN purchased Fansweep 20  Fitted to SMB Nesbitt at RN Hydrographic School

 Early trials initiated to establish capability and limitations and subsequent fit to HMS Gleaner.  Calibration and subsequent training hampered by secrecy of manufacturer.  Much time lost by motion sensor engineer and MBES engineer not being onboard at the same time.

Training  Classroom theory then supported by use of operational system.  Fansweep was used to ‘demonstrate’ a multibeam system to all courses.  Long course students used system for practical surveys from 1999, but in conjunction with other ‘conventional’ methods.

 Hydromap software purchased with Fansweep used line by line cleaning with some Caris software included.  Processing software was slow and algorithms behind cleaning methods not always clearly understood.

Operational Aspects  Slow ping rate (2pps) meant operational sonar coverage still achieved by towed side scan sonar.  Recognition of importance of 100% overlap to allow ‘check’ view of targets.  Development of software and online ‘fixes’ in only two vessels caused early difficulties with commonality.

2000  RN decision to fit EM 1002 and EM3000 to new ships and boats accelerated all aspects of MBES training.  EM3000 fitted in SMB at Hydro School  Post processing software (Neptune + Caris GIS) and computers were fitted in chartroom as copy of onboard layout.

 Local trials established SOPs for RN use and training continues on this basis.  Use of common on line software (Merlin) allowed ship EM 1002 training from SMB.  POS(MV) training included in both theory and practical.

Survey Planning  Training shifted away from conventional single beam / side scan ‘scale controlled’ surveys to take account of MBES.  Line spacing, speed of advance and overlap policy were contained within concept of ‘data density’.

2005  Fitting of multibeam to all RN Survey vessels is being implemented this year.  Further SMB for training now fitted with EM3002.  All trainees receive multibeam theory and practical experience.

Comments / Discussion Starters  Recent fitting of ships with updated hardware and software has led to commonality difficulties.  EM3000 v EM3002. Merlin v SIS.

Comments  Recent introduction of Caris HIPS and Fledermaus into RN post processing tool box has increased the training load.  Ideally students need to focus attention on one package ie: Neptune + Fledermaus  However students adapt more readily if fully confident in one software regime.

Comments  Proliferation of Hotfixes and new versions, many of which are customer driven, requires training and SOP changes.  How to get this to deployed ships?  Post processing features appear before ‘The Organisation’ is ready or able to accept results ie: CUBE

Comments  Training in operation requires finger familiarity, and adherence to a set of procedures.  Broader is required in understanding errors, new sonar acoustical concepts the integration of computers, motion sensors, as well as statistical cleaning algorithms.  Broader education is required in understanding errors, new sonar acoustical concepts the integration of computers, motion sensors, as well as statistical cleaning algorithms.

Comments  Multibeam emphasis has led to the timid use of boats.  Surveyor now has many tools in the box and requires clear information on the rationale for the survey.  These operational choices often need re- education of hierarchy in standards and reasons for surveys.