OCEANS 2017 Anchorage Adds Navigation Sonar Session

Papers are being requested for an added session during Oceans 2017 Anchorage, taking place from 18-21 September 2017. The session will address and discuss the technical, scientific, environmental and functional aspects of 3-dimensional forward-looking navigation sonar as a tool for scientific research and as a means to enhance the safety of ship navigation. An overview of products that are presently available in the commercial marketplace, their purpose and the organisations and people who use them will be presented.

Technical aspects of navigation sonar will be offered including capabilities, resolution, and accuracy as a precise instrument to display, document and record a realistic portrayal of the underwater environment. These attributes are essential when considering the potential of navigation sonar to contribute to ocean observations in near-real time and to the scientific study of the seabed in the littoral zone. Abstracts are due 6 March 2017.

Situational Awareness

Navigation sonar can also play a vital role in increasing the safety of ship navigation by enhancing the situational awareness of mariners in detecting hazards that may exist ahead in their path. This is especially relevant across most of the Arctic and many other remote areas of the globe that are poorly surveyed or not surveyed at all and as new areas of the Arctic open to navigation where ships have rarely or never before ventured. Other potential uses include providing independently crowd-sourced swath data for bathymetry and hydrographic survey, exploring new routes of transit, avoidance of marine mammals, and the placement of aids to navigation and verifying they are watching properly.

Case studies of major shipping accidents will also be discussed along with the manner in which navigation sonar, had it been available and in use, may possibly have aided in their prevention. Participants will gain insight into the technologies behind the sensor, explore its versatility in performing scientific and navigation tasks; and have the opportunity to raise questions, express thoughts and voice concerns regarding its use.

Expected attendees include representatives of industry, academia and government. A panel made up of presenters in this session will participate in a Townhall Session, which will be convened following these presentations. The organisers emphasise that this session is focused solely on navigation sonar technologies and implementation, and will not conflict with the scheduled Marine Safety and Security with Diminishing Ice session on the technical programme.