Hydrographic survey

At Braveheart Marine, we specialize in mapping the sea floor using the latest technology and custom-built vessels that are ideal for survey operations in the marine sector. With our fleet of vessels, we can survey both shallow and deep waters and support various survey software standards.

Our surveyors are well-trained and experienced in hydrographic survey projects, and we offer flexible options to suit your needs. You can choose to charter one or more of our vessels with or without our crew of hydrographic surveyors, depending on your requirements.

Safety during Hydrographic survey

Safety is of utmost importance during hydrographic survey operations, as they are often conducted in challenging marine environments. At Braveheart Marine, we take a proactive approach to safety and conduct thorough risk assessments prior to any survey operations. We also ensure that all our crew members undergo regular safety training, including training on the safe operation of survey equipment and procedures for emergency situations. Our commitment to safety helps us maintain the highest quality standards and ensure the successful completion of our projects.

We pride ourselves on delivering high-quality survey data that meets the industry’s standards, including IHO S-44 and Dutch standards. We also provide custom survey solutions based on your specific project requirements.

Our team works closely with clients to plan and execute the survey project according to your needs. We will discuss the hardware and data required, as well as the schedule, to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and provide a high level of service and expertise in the marine sector.

At Braveheart Marine, we understand the importance of having a comprehensive plan in place before commencing a hydrographic survey.

Based on your requirements, we will create an efficient survey procedure containing:

• Survey methodology,
• Advised equipment to be used, meeting required tolerances,
• Geodetic parameters and tidal information,
• Known hazards in survey area,
• Minimal achievable milestones,
• Scope of client deliverables, with examples.

At Braveheart Marine, we can develop a survey plan that is tailored to your specific needs and specifications. We ensure that every detail is considered, allowing us to execute the hydrographic survey safely and efficiently.

What survey equipment do we use:

Singlebeam echosounder (SBES)

Braveheart Marine uses single or multi beam echo sounders to measure depths. The single beam echo sounder sends an acoustic signal into the water to measure the two-way travel time, which is used to calculate depth. To get a full image of the seafloor, we use a multi beam echo sounder. Our equipment provides data in charts or digital format.

Multibeam Echosounder (MBES)

Multibeam sounders operate similarly to SBES, but instead of using a single vertical acoustic signal, they utilize an array of receivers to capture the signal. This produces a swath of soundings across the longitudinal axis of the survey vessel. To obtain accurate depth measurements, all vessel movements must be detected and measured. The motion sensor (attitude sensor) measures roll, pitch, and heave, which are then corrected in the acquisition software to generate an accurate seafloor image.

Side Scan Sonar

A side scan sonar is a powerful visualization tool that uses acoustic reflections to produce detailed images of the seabed. By detecting and analyzing reflections and shadows created by objects that rise above the seafloor, a side scan sonar can determine the height and shape of underwater features. This versatile technology can be mounted on the hull, on a pole to the side of the vessel, or towed behind the vessel on a towfish, and is commonly used for detecting hard objects such as mines, pipelines, shipwrecks, and other submerged structures.

Magnetometer

A magnetometer is a device used to measure the strength and direction of the magnetic field, which varies based on location and can be influenced by local mass spots. By using a magnetometer, we can identify the presence of metals located on or below the seafloor. This technology is commonly used to detect submerged shipwrecks and other objects that may be of interest.

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP)

The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) is a tool for measuring the speed and direction of water flow. By using the Doppler frequency shift of reflections from moving particles in the water, it can accurately determine the flow. Equipped with four acoustic transducers that send and receive pulses in different directions, the ADCP provides reliable data on the number of sediments in a water column and computes the speed of the current. This information is vital for efficient and safe navigation.

Laser scanning

A state-of-the-art laser scanning system is integrated into our survey vessel, designed specifically for the marine sector, to generate high-quality 3D models also known as a point cloud. Our advanced technology captures accurate measurements of both underwater and above-water features, including buildings, locks, quay walls, and bridges. Our 3D-models are ideal for various marine-related applications, such as planning, construction, and maintenance of port infrastructure and other marine structures.

Silas Measurements

Our cutting-edge Silas system employs two Singlebeam transducers, operating simultaneously at high and low frequencies (33 kHz and 210 kHz, respectively) to capture precise measurements of underwater features. This unique combination of frequencies allows us to penetrate the ocean floor and gather extensive information about water depth, sediment layers, and sub-bottom characteristics. Silas technology is particularly useful in locating and identifying submerged objects such as pipelines, cables, and wrecks. With Silas, our clients in the marine sector can obtain comprehensive and accurate data to make informed decisions regarding infrastructure development, maintenance, and safety.

Echoscope

Our advanced Echoscope system is a powerful combination of Side Scan Sonar and Multibeam Echosounder, which provides a real-time, high-resolution 3D underwater image and point cloud. It is an invaluable tool for supporting marine operations such as dredging, object removal, and pipeline monitoring. With Echoscope, our clients in the marine sector can have a clear visualization of their work environments, minimizing risks of accidents during underwater construction. Our top-of-the-line technology offers precise and reliable data, ensuring efficient and safe project completion.