According to IMCA, some 700 multibeam systems have been built to date by at least 10 manufacturers worldwide but there have hitherto been no specifications or guidelines that specifically address their frequent use for offshore surveying. IMCA's remedy is based on a number of existing standards and published specialist papers with additional input provided by the UK Offshore Operators Association's survey and positioning committee.

The aim is to review and update the new guidelines on a regular basis and anyone interested in commenting on the document at www.imca-int.com is invited to contact the organisation's main office (Tel: 020 7931 8171 Email: imca@imca-int.com).