SRD managing director Brian Bullock explained the how it works, saying, 'A typical system would be configured with one SRD SVS3 240 Mini array mounted on the excavation/dredging tool or ROV and a pair of SVS3 240 H (high resolution) arrays mounted to the vessel itself. The ROV mounted sonar provides the operator with real time acoustic visualisation of the work area, whilst the vessel mounted arrays are used to produce 3D bathymetric and volumetric data. This is interleaved with a tracking function to monitor the ROV or excavation tool on the seabed in real time, using SRD’s innovative FastTrack positioning system. The surface mounted tracking and bathymetry survey system can be used in water depths up to 150m, but the sub-surface visualisation arrays are limited only by the depth rating of the unit, currently 3000m.

'The information gathered by the sonar arrays is processed by our powerful and flexible on board systems. The information can be viewed in real time on networked PCs throughout the vessel with this facility. It is even possible to select the information to be displayed independently on each monitor. Onshore teams can also view the live data to enable them to monitor work in progress. The system has been successfully employed in many, demanding projects throughout the world.'