CRITICAL COURSE MONITOR

A complete underwater detection system to help prevent groundings of ocean going vessels has been developed by a US manufacturer of sonar equipment for the fishing industry and offshore research vessels. The new system--the critical course and depth monitor system (CCDM)--incorporates advanced marine electronics as well as a new technology applied specifically to the needs of large ocean going vessels. The CCDM includes two scanning sonars, a digital compass, two depth sounders, a chart recorder, and alarms; it provides advance warning of any hazards ahead of or beneath the vessel and in addition, alarms sound when the vessel veers off a pre-set course, or when it approaches a depth considered critical by the captain. The low frequency, long range scanning sonar with chart recorder can provide detailed resolution of bottom contours and underwater obstructures. It is capable of a complete scan around the vessel, 4,500 ft (1,500m) in any direction, or any specific sector of water. Underwater obstructions and other targets are indicated in relative size, range, and bearing on a crt (cathode ray tube). At the same time, a digital readout shows any one of three ranges--horizontal range to the target, slant range of sonar beam to the target, and vertical depth of the target. The second sonar included in the system, also with a crt presentation, is a high frequency unit to provide close detail of bottom conditions and underwater obstructions. Synchronised with the low frequency sonar, it will simultaneously investigate targets first observed on the low frequency unit. The system can also be used during docking of a vessel when close range, high resolution information would be helpful.

• Corporate Authors:

  IPC Industrial Press Limited

  Dorset House, Stamford Street
  London SE1 9LU,   England 
• Publication Date: 1977-9-30

Media Info

• Pagination: 1 p.
• Serial:
  • Marine Week
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue Number: 37
  • Publisher: IPC Business Press Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic detectors; Alarm systems; Depth; Detectors; Docking; Groundings (Maritime crashes); Marine safety; Measuring instruments; Sonar; Sonic navigation
• Old TRIS Terms: Acoustic detection systems; Depth measuring equipment; Detection systems; Docking sonar
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00167731
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Marine Week
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 13 1978 12:00AM