The MTS Xplorer is a 12m survey catamaran, it is coded by the MCA as a category 2 vessel for 10 passengers and 2 crew able to operate 60nm from a safe haven. She has twin 500hp diesel engines with a top speed of 25 knots. She is equipped with a crane and winch and can carry a range of survey equipment.
In the case of this investigation she deployed a towfish carrying a side scan sonar, along with an analog camera attached to a small flat rig.
Tow Fish and Side Scan Sonar
The towfish system deployed was towed behind the Xplorer and was fitted with a side scan sonar. This piece of equipment emits a sonar that reflects off the substrate beneath it and returns a ‘map’ of the ocean floor. Soft sediment such as sand or mud returns a light colour on the ‘map’ due to a lower value of returning signal, than reflected from a harder substrate such as rock which is shown by a darker colour.
Camera and Recording System
The rig shown was deployed from the port side of the ship, with an attached analog camera that streamed live footage to a recording system in the wheelhouse. This footage was then recorded onto a DVD.
