Autosub will dive under sea ice, icebergs and then beneath the Antarctic ice shelf. The vehicle will then be totally dependent on its pre-programmed navigation system to enable it to maintain a safe distance from the seabed (below) and the ice shelf (above) over distances of up to 500km. It will have no communication with the surface and there will be no possibility of changing the vehicle's track until it emerges from under the shelf, finds a safe place to surface and is then able to communicate with its mother ship - the RRS James Clark Ross.

The all-important navigation system for the Autosub Under Ice programme integrates an RD Instruments (RDI) 150kHz WorkHorse Navigator Doppler velocity log (DVL) and the iXSEA PHINS (photonic inertial navigation system) into a single package. The advantage of this integration is that the all-important heading alignment is maintained. The 150kHz RDI ADCP "looks" down at the seafloor while a 300kHz acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) "looks" upwards to the ice shelf above. The system has a 500-metre range for bottom track navigation which will allow, says Steve McPhail of SOC, "a substantial portion of the mission to be done with bottom track."

Overall system accuracy of the integrated RDI/PHINS package is estimated to be 0.2 per cent of distance travelled.

The RDI 150kHz Workhorse Navigator is a breakthrough in ADCP technology in that it not only tracks to an unprecedented 500 metres but is also capable of profiling currents over 200m. The iXSEA PHINS system is the smallest (166x168x163mm) system of its type and has a power consumption of just 12 watts. Based on fibre optic gyros it can provide better than one milli-radian heading accuracy - equivalent to less than 0.1 per cent of distance travelled.

More information from Graham Lester, RD Instruments, 9855 Businesspark Avenue, San Diego, CA 92131-1101, USA. Tel: +1 858- 693 1178 Fax: +1 858-695 1459 Email: news@rdinstruments.com

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HydroStar 4900 is a state-of-the-art tool for precise and reliable survey tasks, in particular designed for deepwater operations up to 10.000 meter water depth. Frequencies range from 10 kHz to 1 MHz. It can interface up to four transducers simultaneously.

The unit is available as stand-alone system or can be integrated in a 19''-rack, also allowing integration into already existing navigation- or survey systems. The system uses standard TFT-display technology; a printer can be connected, if additional paper registration is wanted. The HydroStar 4900 complies with IHO accuracy regulations for survey echosounders. More information from Ralf Timm at Ralf.Timm@ELAC-NAUTIK.COM

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The DMS now incorporates new solid state gyro elements that have made a dramatic reduction in overall size possible along with an increase in dynamic performance. The new DMS family will be available in four variants: 03, 05, 10 and 25 - the designation identifying the dynamic pitch and roll performance. This capability ranges from 0.025° with a ±5° amplitude in the 03 version to 0.2° for a ±30° amplitude from the 25 model. By offering a choice of performance levels the new DMS is able to meet the needs of a wide range of users accurately and economically.

The new DMS also incorporates an enhanced external velocity and heading aiding algorithm for improved accuracy during dynamic manoeuvres. This makes it particularly suitable for use on small or high speed vessels where motion dynamics can be extreme. The new solid state angular rate sensors provide reliability and a revised blending algorithm has established the new DMS as the highest performance vertical reference unit ever produced by TSS.

The unit also features a unique heave algorithm from TSS that has already been acknowledged as the most accurate in the world. By maintaining a more accurate vertical reference across a wider dynamic spectrum the new DMS is able to achieve accuracies of 5 cm or 5 per cent, whichever is greater.

Despite its compact size (172 mm by 99 mm diameter) the new DMS is depth rated to 3,000 metres as standard which makes it suitable for a wide range of subsea applications. The DMS can also be supplied in various configurations for integration with towed vehicles and other bespoke applications.

Simplicity of operation has also been aided by the use of the DMSView software that enables installation, set-up and integrity checking and monitoring of the sensor. This is an intuitive Windows™ based program that makes it possible for the user to choose from a series of frequently used data protocols or configure a bespoke output from a selection of variables.

About TSS
TSS is part of the Vosper Thornycroft Group and is now acknowledged as a world leader in advanced motion sensor technology. It is now the only manufacturer to offer a complete range of sensors for all applications from heave measurement to high accuracy position and orientation systems. It is also the world's leading manufacturer of submarine cable detection systems which contribute to the 70 per cent of TSS products that are exported to customers world-wide. The head office of TSS is located in Witney near Oxford, England and it also has centres in Aberdeen and Houston plus a world-wide network of agents. The company can be visited on the world-wide web at: http://www.tss-realworld.com.

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All in One Control Box Unifies Viewing Screen, Video Recording, and ROV Movement. New Tether Reel Speeds Up Deployment of Up to 1000 Feet of Tether.

At Underwater Intervention, New Orleans, LA, February 27, 2002-- VideoRay LLC introduced two new components for the VideoRay Pro ROV (remotely operated vehicle) that add to the 8-pound underwater robot's portability and ease of use. The new Professional Rapid Deployment System (PRDS) includes two components: the Tether Deployment Reel (TDR); and the Integrated Control Box (ICB), which integrates a viewing screen, 3-axis joystick for ROV movement, and space for a MiniDV digital recording device or camcorder. These accessories and VideoRay ROVs are on display in Booth #526/528 at Underwater Intervention at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Before the introduction of the ICB, the VideoRay pilot had to transport a separate monitor or TV screen to see the video captured through the VideoRay's camera eye. Likewise, the user would have to connect a VCR or other recording device to capture the video. With the introduction of the ICB, a 12inch daylight-viewable, 1300 NIT LCD Display monitor option can be integrated with the controls for remote operation of the VideoRay sub. There is a space within the control box panel to fit a high-quality MiniDV digital recording device or camcorder, which is sold separately. The ICB, without the LCD option, is now the standard control box for the VideoRay Pro II and is available in April, 2002. The 12 inch monitor option is priced at $2,995 USD.

The Tether Deployment Reel (TDR) quickly pays out and pulls tether, eliminating tangles and the need for the ROV pilot to coil the tether. The reel is incorporated in a 1620 Pelican® Case and features a detachable crank handle with a smooth feed for up to 1000 feet of tether. The TDR saves time through easy, neat, and rapid deployment / retrieval. The TDR has a list price of $1,900 USD and is available in April, 2002.

VideoRay LLC · 400 Eagleview Blvd. · Exton, PA 19341 USA · Tel· +1 610-458-3010 web site at: · http://www.videoray.com . To download images from their web site visit: http://www.videoray.com/Press_Center/photo_gallery.htm

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MacArtney UK Ltd are delighted to announce that they have completed a deal to acquire the share capital of Main Term Ltd. with effect from March 1st, 2002.

Main Term Ltd is a leading supplier to the UK market for moulding and termination of underwater connectors and service of sliprings. Main Term currently employs 13 people and the entire staff will be integrated into the MacArtney UK Ltd operation. Colin Main and Keith Moir will both take up management positions in the new organisation.

David Buchan, General Manager of MacArtney UK says: "The Main Term business is a natural move for MacArtney UK and will allow us to further improve the service we provide to our customers in the UK. We are now in a position to offer a true "one stop shop" for connector and moulding requirements. "MacArtney could not be a better choice to make a deal with" says Colin Main the founder of Main Term. "Main Term and MacArtney makes the perfect marriage."

Plans are well advanced to transfer fibre optic service and repair technology from MacArtney's head office in Denmark to the new UK operation. A new electronics servicing facility will also form part of the expansion.

MacArtney UK Ltd is part of the MacArtney Underwater Technology Group, further details are available on their website http://www.macartney.com. or from David Buchan, MacArtney UK. Units 12 & 13, The Technology Centre. Claymore Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen AB23 8GD UK Tel: +44 1224 701800 Fax: +44 1224 701809 or E-mail: mac-uk@macartney.com

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The Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Atlantic Region has awarded CARIS a contract to deliver the CARIS Hydrographic Production Source (HPS) database and integrate it with the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) Bathymetric Source Data Base (BSDB).

CARIS has been providing solutions to the CHS for more than two decades. This contract will introduce the CHS to some of CARIS' latest technology for database solutions.

This project will extend the capabilities of the CHS' existing Bathymetric Source Data Base of sounding and related meta data to include the management of source data points, lines and areas. The integration of HPS and the BSBD will provide the CHS with a more effective 'tool' to manage source data and make it readily available for production requirements and dissemination of data to CHS clients.

Integration of the CARIS HPS database and the existing CHS source database will be facilitated by the extension of the Session Layer already in place at CHS. Developed and implemented by Holonics Data Management Group Ltd., Hull, Quebec the Session Layer functions as an interface to manage and coordinate the operation of the system and provides a process and workflow audit trail.

The HPS database embodies a unique design that leverages Oracle Spatial technology. Its strength is based on an open, flexible data model. As the heart of the database, this data model supports the production operations of Hydrographic Offices and includes generalization, history of hydrographic objects and multi-user access.

Providing software solutions to hydrographic and marine organizations since 1979, CARIS understands the daily operations, technological needs and challenges faced by their extensive maritime clientele. Today more than 40 national hydrographic offices and charting authorities use CARIS software in their chart production systems. More from Sheri Flanagan - Communication Specialist, Corporate Marketing. CARIS http://www.caris.com Tel: +1-506-458-8533 Fax: +1-506-459-3849

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Trans Hex Group is a world leader in the exploration, mining, and marketing of diamonds extracted from both land and marine operations. Land-based activities have historically accounted for the majority of diamond production but recent developments, including the use of SeaBat Multibeam Echosounders, will cause a dramatic rise in marine diamond mining output. Mining operations in water depths greater than 30m are preceded by extensive geological investigations using sidescan sonar and seismic methods. After detailed interpretation and mapping of the seafloor, bulk samples are taken on a grid pattern from the potentially diamondiferous sediment and then analyzed for their diamond content. Sampling and mining of the diamonds is done with dredging ships; Trans Hex currently operates two deep-water mining vessels, the 966 ton MV Ivan Prinsep and the recently completed MV Namakwa.

A problem is encountered with marine mining: because the dredge operator is unable to see the seafloor, potential diamondiferous areas are left undisturbed. Trans Hex has tried other sonar systems in the past to correct this problem, but they were plagued with reliability and mechanical problems. RESON demonstrated the SeaBat Sonar System one year ago and Trans Hex placed an order for their first system soon afterwards.

The MV Namakwa is moored off the coast of Namibia with a four-point mooring system. The vessel is in continuous operation, utilizing an airlift system to mine the seabed in water depths of up to 70m. It is outfitted with the following equipment purchased from RESON:

• SeaBat 8125,
• Navitronic SVP 15, and
• Data collection and visualization software.

This application was custom-developed by RESON engineers. This included the development of dedicated software, a rotating mounting assembly and a variety of other smaller components.

Trans Hex ordered their first system in May 2001 and it was installed in June 2001. Based on preliminary results obtained from this system, they placed an order for a second system in July 2001. The second system was installed in September 2001. Trans Hex has indicated that if a third mining vessel were to be equipped, the RESON SeaBat 8125 system will be seriously considered based on the superb performance of the other two systems.

About RESON
RESON is a leading provider of sonar equipment and software that meet the most stringent requirements of today's advanced hydrographic, offshore exploration, marine surveillance, and military applications. RESON provides compelling value to its global customer base by offering complete sonar solutions that span the entire spectrum of data collection, compilation, and presentation. With corporate offices in Denmark and a presence in 25 countries worldwide, RESON has been advancing state-of-the-art underwater acoustic technology for more than 25 years. For further information, please visit http://www.reson.com.

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The winches have standard level winds and will be delivered including spooling of 1500 m cable with a tension of 5 ton and terminated in rotating junction boxes with pigtails from the slip rings.

In addition to this contract, MacArtney has received an order for Focal slip rings and Focal multiplexers. The slip rings are electrical and are known for their superior performance and reliability as well as being highly configurable and customized to meet our specific power and signal requirements. The multiplexers are the high density model 903-HD remote module, which provides the features of a full-sized subsea video/data multiplexer and includes powerful diagnostics software with real-time display and logging of critical remote/console parameters.

The two Launch and Recovery Systems are the newest generation of MacArtney's successful line of winches and A-frames for the ROV industry. The order will be delivered during Spring of 2002. For more information from Søren Hartvigsen, E-mail: sbh@macartney.com Tel: +45 7613 2000 or visit http://www.macartney.com

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Fugro will deploy the new pipe trackers from their work class remotely operated vehicles for applications world-wide. Two systems will be mobilised immediately on Fugro's multi-role ROVSV "Skanda Inspector" with others to follow on sister vessel "Skanda Carla". Commenting on the purchase, Fugro-UDI's ROV Manager Mr. Robert Gillespie, said "We have a long term record of providing our clients with high quality survey data on major pipeline projects, and the TSS equipment has enabled us to satisfy our contractual commitments. With over 10 years experience of operating TSS pipe trackers in tough operating conditions, our decision to acquire several new systems is a sign of our continued faith in TSS' ability to provide quality equipment".

TSS products are supported through 3 regional offices providing full maintenance and support for a global client base. TSS is committed to the long-term support of our capital systems and a strategy of constant development ensures that our technologies are leading edge and constantly evolving to meet our customers changing needs.

For further information on this and other exciting new developments at TSS check in at http://www.tss-realworld.com or contact Robert Balloch, Sales and Marketing Director TSS (UK) LTD Email: rballoch@tssuk.co.uk

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This application is a product of 10 years of research and development. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has conducted the majority of this research in their pursuit to provide centimeter accuracy in space. This technology is now being used to provide sub-meter positioning around the world.

C-Nav™ uses a global network of reference sites strategically located around the world to simultaneously track and monitor the entire GPS constellation. Two independent and redundant, Network Processing Hubs (NPH) are utilized to receive raw, dual frequency GPS, code and phase GPS observable data from the reference sites to calculate orbit and clock corrections for each satellite in the GPS constellation. These corrections are packaged and up-linked to the INMARSAT communication satellites for global broadcast to all C-Nav™ users in real-time.

The C-Nav™ GPS receiver applies the received orbit and clock corrections plus the internally computed, dual frequency, refraction corrected pseudoranges to compute a 3D surface position.

For more information concerning C-Nav™ and C&C Technologies' services please contact Dan Galligan at dan@cctechnol.com or Silvio Cuccurullo at silvio@cctechnol.com .

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The new DISTO™ products from Leica provide point-and-click measurement of distance, area and volume, indoors or outdoors, with an accuracy of ±3 mm (? in) or better, at ranges up to 100 meters (330 ft). DISTO is ideal for naval architects, marine engineers, marine surveyors, shipyards, boatbuilders, repair yards, marinas and other marine professionals who need fast, accurate measurements, according to Jack Wolf, vice president, consumer products.

"DISTO is designed for professionals who measure more than a few hours a week, need to measure places that cannot be reached with a steel tape or want to export measurements directly into a PC," said Wolf.

The DISTO products are available in four basic models: DISTO lite4, DISTO classic4, DISTO pro4 and DISTO pro4a. Prices start as low as $445.

The DISTO lite4 is small, handy and easy to use, making it simple to measure distances, areas and volumes comfortably and quickly, even in hard-to-access places. The DISTO lite4 includes a timer, stand, positioning bracket and alignment aid to mark off measured points as standard equipment.

The DISTO classic4 is designed for more challenging applications. It can store up to 10 constants and the last 15 measured values. It offers Pythagoras calculations for remote measuring. With DISTO classic4, the user can measure minimum and maximum distance from any point, calculate indirect heights, and save and edit values. The unit's multifunctional end cover permits measuring from open areas, floors and edges, as well as hard-to-reach corners.

The DISTO pro4 system has an alphanumeric keyboard, menu-driven multi-line LCD display, calculator functions, RS232 interface to a remote PC or laptop, memory for up to 800 values and multifunction end cover with adapter plate and alignment aid. The "smart" DISTO pro4 software automatically recognizes which end cover has been fitted and adjusts accordingly. The basic DISTO pro4 provides ±3 mm accuracy, while the DISTO pro4a provides increased accuracy of ±1.5 mm (1/16 in).

"Leica's new DISTO products represent fourth-generation laser rangefinding technology," said Wolf. "They are built to the same standards of precision and robustness as their predecessors, and incorporate numerous new features, such as alphanumeric keyboard, ergonomic design, tracking and pocket calculator functions, memory for constants and measured values, and multifunctional end covers with positioning bracket and alignment aid."

For more information on the Leica DISTO products, visit http://www.disto.com or email: jack.wolf@leica-lsg.com

Designed, manufactured and marketed by S G Brown, a division of TSS (UK) Ltd, the small and lightweight Meridian exceeds the performance of any other gyro (mechanical or otherwise) within its price bracket. Providing up to 0.2 deg sec/lat performance in all vessel dynamics, the Meridian's robust DTG gyro element requires no annual maintenance. Coupled with an MTBF in excess of 30,000 hours, the 'one-box' solution Meridian has become the choice for vessels where reliable accurate heading is critical. To date over 500 Meridians have been delivered world-wide and production at TSS' Watford facility is to be increased by 50% this year to keep up with demand.

Established in 1994 by CEO John Hestnes, ProNav became the agent fo S G Brown in April 1997. Growth has been rapid and in January 1998 the company relocated to a brand new sales and service centre in Egersund, Norway. ProNav represent nine other key suppliers including JRC, Leica, AST, KVH, Com Nav and Alfatronix, and manage a network of over 70 dealers and service centres throughout Scandinavia.

S G Brown gyrocompasses are supported through TSS' service and calibration centres in the UK and USA. Additional support is provided through a global network of approved SGB and TSS service agents. A complete range of Meridian ancillaries complements the Meridian gyrocompass range. For further information please contact: Robert Balloch, Sales & Marketing Director, e-mail rballoch@tssuk.co.uk

Courses by the Petroleum Institute for Continuing Education (PEICE):
Houston, Texas Calendar ==> http://www.peice.com/infevehou.html
Calgary, Alberta Calendar ==> http://www.peice.com/infevecal.html

Course outlines available at http://www.peice.com/infcou.htmlFees for in-house sessions available at http://www.peice.com/infinh.html

To register, call PEICE or register on-line at http://www.peice.com/regeve.html or call +1-403-284-1250 Toll Free (USA) 1-877-284-1261.

CBT (Computer-Based-Training) demo:, http://www.peice.com/demodownload.html For a complete schedule of events visit the web site http://www.peice.com

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