applied acoustics has provided AMC Search with acoustic positioning solutions that have enhanced the accuracy and reliability of its subsea operations. Read more >>
AMC Search, the training and consultancy division of the Australian Maritime College, specializes in autonomous surface and subsea vehicle operations and works across the shipping, defense, logistics, port, and environmental sectors.
Transition to a More Versatile System
AMC Search previously operated with positioning beacons that were permanently integrated into equipment, limiting their flexibility across different platforms. After initial use of applied acoustics’ 1119 Mini Beacons, the organization required an OEM positioning solution to interface with its autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Recommendations from other users highlighted applied acoustics as a strong alternative for GAPS-compatible USBL beacons, leading AMC Search to adopt the company’s technology.
Results with the 1100 Series
The 1100 Series Mini Beacons, which incorporate applied acoustics’ Sigma 2 acoustic protocols, were deployed for diver and equipment positioning during shallow water projects. With advanced features such as multi-fire interrogation, fine range resolution, and broad system compatibility, the beacons provided AMC Search with a reliable tool for a range of survey tasks.
Rowan Frost, Project Engineer at AMC Search, commented, “The standard Mini 1119 has been used extensively for diver and equipment positioning during shallow subsea work, and has been extremely reliable and robust. The small and light OEM unit we acquired has allowed us to carry out a much higher order of accuracy surveys with small AUV platforms. This offers a flyaway two-person AUV that can most likely achieve special order survey specifications, which is yet to be confirmed via reference surface survey, but the initial data looks really good.”
Operational Impact
The Mini 1119 has provided AMC Search’s team with greater confidence in asset positioning during complex subsea operations. According to Frost, this increased reliability has reduced stress levels in demanding conditions, improving the team’s ability to deliver results.
Feedback from clients has also been positive. Frost explained, “Clients are interested in USBL positioning accuracy for subsea survey when combined with post-processing software such as Delph INS. We look forward to analysing the data from one of our recently-created reference surfaces.”
