A novel platform for data gathering

A UK consortium has developed semi-submersible technology capable of deploying sensors in vehicles with detachable dedicated instrumentation compartments from a ship, or from shore, as part of the NERC/DTI "Seasense" programme. The purposes were: /spl middot/To replicate the data gathering capability of the ship to reduce ship's time required for a specified task /spl middot/To remove sensors from noise, bubbles and pollution round the ship's hull /spl middot/To remove personnel from areas of potential danger /spl middot/To provide a link between surface control and submerged AUVs. This paper describes the proposed solution, the use of semi-submersible technology, and the progress made in implementing it.