The Side Scan Sonar (SSS) is a high-resolution acoustic imaging system designed to produce detailed images of the seabed for offshore hydrographic, geophysical and geotechnical survey operations. The system provides continuous wide-area seabed coverage, enabling the identification of seabed features, obstructions and man-made objects with exceptional clarity, making it an essential tool for marine site investigations and offshore engineering projects.
The Side Scan Sonar is deployed behind the survey vessel as a towfish and transmits high-frequency acoustic pulses to both sides of the survey line. The intensity of the reflected acoustic signals is continuously recorded to generate high-resolution plan-view images of the seabed. Variations in seabed texture, morphology and objects are displayed as acoustic shadows and reflectivity patterns, allowing survey personnel to accurately identify natural seabed features, debris, pipelines, cables, boulders, wrecks and other seabed hazards.
Designed for continuous offshore operation, the Side Scan Sonar interfaces seamlessly with GNSS positioning systems, Motion Reference Units (MRU), gyrocompasses, USBL acoustic positioning systems and integrated navigation software to provide accurately geo-referenced seabed imagery. Real-time data acquisition and quality control enable survey personnel to monitor seabed coverage, optimise survey line spacing and verify data quality throughout the survey operation.
The Side Scan Sonar is widely used for hydrographic surveys, offshore geophysical investigations, marine geotechnical site investigations, pipeline and cable route surveys, pre-lay and post-lay inspections, offshore construction support, unexploded ordnance (UXO) surveys, seabed clearance surveys, dredging projects and subsea asset inspections. The system delivers detailed seabed imagery for hazard identification, route optimisation and engineering assessment, providing the high-quality survey data required to support the planning, design and execution of offshore infrastructure projects.