Multibeam trials on the Northern Lighthouse Board vessel, Polestar, 2011/2.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) are part of a joint venture to collect multibeam bathymetric data. Two BGS Hydrographic Surveyors, Nick Smart and Rhys Cooper, were assigned to the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) in Oban, to assess the Kongsberg EM3002D multibeam system installed on board the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) vessel Polestar. An initial three day period between the 15th February and 18th February 2011was used to review the system and identify any faults. The system has previously had very little use or expert maintenance.
A test bathymetric survey was undertaken between the 24th February and the 5th March 2011 at the north end of the Firth of Lorne, Oban Bay. This area was selected due to relevance for the NLB and potential use in future INNIS Hydro and Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) surveys. It was also ideally situated close to the installed tide gauge.
A number of issues were identified and solved during the initial three day set-up and subsequent survey. This report describes the survey procedures undertaken and details the issues encountered, equipment used and final results.