Survey Support

Over the last few years, Derek has been working with a survey company called XOCEAN. XOCEAN has developed a fleet of Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) that can remain offshore for extended periods, harvesting large volumes of ocean data. Operators and data analysts remain safely located onshore, connected to the vessels over a satellite link. Derek’s job is to be the chief shepherd, taking the “kittens” out to the required location, then keeping an eye on them while they work. 

The USVs can be fitted with a range of different sensors, including a side scan sonar which can produce some really detailed images of the sea floor; a sub bottom profiler, which just sounds like it might tickle; and a multibeam echosounder, again which can build up a picture of the profile of the seabed. Other sensors are also used, some which can even penetrate the seabed and determine what the substrate layers are down to a depth of about 10 metres. If you want to find out more, check our the XOCEAN website. It also has some very informative videos on it.