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News
Releases
Sea-Image
| Sea-Image to Partner with Valley
Associates Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario.
Sea-Image is proud to announce that they have established a
partnership with Valley Associates Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario to
distribute selected Valley products. President Mike Martin of Valley
Associates stated, "We are very pleased to have Sea-Image working with
our staff to distribute our extensive product range in BC and beyond."
Valley Associates Inc., the leader in first response
products and services represents the highest standard of excellence. Our family of innovative products
effectively equip field personnel to meet, manage and control security
threats quickly, safely, and securely. Valley Associates Inc., has
been providing products and services to the Military, Law Enforcement,
and First Responders since 1993. Valley Associates Inc., head office
is in Orleans, Ontario and the company is 100 per cent Canadian-owned.
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FarSounder
| FarSounder Article published
in the March 2006 edition of Pacific Yachting Magazine
Pacific
Yachting Magazine a leading publication of news, reviews and
scuttlebutt for West Coast boaters published an article in their March
issue about Forward-looking sonars coming of age. Following is
an excerpt:
The next logical step beyond the 2-D
images produced by most existing FLS and side scan sonars is 3-D
imaging. Leading the pack in this area is FarSounder, a small Rhode
Island-based company. The 3-D FLS developed by FarSounder can display
an amazingly detailed rendition of sub-surface contours and targets
within a horizontal field of view spanning up to 45° per side, and
from directly horizontal to straight down. An entire "sound picture"
is produced using returns from a single ping, refreshed every two
seconds. The lightning pace of FarSounder’s processing and updating,
coupled with the system’s long effective range, makes this a viable
"real time" watch-keeping tool. It’s currently capable of maintaining
a dependable and undistorted underwater view at speeds up to 10 knots,
and since performance is limited only by processing speed (as long as
the water passing over the transducer is not aerated), future
generations should be able to accommodate even higher vessel speeds.
FarSounder was recently awarded first
prize at the International Superyacht Technology and Innovation Awards
in Nice, France and currently has an inside track on major contracts
with the U.S. government for producing sonar equipment to protect
ships against terrorist attacks. The key to the company’s impressive
results is some extremely complex data management software that
refines the underwater imaging through a sophisticated target
recognition process. Signal processing begins with relatively
conventional beam-forming techniques based on data from a 96-channel
transducer array. The system incorporates motion sensors, allowing the
image to be stabilized to counteract the effects of pitch, roll and
yaw up to 20°. In-water targets nearly always fall within specific
categories that can be recognized by that can be recognized by the
echo signatures they produce. FarSounder’s SonoSoft software begins by
categorizing targets as "surface" (buoys, sleeping whales, floating
logs and semi-submerged shipping containers) or "bottom-related"
(nearly everything else). It then determines whether the return
characteristics of each particular target characterize a piling,
isolated rock, reef, sloping soft bottom or whatever—all at lightning
speed.
A serious shortcoming of many FLS units
has been their very limited range in shallow waters—typically the
circumstances when forward imaging is of greatest potential value.
Effective ranges of four to five times the water depth are typical
because the convergence of surface and bottom triggers spurious echo
returns. Thanks again to state-of-the-art processing, FarSounder
claims to have pushed out the effective range of its FLS to 11 times
the water depth.
FarSounder originated as a research
project headed by James Miller, a professor of ocean engineering at
the University of Rhode Island. Matthew Zimmerman, a former student
who developed software for the program, now serves as the company’s
technical VP. Cheryl Zimmerman, Matthew’s mother, has a strong
business background, and came aboard to bring the new FLS technology
to market, serving as the company’s president and CEO. A local dealer,
John Edwards of Sea-Image in Victoria, handles applications throughout
the Northwest.
The cost of a FarSounder application is
currently in the neighborhood of $70,000 US—still a bit steep for the
average recreational boater but low enough to be considered a
worthwhile safety and insurance investment for megayacht owners. But,
if the history of GPS is anything to go by, advanced FLS prices are
likely to drop considerably within a decade.
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FarSounder is pleased to announce that they have won first place for
technology in the International Superyacht Technology and Innovation
Awards (ISTIA) competition. The award was presented last week at
SEAS2005 in Nice, France. The competition was created by The Yacht
Report in order to recognize excellence in technological advancement
in the yachting industry. The goal of the ISTIA program is to focus on
aspects of products and solutions that have a high impact on the
superyacht industry.
FarSounder earned this prestigious award for its FS-3DT sonar which is
capable of generating a complete 3-dimensional image of the sea floor
and in-water objects at navigationally significant ranges (¼ mile or
440 meters) with a single ping.
The selection process was very competitive with dozens of unique and
highly qualified entries. The new FarSounder system, which
incorporates advanced technologies, revolutionizes marine navigation,
especially in shallow areas.
FarSounder's CEO, Cheryl M. Zimmerman, accepted the award for the
company. Ms. Zimmerman expressed thanks to her hard working FarSounder
team for their dedication and perseverance as well as to the
competition organizers and the superyacht industry for their
recognition of this enabling technology.
For more information about FarSounder go
to:
http://www.sea-image.com/farsounder1.htm
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Captain's
Table: Forward looking sonar in 3-D
February 2, 2005
By
Bernie Jacobson
 At
December’s International WorkBoat Show, I had the opportunity to check
out new sonar technology that provides navigation assistance for
commercial vessels. It has the potential to provide the captains of
high-speed passenger vessels advance warning to prevent contact with
an unknown bottom obstruction.
FarSounder Inc. is marketing commercial 3-D, forward looking sonar
that shows all three dimensions of a 90° field of view with each ping.
This provides effective detection needed for avoiding obstacles by
showing continuously updated range, bearing, and depth information on
underwater objects forward of the vessel.
There are currently two models available that provide information up
to maximum ranges of 1,000' or 1,400'.
The sonar transmitter and listening devices are encased in a
bow-mounted transducer that is connected by cable to a power module
about the size of a briefcase. The user interface runs SonaSoft™, a
Windows XP-based graphical program that can run on a laptop or marine
computer.
The 3-D volumetric navigational display provides vessel location on
electronic charts with a depth profile and a color-mapped scale. It
can also display GPS, vessel speed, and heading data. The system can
set up with alarms for obstacles or particular depths.
More descriptive and technical information is available at
www.farsounder.com.
A third model now in the planning stages will have a range of 12,000'.
Since I am currently helping in the development of a new fast-ferry
service that will occasionally come in contact with nearby marine
mammals, I am particularly interested in detecting them at the longest
range possible. A 40-knot ferry would have three minutes to avoid a
recognized obstacle that lies two miles ahead.
Slower-speed vessels will also find this aid useful, particularly when
operating in shallow water, to locate uncharted hazards as well as
objects marked on charts as present but not precisely located, such as
wrecks and shoals.
Recently, New World Ship Management Co. announced that FarSounder
sonar systems would be installed onboard its Clipper Cruise Line
vessels Clipper Adventurer and Clipper Odyssey.
For more information about FarSounder go
to:
http://www.sea-image.com/farsounder1.htm
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Back to
Headlines
M/Y Falcon
Selects FarSounder Sonar for Ship Navigation System
January 11, 2005 FarSounder, Inc., a provider
of innovative 3D Forward Looking Marine Sonar Systems, is
pleased to announce the signing of a contract with the ownership of
Project Falcon to supply it's FS-3DT navigation and obstacle avoidance
sonar system for this exceptional 220 foot (67.1 meter) yacht.
The yacht is currently
under construction at Lürssen Shipyard in Bremen-Vegesack, Germany. Moran
Yacht and Ship of Ft. Lauderdale, FL is spearheading construction services
as the owner's representative.
“Both the owner of the yacht and the Project Manager, Captain Kyle Fultz,
recognize the advantage that this advanced technology will bring to the
operation and navigation capability of the yacht,” said FarSounder Chief
Executive Officer, Cheryl M. Zimmerman. “We are pleased to have the
opportunity to include our unique sonar system into the advanced
integrated bridge system planned for Project Falcon”.
“We strive to incorporate the most advanced equipment for both
manoeuvrability and safety.” said Captain Kyle Fultz. “Finally, there is a
forward looking obstacle avoidance system available that offers the
information that is truly needed for safe navigation.”
Used for obstacle avoidance and shallow water navigation, FarSounder FS-3
sonars are capable of generating a complete 3-dimensional image of the sea
floor and in-water objects at navigationally significant ranges with a
single ping. The small, lightweight sonar can be installed on new-builds
or retrofitted into existing vessels. This new sonar technology
revolutionizes marine navigation, especially in shallow areas. These
systems overcome the traditional shallow water sonar limitations including
multi-path and visualization of a clear, easy to understand 3D sonar
image. The standard user interface software includes automated alarms, BSB
chart plotting capabilities, and GPS, compass, and depth sounder display
capabilities.
For more information about FarSounder
go to:
http://www.sea-image.com/farsounder1.htm
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Back to
Headlines
FarSounder Chosen
for Project Lana Superyacht Under Construction at the Devonport Royal
Shipyard
November 23, 2004
 |
 |
FarSounder, Inc., a provider of
innovative 3D Forward Looking Marine Sonar Systems, is pleased to
announce the signing of a contract with Royal Dockyard Limited (DML)
Company Group to supply it's FS-3DT navigation and obstacle avoidance
sonar system on the 77 meter (253 foot), five-decked superyacht code
named Project Lana during its final stage of construction.
“We are working closely with both the Project Lana staff and Devonport
Royal Shipyards to integrate our advanced FS-3DT sonar system into
this magnificent yacht”, Chief Executive Officer Cheryl M. Zimmerman
said. “This is a great foray into the superyacht market and we are
pleased to have both the project owners and design team recognize the
revolution that this sonar makes to the entire world of navigation”.
“Project Lana is a superb example of a world class vessel that is
being outfitted with the finest equipment.” said Captain Ian
Robertson. “The FarSounder sonar will offer Lana's owners and their
guests an added measure of safety and will be a welcome navigation
tool for the crew”.
Used for obstacle avoidance and shallow water navigation, FarSounder
FS-3 sonars are capable of generating a complete 3-dimensional image
of the sea floor and in-water objects at navigationally significant
ranges with a single ping. The small, lightweight sonar can be
installed on new-builds or retrofitted into existing vessels. This new
sonar technology revolutionizes marine navigation, especially in
shallow areas. These systems overcome the traditional shallow water
sonar limitations including multi-path and visualization of a clear,
easy to understand 3D sonar image. The standard user interface
software includes automated alarms, BSB chart plotting capabilities,
and GPS, compass, and depth sounder display capabilities. Versions of
the sonars can also be used on submarines, remotely operated vehicles
(ROV) or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). The technology is also
appropriate for security and defense applications.
For more information about FarSounder go
to:
http://www.sea-image.com/farsounder1.htm
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Back to
Headlines
|
Sea-Image Corporation sells FarSounder®
sonar systems to Clipper Cruise Line for installation on two of their
ships
Victoria, BC, Canada – November
10, 2004
FarSounder, Inc. , a provider of
innovative 3D Forward Looking Marine Sonar Systems, and Sea-Image
Corporation, acting as the agent, have signed a contract with New
World Ship Management to supply navigation and obstacle avoidance
sonar systems on the 340 foot long, 128-passenger Clipper Odyssey, and
the 330 foot long, 122-passenger Clipper Adventurer.
Clipper Cruise Line continues its tradition of offering comfortable,
small-ship voyages to unique destinations throughout the world,
exploring extraordinary locales from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle,
from the South Pacific to the Mediterranean, and domestic itineraries
along both coasts of North America. The Clipper Odyssey was named
"World's Leading Small Ship" in both 2001 and 2003.
Used for obstacle avoidance and shallow water navigation, FarSounder
FS-3 sonars generate a complete 3-dimensional image of the sea floor
and in-water objects at navigationally significant ranges with a
single ping. This new sonar technology revolutionizes marine
navigation, especially in shallow areas.
“We are excited about the opportunity
that this project brings to FarSounder”, Chief Executive Officer
Cheryl M. Zimmerman said. “With Clipper Cruise Line’s voyages to
remote parts of the world, this gives us the opportunity to operate
our systems in all sorts of marine conditions and environments while
helping the vessels navigate through these harsh environments. It also
gives our company broad exposure in numerous locales. We congratulate
our Dealer, Sea-Image Corporation, for their efforts to introduce the
FarSounder system to ship and yacht owners, builders, shipyards, and
naval architects.”
“The Clipper Adventurer is an ocean-going vessel equipped with an
ice-strengthened hull for cruising in remote environments such as
Antarctica.” said Captain Gary E Welsh, VP Marine Operations of New
World. “The FarSounder sonar will enable the crew to offer our
passengers a closer approach, especially in poorly charted areas.”
FarSounder, Inc. will be exhibiting at the International Workboat Show
in New Orleans, LA from December 1st to 3rd.
About Sea-Image Corporation:
www.sea-image.com
About New World Ship Management
www.clippercruise.com
About FarSounder, Inc.:
www.farsounder.com
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Back to
Headlines
WaMoS II wave radar system
| Sea-Image sells WaMoS ll system to
Oceaneering International Sea-Image
Corporation is pleased to announce that
Oceaneering International Inc.
headquartered in Houston, TX., has purchased a WaMoS ll wave radar
system. The system was purchased for research purposes.
Oceaneering is an advanced applied technology
company that provides engineered services and hardware to Customers
who operate in marine, space, and other harsh environments. |
| WaMoS
Article published in the March/April 2006 edition of
International Ocean Systems Magazine An
article entitled "Monitoring waves in dangerous seas", authored by
Konstanze Reichert and Ina Trankmann of OceanWaveS GmbH was published
in the March/April edition of
International Ocean Systems Magazine. To download a copy, please
click here.
|
| Simon Skey of Sea-Image presented a paper on the use of wave radar for wave measurement at
the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society annual
conference which was being held in Vancouver May 31 to June 3, 2005. |
Defence Research and Development-
Canada (DRDC) purchases a WaMoS II wave radar system for
the CFAV Quest
Defence Research and Development Canada- Atlantic (DRDC-
Atlantic) has purchased a WaMoS II wave radar system on their
2200 ton research vessel, the CFAV Quest. Sea-Image personnel
installed the system at the end of March. The Quest's is
designed for a wide range of R&D activity, from research on the
acoustic properties of the ocean to experiments on ship signatures and
safety.
These activities require a capable and versatile
vessel, thus QUEST was designed with spacious laboratories, large
working deck areas, and very capable marine cranes and specialized
equipment handling systems. The vessel was designed with a large
margin of stability and this, combined with its roll-stabilization
system and constant displacement systems, makes QUEST a safe and
stable platform from which to carry out experiments, even in heavy
seas.
For more information contact Simon
Skey at (250) 412-2382. |
| WaMoS II Wave Radar System
Demonstration for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
A WaMoS II wave radar system will be installed at the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility at Duck, N.C.
for a demonstration scheduled to last until October 2005. The Principal Investigator will be
Dr. Donald Resio from the Coastal Hydraulics Laboratory in Vicksburg,
MS, with onsite assistance from Dr. Bill Birkemeier and Dr. Kent
Hathaway. Other researchers from NOAA, Oregon State University, and
other universities are expected to visit FRF during the demonstration
to view the system in operation. For more information contact Simon
Skey at (250) 412-2382. |
|
Ms. Konstanze Reichert of OceanWaveS
GmbH presented a paper at the
8th International Workshop on Wave
Hindcasting and Forecasting- Oahu, Hawaii. Nov. 14-19, 2004. To view a
copy of her presentation
click here. |
Back to
Headlines
SMCFish and SMCsensors ship motion analysis
|
Sea-Image is proud to announce that the company will now be carrying
the SMCsensor line of vessel motion sensors. These sensors are
new to the market, and represent the latest technology for measuring
ship motions at sea. |
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Trade
Shows and Conferences
Sea-Image Corporation and its partners will be attending
the following trade shows and conferences. Please visit us there to learn
more about:
- WaMoS II wave radar
- FarSounder 3-D Depth Sounder system
- The SMC Ship Motion System
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