Sonar
Sonar is a technique that uses sound to navigate, communicate with or detect other vessels, and to observe the distance and velocity of underwater objects. The acoustic frequencies used vary from extremely low (infrasonic) to very high (ultrasonic). The word “sonar” also describes the equipment used to gather and analyze acoustic information. Sonar is used in depth sounding, fish finding, seafloor mapping, Doppler navigation, and acoustic location systems for divers. The term for the scientific study of underwater sound is hydroacoustics.
Three types of technology are categorized as "sonar":
- Passive sonar uses receiving sensors to listen for and analyze the sound made by vessels
- Active sonar uses an acoustic projector to emit pulses of sounds and a receiver which detects the echoes to find the range, bearing and relative motion
- Acoustic communication systems use a projector and receiver at both ends of the acoustic path
Sonar was first proposed as a means of detecting icebergs, but government interest in and funding of sonar systems did not take off until World War I highlighted the threat posed by submarine warfare. Modern technological innovations have included rapid-scanning and side-scan sonar, the echo sounder (or depth detector,) and within-pulse electronic sector scanning sonar (or WPESS). Military uses of sonar include systems used in acoustic homing torpedoes, in acoustic mines and mine detection.

Subsea Defense: Navy Deepens Commitment to Underwater Vehicles
The U.S. Navy uses unmanned and robotic underwater vehicles for a multitude of functions…

Forum Builds Advanced Submarine Rescue Vehicle
ROV manufacturer Forum Energy Technologies has completed the construction of what…

Paramount Launches another Boat for S. African Navy
Paramount Maritime launched its second of three next-generation Survey Motor Boats…

Kongsberg to Deliver Fish-Finding Sonars for Artemis Trawler
Norway's Kongsberg Maritime will supply SIMRAD sonar equipment for a new 75-meter Pelagic trawler…

Charting Terradepth's Big Ambitions in the Unmanned Vehicle Space
Ocean mapping at scale is the target of a new unmanned systems player started by…

Surveyors Map Sunken Liberty Ship off Texas Coast
U.S.-based marine data acquisition services company TDI-Brooks said it recently mapped…

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon Completes Final Patrol
One the U.S. Coast Guard's last remaining 378-foot high endurance cutters recently…

For the Royal Australian Navy, Technological Leap Starts Small
Driven by the need to organically protect maritime Task Groups from the threat of sea mines…

Staying Vigilant On and Beneath the Waterline
The ocean is a very large and increasingly congested place. More and more shipping…

Released by Australia, Containership APL England Sails to China for Repairs
Singapore-flagged containership APL England, detained in Australia after losing dozens…

LADAR: Laser Sensor Technology for the Maritime Industry
Research scientist and entrepreneur Sverre Dokken believes laser-based remote sensing…

Sonardyne's New Forward Looking Sonar Supports Collision Avoidance
A new forward looking sonar (FLS) from marine technology company Sonardyne International Ltd.
Modern pipelines are installed with and other control devices (pumps and valves) to efficiently move liquids, gases, slurries (solid particulates in liquid suspension) and even solids. Pipelines usually consist of welded sections of metal pipe…
Maritime Security is a term which applies to a large variety of technology, devices, and operations both on deck and on shore. It can mean the simple measures used by boat owners and operators to protect individuals, vessels, and cargo from theft, sabotage, or piracy.
Pods are devices which combine both propulsive and steering functions in one device. They are usually located below the stern of a ship, making use of the following internal components: a fix pitch propeller, shaft, thrust and support bearings…
All ships need maintenance and repairs. Many repair and maintanance operations can be performed at sea or by the crew in port. Complicated or large-scale repairs might require the ship to be removed from commercial operation. Classification…
A winch is a mechanism used to reel in, to let out, or otherwise adjust the tension of a rope, wire, or cable. Boats and ships make use of multiple winches to handle halyards, sheets, as well as anchor or mooring lines. The basic mechanism consists…