Hydrographic Survey Services UK

SEP Hydrographic provides Hydrographic Survey Services to clients throughout the UK and Northern Europe.

SEP Hydrographic offers comprehensive hydrographic survey services to support offshore and nearshore industries. Our team of experienced professionals utilise state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to provide accurate bathymetric data and solutions for a range of marine projects. Our services are ideally suited for demanding offshore operations, ensuring adherence to survey specifications and safety standards.

We have extensive experience in hydrographic surveying and seabed mapping, providing services to clients from various industries, including renewable energy, oil and gas, ports and harbours, marine construction, environmental management, and land-based developments.

We offer a full range of hydrographic and geophysical surveys, including:

• Cable and Pipeline Route Surveys: We conduct detailed cable route surveys to support safe and efficient cable and pipeline installations. Our data assesses potential hazards on the seabed, helping to select optimal routes and assist in complying with regulatory standards. We also offer ongoing monitoring to ensure the integrity and safety of existing systems.

• Coastal and Intertidal Zone Surveys: Recognising the complexity of these environments, we utilise advanced techniques to accurately map and assess nearshore and intertidal areas, providing a consistent dataset for charting, feature and object detection, and determination of shallow seabed geology.

• Port and Harbour Surveys: We provide a range of services to support the safe navigation of vessels and efficient management of marine infrastructure. Our surveys include seabed mapping, pre and post-dredging surveys, and high-resolution asset inspection for maintenance purposes, deploying specialist survey equipment such as the Teledyne Blueview 3D Scanning Sonar.

• Data Processing and Reporting: Our team uses the latest software to process and analyse survey data efficiently and cost-effectively. We provide accurate and comprehensive reports for all our surveys to support decision-making processes.

We work closely with clients to ensure survey operations are tailored to their specific project requirements.

Hydrographic Survey FAQs

How Does a Multibeam Echosounder Work?

A multibeam echosounder is a sophisticated sonar system designed to produce comprehensive maps of the seabed. It emits a fan-shaped array of sound waves from a transducer affixed to a survey vessel's underside, projecting these pulses downward. Upon reaching the seafloor, the sound waves are reflected back and captured by the transducer.

The device then calculates the time taken for these waves to return, and employing the known speed of sound in water, it can precisely determine the seabed's distance. This facilitates accurate measurement of water depth and results in finely detailed maps of underwater topography. The term "multibeam" pertains to the echosounder's capacity to release multiple beams simultaneously, allowing it to survey a broad section of the seabed in a single pass.

What are Inertial Navigation Systems?

Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) are advanced technological tools that utilise motion and rotation sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to compute an object's positional data, orientation, and velocity without external reference points.

These systems operate independently, unlike GPS, which requires satellite signals and are invaluable in scenarios where GPS reliability is questionable or non-existent, for example, underwater. This data is then used for precise positioning and orientation of surveying equipment.

INS technology has revolutionised surveying by enabling accurate mapping and measurement of underwater features, even in challenging environments.

What Kind of Information Can Be Gathered from a Hydrographic Survey?

Hydrographic surveys provide intricate visualisations of the seabed bathymetry, objects and human-made structures. The data gathered can also be used to assess sedimentation levels, navigability, dredging requirements and infrastructure development.

What Are the Risks Associated with a Hydrographic Survey?

Conducting hydrographic surveys involves risks such as adverse weather, inclement sea conditions, and uncharted underwater obstacles.

As with any operations in the marine environment, the survey crew may face physical hazards while working near or on the water. These include slips, trips and falls on slippery decks or unsteady platforms. All site-going personnel must be suitably trained and equipped with appropriate safety gear to manage these risks.

How Long Does a Hydrographic Survey Take?

The duration typically depends on the size and complexity of the area being surveyed. Small areas can generally be completed in a matter of hours while more extensive campaigns may take weeks or even months.

It is important to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for both data collection and post-processing. Weather and sea conditions can also impact the length of a survey, as they may limit safe working hours or cause delays.

How Much Does a Hydrographic Survey Cost?

The cost of a hydrographic survey varies depending on the size and complexity of the area being surveyed, as well as the equipment used. Generally speaking, smaller surveys tend to be more affordable than larger projects due to the reduced amount of data collected, although this may not always be the case.