NEW Diver Held Sonar for Mine Counter-measures and Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 6, 2011 -- Ontario, Canada, April 11, 2011 - In December of 2010, Shark Marine Technologies Inc. of St.Catharines, Ontario, delivered a quantity of their Navigator, Diver-Held Sonar and Guidance Systems, to the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN). The Navigators will be used by the RNLN clearance divers for VSW MCM and ship hull inspections as well as to assist local civilian authorities in searching for drowning victims and underwater criminal evidence.

The use of the Navigators will greatly enhance the divers’ situational awareness, their area coverage rate, and their personal safety by providing them with real time information regarding position, depth and heading, as well as an extended visual range through the use of an imaging sonar. They will be able to traverse pre-programmed tracks and waypoints on a nautical chart, relying on guidance provided by the Navigators many positioning options, while recording sonar imagery along with video and digital photos to be used to verify their identification of objects.

The RNLN joins a growing community of NATO and NATO Friendly country's who have selected the Navigator to aid their clearance divers underwater operations. Others currently using this unique diver held sonar and navigation system include Canada, the U.K., New Zealand, France and Russia.

ABOUT THE NAVIGATOR

The Navigator is a modular Window’s based system with standard computer interfaces which allow the easy integration of numerous accessories. Controlled by Shark Marine’s DiveLog software the basic Navigator includes a Blueview, high-resolution imaging sonar, a rechargeable NiMH battery pack and charger, tool kit and rugged shipping case. Internal sensors include a compass, heading, pitch and roll sensor and a depth sensor. Additional “plug and play” sensors including GPS are readily available. All information may be displayed on the Navigators built-in 6” LCD display or on the optional head mounted display. Standard computer interfaces include USB 2.0, RS232/485, Ethernet, a QXGA external video port, as well as both WiFi and Bluetooth for wireless communications. Readily available accessories include a USB attached Video/Digital Still camera, digital magnetometer, gradiometer, radiation detector, a floating GPS and both a Long Base Line and Doppler system for accurate positioning applications.

The Navigator’s DiveLog software gives the operator easy control over the attached accessories. Toggled operational screens allow rapid selection between the sonar, map, and an auxiliary device. As the diver follows uploaded pre-mission data on the map display, the Navigator simultaneously records and displays his actual route. Drop-down charts allow him to record quick descriptions of targeted objects along with any associated photos, video or sonar imagery. Divelog interfaces with both MINTACS and SeeTrack Military software for exchange of target location and positioning information, as well as route planning and track recording details. It is currently compatible with ENC S57, S63 and BSB style charts.

Shark Marine Technologies Inc. has been creating new and innovative underwater technologies since 1984. These include video systems, remote operated vehicles, tether management dvices and sonar survey systems. For complete information visit www.sharkmarine.com or call them in Canada at 905-687-6672.

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