Hydrographic Survey with Autonomous Surface Vehicles: A Best Practices Guide.

Abstract

Increasingly, hydrographic offices are turning to robotic, unmanned, and “autonomous” surface vehicles (ASVs) to conduct systematic seafloor surveys for hydrographic applications. The practice of hydrographic survey is categorically different from general navigation of transiting commercial vessels whose operation may fall under other guidance. In establishing best practices for operation of ASVs for hydrography, environmental and other risks are considered, and practical levels of autonomy are defined. Environment and level of autonomy are then evaluated to establish a suitable level of supervision to meet the intentions of the Convention on the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and other Navigation Rules.