Wide Area Search (WAS)
Standard Operating Procedures, 1.01.00

Wide Area Search Checklist [ Print this checklist ]

1 Mission Planning
1.1 Obtain a Chart
1.2 Load the Chart
1.3 Set Up Video Overlay
1.4 Set Waypoint Defaults
  • Along Line: no checkboxes checked
  • Waypoint Z Value: typically object size, but not less than 1m (3 ft)
  • Depth/Altitude: typically Altitude
  • Speed: typically 0.5 m/s (1.5 ft/s)
    		•
    1.5 Define Search Parameters
  • Sonar range: ~ 10x object size
  • Camera angle: ~ 5 - 10 degrees down
  • Vehicle pitch: ~ 5 - 10 degrees nose down
  • Define pattern: boundary and orientation
  • Transect spacing: ~ the sonar range for wide angle sonars
    		•
    1.6 Place a Region
    1.6.1 Set the Region Coverage
  • Transect spacing is typically equal to the sonar range for wide angle sonars.
    		•
    1.7 Save the Mission Plan
    2 On-site Operations
    2.1 Site Selection and Set Up
    2.1.1 Begin the Predive Checklist

    Begin the Pre-Dive checklist and complete it through the functions test.

    1. Conduct a Visual Inspection
    2. Make the Connections
    3. Start the System
    4. Test the System's Functions
    2.1.2 Initialize the Recording
    2.1.3 Launch the Vehicle
  • Launch the Vehicle
  • Check / Adjust the Ballast
  • Stabilize the Vehicle Using the Autos
  • Initialize the Navigation System
    		•
    2.2 Open Mission Controls
  • Set the Waypoint Locks as desired.
    		•
    2.3 Start the Recording
    2.4 Conduct the Mission
  • Double check the settings.
    		•
    2.4.1 Start the Mission
  • Right-click on the first waypoint and select Go to Waypoint.
    		•
    2.4.2 Fine Tune Settings
  • Sonar Range
  • Vehicle Pitch
  • Camera Angle
  • Heading
  • Speed
  • Altitude
    		•
    2.4.3 Monitor the Sensors
    2.4.4 Evaluate for Objectives
  • Use the manual control features to inspect targets more closely.
    		•
    2.4.4.1 Looking for an Object
    2.4.4.2 Clearing an Area
    2.4.4.3 Mapping an Area
    3 Vehicle Recovery
    3.1 Return to Launch Site
    3.2 Stop the Recording
    3.3 Save the Mission
    3.4 Recover the Vehicle
    4 Post Mission
    4.1 Analyze the Data
    4.2 Archive the Data

    Document Path: Wide Area Search (WAS) Standard Operating Procedures > Checklist