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You are here >> About the PLA >> Hydrographic Surveying vessels

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Hydrographic Surveying vessels

'Verifier'

This vessel was built in 1989 and converted by Damen Trading of Holland for hydrographic use after she was acquired by the PLA in 2001. With a length of 20.6m, Verifier has a deep vee hull designed by Amgram/Carmac and a modified superstructure to provide accommodation for the survey team and specialist equipment. Powered by twin Caterpillar 3412TA engines of 1,150 bhp and with a top speed of 26 knots, the vessel is ideal for high speed deployment to the outer Thames estuary. A hydraulic auto-pilot steering system can be used when surveying at speeds of up to 12 knots. The ship is equipped with a comprehensive array of electronic survey equipment, including a sophisticated multi-beam hydrographic swath echo-sounder, a 1.2 tonne hydraulic crane and, at the stern, a 3 tonne electric winch for deploying remote survey sensors.

'Yantlet'

This vessel is a Nelson 44 catamaran built by Souter Marine in 1995. Of 13.4 m in length, with a draught of 1.0m and displacement of 18.5 tonnes, she is equipped with twin Cummins 6CTA 8.3 engines giving a total of 860 bhp and a maximum speed of 22 knots through Vosper Thorneycroft shallow draught waterjets. Yantlet is also equipped with a multi-beam hydrographic echo-sounder and sophisticated data processing equipment.

'Galloper'

In March 2008 the hydrographic department took delivery of a new shallow drafted catamaran the 'Galloper' from the Cheetah Marine yard on the Isle of Wight.  The vessel has a shallow draft of 30cms and a moonpool for deployment of Multibeam equipment. Allied with twin Honda 135hp outboard engines, this configuration will enable 'Galloper' to reach speeds of up to 30 knots, thus maximising time on site and acquisition time which can be crucial when surveying busy ports or tidally-constrained waters. The new vessel is fitted with the newest high resolution RESON SeaBat 7125 MBES system. This will increase the resolution capability for support surveys.