Devices and methods for aiding a large area search for objects. A searcher transmits interrogation signals of long range relative to the return range to be received by a device at the target object. The target device responds with a ping signal modified to be more easily found by means of information contained in the interrogation signal. The information may be in the nature of the received signal or data encoded and embedded. The target device may use a microprocessor to do complex operations using the information from the interrogation signal and other information. Detection of a weak ping is facilitated by such means as being beamed in the direction of the interrogation, arriving at a predictable time, or having parameters adapted to values requested by the searcher. The object is then intercepted with help of the ping or other signals from the device.

Devices and methods for aiding a large area search for objects. A searcher transmits interrogation signals of long range relative to the return range to be received by a device at the target object. The target device responds with a ping signal modified to be more easily found by means of information contained in the interrogation signal. The information may be in the nature of the received signal or data encoded and embedded. The target device may use a microprocessor to do complex operations using the information from the interrogation signal and other information. Detection of a weak ping is facilitated by such means as being beamed in the direction of the interrogation, arriving at a predictable time, or having parameters adapted to values requested by the searcher. The object is then intercepted with help of the ping or other signals from the device.

Monitoring method and system to monitor the underwater traffic of an area of interest where at least one underwater element is going to operate. The system comprises: a memory, which is configured to store data comprising a representation of the area of interest, and a list of a plurality of types of underwater elements with the relative digital model; a detection unit to detect the position and the orientation of each underwater element present inside said area of interest; a processing unit, which is configured to determine, based on the stored data and on the detection of said detection unit, the type of each underwater element present inside the area of interest, and to generate, based on said data, a representation of the area of interest showing the static obstacles, and the digital model, the position and the orientation of each underwater element present inside said area of interest; and a user interface to display said representation of the area of interest.

Monitoring method and system to monitor the underwater traffic of an area of interest where at least one underwater element is going to operate. The system comprises: a memory, which is configured to store data comprising a representation of the area of interest, and a list of a plurality of types of underwater elements with the relative digital model; a detection unit to detect the position and the orientation of each underwater element present inside said area of interest; a processing unit, which is configured to determine, based on the stored data and on the detection of said detection unit, the type of each underwater element present inside the area of interest, and to generate, based on said data, a representation of the area of interest showing the static obstacles, and the digital model, the position and the orientation of each underwater element present inside said area of interest; and a user interface to display said representation of the area of interest.

A system for securing a submerged buoy including a signalling element floating on the surface and connected to the buoy by a link, said securing system being wherein it includes a reversible coupling device comprising an attachment member secured to the end of the link opposite the signalling element, a complementary attachment member rigidly connected to the buoy and capable of engaging with said attachment member in order to allow the link to be secured to or released from the buoy, a pressure sensor, a control unit associated with a time measurement unit, said control unit ordering said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a set value.

A system for securing a submerged buoy including a signalling element floating on the surface and connected to the buoy by a link, said securing system being wherein it includes a reversible coupling device comprising an attachment member secured to the end of the link opposite the signalling element, a complementary attachment member rigidly connected to the buoy and capable of engaging with said attachment member in order to allow the link to be secured to or released from the buoy, a pressure sensor, a control unit associated with a time measurement unit, said control unit ordering said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a set value.

An underwater work system of the present disclosure acquires a relative position of an underwater vehicle relative to a surface ship at the start of searching work, the relative position being measured based on a sound wave transmitted from a wave transmitter. The underwater work system calculates a position of the underwater vehicle based on the acquired relative position. When a measurement error region whose center corresponds to the calculated position of the underwater vehicle and an expected laid region of a pipeline extending in a predetermined direction overlap each other, the underwater work system moves the underwater vehicle to such a position that the measurement error region and the expected laid region do not overlap each other, and then, makes the underwater vehicle perform crossing detection in which the underwater vehicle detects the presence or absence of the pipeline while crossing the expected laid region.

A maritime beacon includes a controller and multiple communications systems including a bidirectional communications transceiver and a broadcast alert signal generator. The beacon uses the bidirectional communications transceiver to communicate with a remote computer and the broadcast alert signal generator to communicate with recovery vessels in the vicinity. This may allow the local broadcast alert signal generator to be remotely controlled to better facilitate recovery of the beacon and associated assets.

An underwater positioning system provides position information for a rover, moveable within a reference frame. The system may comprise: at least one beacon having a light source, located at a fixed position within the reference frame; an underwater imaging device, moveable with the rover in the reference frame to observe the light source from different viewpoints and determine direction data representing a direction or change in direction of the light source with respect to the imaging device; an orientation sensor, associated with the imaging device to determine an orientation of the imaging device with respect to the reference frame and generate orientation data; and a scaling element for providing scaling data representative of a distance between the imaging device and the light source. Various different beacons may be provided. In alternative system implementations, the locations of light source(s) and underwater imaging device are reversed between rover and beacon(s).

An underwater positioning system provides position information for a rover, moveable within a reference frame. The system may comprise: at least one beacon having a light source, located at a fixed position within the reference frame; an underwater imaging device, moveable with the rover in the reference frame to observe the light source from different viewpoints and determine direction data representing a direction or change in direction of the light source with respect to the imaging device; an orientation sensor, associated with the imaging device to determine an orientation of the imaging device with respect to the reference frame and generate orientation data; and a scaling element for providing scaling data representative of a distance between the imaging device and the light source. Various different beacons may be provided. In alternative system implementations, the locations of light source(s) and underwater imaging device are reversed between rover and beacon(s).