COURSE OVERVIEW:

Advanced Hydrographic Surveying for Dredging and Ports is a specialized program designed to address the high-precision requirements of modern maritime infrastructure projects. This course explores the sophisticated methodologies used to map the seabed, providing the critical data needed for safe navigation and efficient dredging operations. Participants will delve into the integration of multi-beam echo sounders, GNSS positioning, and motion sensors to create high-resolution bathymetric models that serve as the foundation for port engineering and channel maintenance.

The scope of the curriculum extends beyond basic depth measurement to include the analysis of seafloor morphology and sub-bottom characteristics. By examining the technical challenges of surveying in busy port environments, the course covers the calibration of sensors, data acquisition strategies, and the rigorous processing workflows required to eliminate errors. Special emphasis is placed on the "Dredging Support" aspect, where real-time surveying is used to monitor material removal, ensure design depth compliance, and calculate accurate volumetric quantities for project cost control.

Coverage also includes the regulatory and international standards governing hydrography, such as the IHO S-44 standards. Attendees will learn how to manage complex survey datasets and produce nautical charts and engineering drawings that meet the stringent requirements of port authorities and maritime stakeholders. The program bridges the gap between theoretical acoustics and practical field application, ensuring that surveyors and engineers can deliver reliable results in dynamic coastal zones.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Master the principles of underwater acoustics and signal processing for bathymetry.
2. Configure and calibrate high-resolution Multi-Beam Echo Sounder (MBES) systems.
3. Utilize Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for centimeter-level positioning accuracy.
4. Integrate Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) to compensate for vessel motion and heave.
5. Design comprehensive survey plans tailored for port approach channels and berths.
6. Execute rigorous data cleaning and validation procedures for hydrographic datasets.
7. Generate high-quality Digital Terrain Models (DTM) of the seabed.
8. Apply IHO S-44 Order 1a and Special Order standards to port surveys.
9. Perform accurate volumetric calculations for dredging pre-load and post-load analysis.
10. Identify seafloor hazards and obstructions using Side Scan Sonar (SSS) imagery.
11. Utilize sub-bottom profiling techniques to characterize sediment layers.
12. Produce standardized nautical charts and hydrographic reports for stakeholders.
13. Troubleshoot sensor errors and environmental interference in real-time surveying.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Hydrographic Surveyors, Port Engineers, Dredging Superintendents, GIS Specialists, and Maritime Project Managers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.