LEI310 Offshore Survey Operations

Contents and structure

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of offshore survey operations. It starts with an introduction to life offshore and a detailed review of documentation, including specifications, procedures, and reporting. Marine geodesy and Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS) are covered, emphasizing data for chart production and vertical reference frames. Topics on accuracy vs. precision and error theory are discussed, alongside practical examples on how to conduct sensor installation, dimensional control, and calibration.

Participants will experience real-time positioning with ROV/vessel visits and engage in hands-on sessions for sensor management. The course covers navigation software, time synchronization, and data processing, and delves into Multibeam Echosounder (MBES) theory, including calibration and data acquisition. Emerging technologies such as USV and AUV operations are explored, along with a visit to a Remote Operations Centre (ROC). The curriculum includes inspection, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in subsea operations, sidescan, sub-bottom profiling, and an overview of industry trends. The work language is English.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has a comprehensive understanding of offshore survey operations, including documentation, geodesy, Coordinate Reference Systems (CRS), and vertical reference frames.
• is familiar with error theory, covering both random and systematic errors, to ensure high accuracy in offshore survey data.

Skills

The student

• will develop proficiency in sensor installation, real-time positioning, and data processing.
• will acquire the ability to manage and analyze underwater positioning systems and navigation software.

General Competence

The student

• will develop the ability to handle commercial demands and comply with industry specifications and standards.
• will gain insights into current industry trends and the future landscape of remote, AI, and autonomous operations through company visits and other activities.

Entry requirements

General admission requirements for the study programme.

Recommended previous knowledge

Prior knowledge in basic surveying and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be advantageous.

Teaching methods

The course employs a mix of lectures and interactive discussions, practical sessions with equipment handling and troubleshooting, and workshops on statistical analysis and software navigation.

Participants will also benefit from company visits to ROC and practical demonstrations. Parts of the sessions may be presented on digital platforms and physical presence may therefore not be necessary. Course materials and working language are in English.

Compulsory learning activities

Compulsory learning activities include:

• approved participation in practical sessions and site visits
• completion of four mandatory assignments

These learning activities must be completed within set deadlines and approved before you can take the examination. If any of the learning activities are not approved, you may retake the respective activity the next time the course is offered.

Assessment

4 hour written examination. Grade scale A-F, where F is fail.

The examination is digital and the students must bring their own computer. The software used for the examination must be installed and tested by the student before the examination.

Examination support material

All support material is permitted.

More about examination support material