Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

MODULE 1
Week 5

Topic 4: Principles of Echo-sounder

Learning Outcome:

LO1.7. Explain the significance of ensuring that the echo sounder always provides
correct and reliable information
LO1.7.1. Illustrate the basic components of the echo-sounder equipment
LO1.7.2. Discuss the errors and limitations of the echo-sounder

Overview

This part introduces the principles of the echo sounder. Basic components,
errors and limitations of the equipment and application of information are also
discussed.

Principles
Echo sounder is a marine instrument primarily used in determining the depth of
water by transmitting sound waves into water. The time interval between emission and
return of a pulse or echo in which the equipment’s name was derived from is recorded.
The recorded time interval is used to determine the depth of water along with the
speed of sound in water at the time. This information is then typically used for
navigation purposes or in order to obtain depths for charting purposes however due to
continuous development, echo sounder are now fitted with position fixing capability.
The depth of water or distance is measured by multiplying half of the time
interval from the signal's outgoing pulse to its return by the speed of sound in
the water, which is approximately 1500 meters per second. Thus giving us the formula:
Depth of Water = (Time Interval/2) x Speed of Sound in the Water
For precise application, such as hydrography, the speed of sound must also be
measured typically by deploying a sound velocity probe into the water. Echo sounding
is effectively a special purpose application of sonar used to locate the bottom. Since a
traditional pre-SI unit of water depth was fathom, an instrument used for determining
water depth is sometimes called a fathometer. The first practical fathometer was
invented by Herbert Grove Dorsey and patented in 1928.

38
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

Basic Components
A modern echo sounder could have many components nowadays but these
three basic components will be consistently present on any equipment produced.
1. Display – placed in the navigational bridge where sounding information is
presented
2. Computer – for quick calculation of the distance
3. Transducer – placed at the bottom of the ship where sound is transmitted
and received back

Below is a diagram on how echo sounder components obtains, process and

display depth information.

TRANSDUCER COMPUTER DISPLAY

(Monitor)

Sound is
Sound is
transmitte
received
d
(echo)

Seabed

Errors and Limitations

Overreliance again must be avoided as echo sounder faces multiple number of
factors creating errors. Below is the list of most common errors that an OOW should
consider when using echo sounding equipment.

1. Propagation - the speed of sound changes when temperature, salinity or

pressure changes and since velocity is not correct, the depth displayed will be
inaccurate.
2. Pythagoras - this error is found when two transducers are used; one for
transmission and other for reception. This is happening more on shallow water.
3. Thermal and Density layer - the density of the water varies with temperature and
salinity, which will tend to form different layers. It is possible for echoes to return

39
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

from the surface of these layers and a faint line appears between zero and actual
depth.
4. Input error - If the encoded parameter is not correct, the depth recorded will not
be correct. This could also be called a zero-line adjustment error.
5. Stylus speed error – for chart recording equipment which could be very rare at
this time but you may find some on older ships. Due to the fluctuation in the
voltage, the speed of the stylus motor changes hence the depth recorded will be
inaccurate.
6. Multiple Echo - the echo may be reflected a number of times between the keel
and the seabed, thereby giving multiple depth marks on the record, in such case
the first echo is the correct depth which is a bigger problem to chart-recording
instruments.

Sample electronic Echo sounder display (TRANSAS simulator)

Application of Information
Radar may give you the ability to ‘see’ other ships, fixed and floating objects or
anything above sea level but it is equally important for vessels to stay in water deep
enough to keep afloat and avoid running aground.

40
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

• OOW must familiarize thoroughly the equipment onboard in compliance with

the IMO performance standards requiring the ability to use two different scales;
one for shallow waters to 20m and a second for deeper waters.

• The equipment must be capable of giving an alarm when a pre-determined

minimum depth is encountered. Data must be recorded and at least the
previous 12 hours of information must be stored and be available. Older echo
sounders recorded their information on paper rolls and this is still a permitted
method. Newer more advanced models make use of electronic recording and
also take positional input from a GPS.

• Colored display in new models will likely be encountered on a small LCD screen.
In common with other modern equipment, echo sounders often have features
that exceed IMO requirements. Be familiar with the images being displayed to
have a proper assessment of the situation

There is a potential conflict between sonar and ECDIS where the data included in ENCs
covers depth information. Using ECDIS for passage planning involves entering a ship’s draught
and setting alarm parameters. Just as with paper charts there is potential for the depths
recorded in ENCs to be inaccurate and it may be necessary to deviate from the passage plan if
the sonar reports a difference in the ENC data and the actual under keel depth.

41
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

MODULE 1
Week 5

Echo-sounder basic operations

Learning Outcome:

LO1.8. Apply information derived from the echo sounder

LO1.8.1. Determine the components of echo-sounder control panel
LO1.8.2. State the process of altering the parameters of the echo-sounder

Overview

This part details the steps for operation of the TRANSAS echo sounder. Diagram
of the complete controls and indicators of the equipment.

Echo Sounder Control Panel

Unlike the GPS and AIS which can be access in the Navigational Aids Panel, The
Echo Sounder can be access in the Navigational Instruments Panel (INSTRUM) in the
Conning Station of the Simulator. The Echo Sounder control panel (“Echo”) supplies the
trainee with the information on the depth under keel and on the time. This frame is
divided into two parts:

• Display area
• Controls with indicators.

DISPLAY AREA

CONTROL AND INDICATORS

42
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

Switching the System On/Off

To switch the system ON, press “Power” button. The

system will switch ON and assume the parameter settings
which have been selected when the system was last time
switched OFF. To switch the system OFF, press the same
button again. The system will be switched OFF.
Controls and Indicators

The display area is situated in the left-hand side, and controls with indicators
are at the right-hand side of the frame. The display area is a chart of depths altering
with time. The Echo Sounder parameters can be modified using the following controls:

• “<<Param>>” – the button for selecting the parameter which has to

be altered;

• “<<Value>>” – the button for increasing or reducing the selected

parameter’s value;

• “Set” – the button for the confirmation and input of the selected
parameter’s value.

There are some indicators and control buttons in the top right-hand side. They
are(from the top to the bottom):

• Current depth in chosen measuring units;

• Echo Sounder operating mode (“ACTUAL” or “REPLAY”);

• Current latitude and longitude indicators;

• Current date and time;

• <<Replay>> which allows viewing the soundings as of any past

moment of time;

43
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

• “Mark” which draws a vertical line for the current time mark on the
graph;

• Alarms indicators which inform about dangerous depths and

shallows;

• Switch from one sensor to another.

The Echo Sounder has two major modes: actual and replay.

• To establish “Replay” mode, press “<<Replay>>” button. Press

the left side of this button (marked with <<) to shift the depth
scale to the left, and the right side of the button (marked with
>>) to shift it to the right. All frame indicators’ readouts (date,
time and depth) will display the values, current for the
selected position of the depth scale.

• To return to the Actual mode, press “Set Actual” button.

Altering System Parameters and Settings

The list of Echo Sounder parameters is situated at the bottom of Display area:

• “Range” (10 m, 50 m, 250 m, 500 m, 2000 m);

• Measuring units (meters, feet, fathoms);

• “Gain” (0, 1, 2,…10);

• “Mode” (DBK, DBT, DBS);

• “Sound velocity” (1400…1700 m/s);

• “Draft” (0…10 units);

44
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

• “Trim” (0…5 units);

• “Depth alarm” (OFF or value);

• “Shallow alarm” (OFF or value).

To alter the Echo Sounder parameters, select one of

them by clicking the pointing device on the right (next, >>)
or left (previous, <<) side of “<<Param>>” button. The
rectangular frame around the parameter will highlight the
current parameter in the list.

When the required parameter is selected, it can be

modified by pressing the left side of “<<Value>>” button (to
decrease, <<) or its right side (to increase, >>). Altering the
selected parameter will be continued with the fixed steps
while the mouse button is pressed.

After all the necessary modifications, all parameters

can be fixed by pressing “Set” button. If “Set” button is not
pressed for about 10 seconds, the previous values will be
restored.

Application

The efficiency of the equipment will depend on the parameters you have set. Be
sure you have key in the right parameters to have the proper needed information
available. DO NOT FORGET TO PRESS the SET BUTTON to avoid losing the parameters
you have set up.
The time interval between emission and return of a pulse is recorded in the
equipment which is used to determine the depth of water along with the speed of
sound in water at the time. This information is then typically used for navigation
purposes or in order to obtain depths for charting purposes. The word sounding is used
for all types of depth measurements, including those that don't use sound, and is
unrelated in origin to the word sound in the sense of noise or tones. Echo sounding is a
more rapid method of measuring depth than the previous technique of lowering a
sounding line until it touched bottom.

45
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

EXERCISE 5
Echo-sounder Basic Principles and Basic Operations
NAME: ________________________________________ DATE: _________________
SECTION: ______________________________________ SCORE: ________________

I. Illustration.
Instruction: Draw the TRANSAS echo sounder with proper label of controls and
parameters. Answer on the space provided. This will be graded 6 points as per
Appendix 3.

II. Step by Step Process

Instruction: Create a step by step process on the following. Each item will be
graded 6 points as per Appendix 5.

1. Accessing and Switching of the echo sounder.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

46
Navigation 1 – Navigational Instruments with Compasses

2. Switching from DBK to DBS.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

III. Short Essay

Instruction: Explain in three sentences the following. Each item will be graded 6
points as per Appendix 2. Write your answer on the lines provided.

1. Significance of ensuring that the echo sounder always provides correct and
reliable information.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

2. Application of information from echo sounder.

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

47