A bracket and pole arrangement that lets a survey sonar be fitted to a vessel of opportunity or launch without cutting a hole in the hull. The pole swings or slides down into the water for survey and lifts clear for transit. Because flexing, wear and re-seating change its alignment, a pole-mounted system needs measured offsets and a fresh patch test after every installation, and a check after any hard knock.
Pole mount took a hit on the pontoon this morning, run a quick roll check before we trust it.
Also heard as
- over-the-side mount
- pole-mounted sonar
Related terms
Transducer
The device that turns electrical pulses into sound in the water and converts returning echoes back into signals.
Patch test
A set of calibration lines over flat ground and slopes that measures sonar alignment biases and timing error.
Lever arms
The measured distances between sensors on a survey vessel, used to carry positions and motion to each sonar.
Survey launch
A small survey boat fitted with sonar and positioning gear, often lowered from a mother ship for inshore work.