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confidence in geological mapping than afforded through the limited field-of-view from ROV camera footage at wider tra- verse spacings. In addition, AUVs provide a suitable means of addressing the critical resolution gap between target generation (vessel-based regional-scale mapping) and follow-up target- testing mapping (ROV-based operations) in the exploration process. Conclusions From the data acquired by the AUV during the proof-of-con- cept trial, it was possible to map SMS chimney field targets using MBES and side scan sonar. Subsequent ROV selective ground-truth survey is planned for late 2012. The proof-of-concept trial demonstrated that AUVs are a vi- able technology for SMS exploration, offering better resolution and productivity than present deep-tow practices and greater efficiency than ROV mapping. AUV technology will enable more selective prospect delineation and ROV follow-up map- ping, and provide significant reduction in the amount of ground that needs to be covered by ROV. The results of this trial are part of the ongoing development of a long-term strategy for a sustainable AUV survey capability to meet the demands of increased global SMS exploration, as well as assessing suitable AUV designs and configurations for SMS exploration needs. Acknowledgments Nautilus Minerals wishes to acknowledge the University of Hawaii, particularly Dr. Fernando Martinez, lead scientist for the RV Kilo Moana cruise 1129A, and Dr. Colin Devey of IFM- GEOMAR for facilitating the marine science research cruise collaboration. Thanks to the GEOMAR AUV team, crew and science mem- bers on board the Kilo Moana for their effort in making the cruise and evaluation of the AUV technology a success. Dr. Ian Stevenson has worked in the marine minerals exploration and mining industry for the past 23 years, specializing in the development and application of high-resolution geophysical techniques and AUV mapping payloads. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Reading. Sean Plunkett is a senior geophysicist for Nautilus Minerals and has been heavily involved in a wide range of seafloor and water-column interrogation techniques utilized in SMS exploration. He holds a bach- elor's in geophysics from Curtin University of Technology. WAVE RADARS DIRECTIONAL WAVE AND CURRENT MONITORING SM-050 WAVE AND CURRENT RADAR, Microwave Doppler Radar of High Accuracy. WAVEX, Wave and Current Extractor for Marine Radars. Type Approved by DNV. DIRECTIONAL WAVE AND CURRENT RADARS ARE WELL SUITED FOR: Ɣ Offshore structures and vessels. Ɣ Catamarans and high speed vessels. Ɣ Naval and merchant vessels. Ɣ Research and service vessels. Ɣ Shore installations for ports and coastal stations. NON-DIRECTIONAL WAVE MONITORING, AIR GAP AND TIDE GAUGE SM-048 ALTIMETER AND SM-094 RANGE FINDER, High Performance Microwave Sensors. NON-DIRECTIONAL MIROS RANGE FINDERS FEATURE: Ɣ Wave profile and air gap from vessels and offshore structures. Ɣ Sea level and tide measurements, water level in ports and canals etc. Ɣ Bridge clearance monitoring. Ɣ 10, 20, 50 and 85 meter range. Ɣ No influence by fog, rain or water spray. OIL SPILL DETECTION OIL SPILL DETECTION BY X-BAND RADARS, A New System Based on Processing of Radar images. MAIN FEATURES: Ɣ Early detection of oil spills. Ɣ Enables 24 hours a day skimmer operations. Ɣ Prediction of oil spill drift. Ɣ Flexible user interface. Ɣ Add-on to the Wavex system, providing additional sea state information. AREAS OF USE: Ɣ Stand-by and oil recovery vessels participating in clean up operations. Ɣ Coast guard vessels for oil spill monitoring. Ɣ Oils rigs, FPSOs and tankers for oil spill monitoring. Ɣ Oil terminals and refineries for oil spill monitoring in the terminal area. Developed in cooperation with NOFO – Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies Solbråveien 20, NO-1383 Asker, Norway Tel: +47 66 98 75 00, Fax: +47 66 90 41 70 E-mail: office@miros.no, Web Site: miros.no - measuring the ocean surface www.sea-technology.com AUGUST 2012 / st 13 Visit us at ONS, Stavanger, Stand B-258 SMM, Norwegian Pavilion, Stand B7-429