Navigation Tool (DRONE) developed for Clear Guidance Offshore

May 19, 1999

Tracking and providing navigation guidance for remote vessels is critical in offshore operations. As a pioneer in satellite technology, John E. Chance & Associates, Inc. has developed a solution called DRONE™ which gives the user a broad view of the on-going project. This navigation tool (DRONE stands for Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment) is well-suited for surveying projects such as rig moves, pipelay, marine construction, and tension leg platform (TLP) installations.

As a portable unit, DRONE provides clear navigation guidance, while requiring minimal configuration from the remote vessel operation and minimal assistance from the survey operator.

The DRONE unit has two hardware components: the DRONE peripheral box and the DRONE computer. The DRONE box houses an internal GPS receiver, radio receiver, and RS-232 serial communications ports. The DRONE computer, an integrated "black box" contains a touch screen monitor and CPU.

In a typical configuration of a DRONE network, the survey operator configures and runs STARFIX.NAV® (Chance's graphic survey and navigation system) on the main vessel as the master system. A DRONE unit is employed on each remote vessel (such as tugboats or anchor boats). Since DRONE units are configured by Chance personnel prior to placement on a vessel, they can be remotely configured from the master system by the survey operator.

John E. Chance & Associates, Inc. started operations in 1957 in Lafayette, LA. It is one of the world's largest survey companies and has received numerous awards for its pioneering of new technology. Chance is a member of the multi-national Fugro group of companies with 170 offices in 44 countries.