DND Assesses Needs for Operational Oceanographic Data

Release Date: 15 November 2003

Canada 's Department of National Defense (DND) recently completed an assessment of its requirements for operational oceanographic information. The eight-month project, entitled Ocean Intelligence in the Maritime Battle Space - analysis and recommendations for a Canadian Forces maritime environmental assessment program , was led by Dan Hutt at DRDC-Atlantic, and was delivered by Brian Whitehouse of OEA Technologies Inc , Halifax.

The project's scope included nowcasts and forecasts of oceanographic features and processes, and it encompassed all marine waters, both sovereign and foreign. From a technology perspective, it focused on spaceborne sensors and coastal HF radar systems.

The Canadian Forces' oceanographic program focuses on activities related to anti-submarine warfare. Relevant oceanographic properties include 3-D sound velocity, seabed acoustic properties, ambient noise, 3-D water temperature, and the location of marine mammals, thermal fronts and eddies. Surface wind vectors and the location of sea ice are also required in support of ship navigation.

NATO's post cold war operational focus has resulted in a substantive change in naval requirements for operational oceanographic information, particularly in littoral waters. The DND project concluded that in addition to requirements in support of anti-submarine warfare and ship navigation, the Canadian Forces have operational requirements for water density, surface and subsurface currents, water turbidity, near shore bathymetry, the location and propagation of internal waves, and maps pertaining to beach conditions.

DND is now focusing this initiative on the subject of rapid environmental assessment, which involves broad requirements for oceanographic information in support of tactical operations. The follow-on project began this month (Nov/03) and will continue through to September 2004. It is also being delivered by OEA Technologies Inc.