Before the magnetometer is used at sea, it has to be calibrated, the computer and satellite navigation system has to be in full working order.  In the first pictures, the magnetometer is seen set fixed in a holder while ferrous objects of varying size are passed by it.  From this, a calibration chart is drawn up that gives an indication of the size of object in relation to the strength of magnetic variation recorded.

In the pictures below, the magnetometer is taken to  the Coble Landing to go on the boat for sea for trials, Steve prepares it for deployment over the side of the boat, Lee and John connect it up to the control box.  The connecting tow cable is flaked on to supports for ease of handling and as the magnetometer is streamed away from the boat, the cable is paid out.

In the first picture below, the electronic surveying system is shown on board the boat.   The next picture is of the Simrad navigational equipment with an electronic chart of Filey Bay displayed.  The "lanes" or tracks in which the boat is to be steered is marked out on the screen and then the helmsman steers the boat on these lanes.  The third picture shows the magnetometer deployed and the boat is passing the protected wreck site where the yellow marker can just be seen.  Finally, after completing a survey, the boat returns to Filey Coble Landing.

On the return to shore, the work of analysing the data for the report begins and in the first picture, Lee  part of the FBI team is at the computer in his office where he is analysing the data from one lane that has been surveyed, a screen shot of the programme is shown in the middle picture.  The information is then transferred on to an electronic chart of Filey Bay so that the targets identified by the magnetometer can be displayed easily.

DANE Consulting Engineers - Technical consultants and electronic support to the Shipwrecks Project