Silent Inspector Implementation Procedures for Hopper and Pipeline Dredges

ERDC TN-DOER-I6

March 2001

Silent Inspector Implementation

Procedures for Hopper and Pipeline

Dredges

PURPOSE: This technical note (TN) documents the process for implementing the U. S. Army

Corps of Engineers' Silent Inspector (SI) system, an automated dredge contract monitoring

system.

BACKGROUND: The role of the Corps has shifted from dredge owner/operator to that of

contract inspector and administrator since the 1976 reduction of the government-owned

hydraulic dredge fleet. More recently, reduced Federal inspector manpower and increased

numbers of dredging contracts have significantly impaired the Corps' ability to perform adequate

dredging contractor oversight (Rosati and Welp 1999). Automated systems have been developed

to assist dredging inspectors in project management and to provide more accurate monitoring of

dredge activities for both hopper and pipeline dredges.

The Dredging Operations Environmental Research (DOER) Program SI work unit was

established in 1998 to develop standardized, automated monitoring SI systems for Corps-wide

hopper and pipeline dredging activities. The objectives of the SI systems are to assist dredge

inspectors, dredging project and contract managers in monitoring dredging position and dredge

production status, and to provide trustworthy facts for dispute resolution. A more detailed

discussion of these objectives is provided in Rosati (2000). Other research from the SI work unit

includes documentation of Corps monitoring experiences with contractor pipeline dredges

(Rosati and Welp 1999).

Previously, the SI work unit has identified Corps and contractor monitoring processes, and

SI data and equipment needs for development of contractor SI specifications. The SI system has

been developed and used onboard Corps and contractor dredges. However, the Corps and

contractors must follow several major steps (including both administrative and technical work) to

achieve a viable, working SI system for contractor monitoring purposes. This TN focuses on

describing the SI system implementation process on contractor hopper and pipeline dredges.

SI SYSTEM OVERVIEW: The hopper and pipeline dredge SI systems integrate various

automated systems to record digital dredging and disposal activities for both government-owned

and contract dredges. Both SI systems collect and record measurements from shipboard sensors,

calculate the dredging activities, and display this information using standard reports and

graphical displays.

The SI systems have three major computer components: the Dredge Specific System (DSS), the

Ship Server and the Shore System. These components and their functions are described as

follows:

Most dredging contractors use computer-based systems for positioning and perhaps control

of their dredge. These systems comprise the SI DSS. The DSS collects various dredge sensor