Taking you through every stage of sensor and instrument testing, including development, maintenance and monitoring, data pipelines through to deployment. Trials in a range of environments including offshore, with advanced technology readiness level testing at the L4 buoy.

Whether you are ready to deploy from our fully crewed scientific research vessel, Plymouth Quest or you would like to trial your sensors in laboratory conditions first, the PML Applications team is here to support, advise, or project manage your trials. Not only do we offer different types of trials but we also offer varying levels of support based on your needs. In addition to testing sensors, we provide advice and services to ensure systems are fully marinised and equipped to withstand the marine environment.

Find out more about our sensor and instrument services here:

• Recovery Services – Using our fleet of vessels, such as the PML Explorer RHIB and RV Plymouth Quest, we provide recovery services. To see more information about our vessels, please visit our Plymouth Quest Hire and Specifications page.
• Maintenance Services – We offer flexibility in our project plans and vessel scheduling to accommodate maintenance needs, subject to suitable weather conditions.
• Monitoring Services – To support your monitoring needs, we have secure data and communications systems available. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

The range of depths and sites at our coastal location satisfies different testing requirements. We can also schedule your trial to ensure you are testing in the weather conditions and sea states that you need. If you would like to ensure your sensors will be functional in a range of conditions, PML Applications will assist in planning your trials to ensure we cover as many eventualities as possible.

PML Applications is uniquely positioned due to our location and connection to PML (Plymouth Marine Laboratory), which has verified data from the most-studied area of the ocean in the world – the Western Channel Observatory.

PML Applications Sensor Test Sites

Whether your sensor is ready for testing in real-world conditions or you would like to conduct laboratory-based trials initially, PML Applications can assist with a full programme of sensor tests at our varied sites.

Laboratory-Based Trials:

• Controlled testing in sea water tanks with adaptable environmental parameters
• Comparison against high spec laboratory grade benchtop sensors and instruments
• Full suite of power options and easy data handling options

Marina Environments:

• Two controlled access test sites in a safe marine environment with dedicated work space
• Range of environmental conditions
• Dedicated power supplies
• Characterised and regularly sampled water

PML Applications’ Sensor Testing Equipment

Our top-of-the-range testing equipment allows us to provide you with options for your trials. Whether you would like to conduct long-term testing or one-off validation of your sensors, our scientific equipment is ready.

L4 Buoy:

• Offshore marine environment
• Multi-sensor testing on a moored platform, five miles off Plymouth
• Secure, safe, cost-effective and accessible testing and validation of your instruments/sensors.
• Access to data from your sensor in real time and two way communications link to allow software updates without physical presence.

Autonaut:

• Surface autonomous vessel platform
• Above and below water sensor integration capability
• Licensed to deploy in designated trials areas during working hours

PML Applications is located in Plymouth, the National Centre for Marine Autonomy. With deployment available from our research vessel, the Plymouth Quest, we are able to test in the approved King’s Harbour Master proving grounds in the Plymouth Sound.

Contact us to receive a spec sheet for further information about our facilities and the services we offer and, at your request, we will follow up with you to discuss your project requirements.

Project Management and Marine Licensing

For all services, we provide a consultation to discuss your project needs and the permissions, site access, level of assistance, and licensing requirements for your tests.

Whether you require full project management or simply would like access to our testing facilities, we can provide the right level of support for your project.

Plymouth Quest has a crew that is experienced in scientific projects and our team of applied scientists and researchers at PML Applications is available to provide a range of services.

If you would like PML Applications to assist you with applying for marine licenses, please let us know when we discuss your project. We are also able to advise on whether you need any licenses, the type of marine license you need, and assist in successfully gaining the correct permissions before your test begins.

While we mainly offer day trials in Plymouth, we do work across the South West. With access to multiple harbours and open-water locations, we provide additional services to help you scope out sites and gain permissions to use those locations for your sensor testing.

With the combined experience of our team, we will advise you throughout the process, if you would like us to, to help you identify any potential sticking points and issues early on in the process and to recommend site suitability for your specific trials.

Contact us to discuss your project, whether you are in the early planning stages and need assistance to progress to sensor trials or whether your plan is already in motion and you would like access to our services and vessels to facilitate your sensor testing.