Commanding Officer, NOAA Ship RainierEdward J. Van Den Ameele, CAPT/NOAA2017-05-13Field Operations Officer, NOAA Ship RainierSteven Loy, LT/NOAA2017-05-13Chief Survey Technician, NOAA Ship RainierJames B. Jacobson2017-05-13Sheet ManagerTimothy Brown, ENS/NOAA2017-05-13All field sheets, this Descriptive Report, and all accompanying records and data are approved. All records are forwarded for final review and processing to the Processing Branch.The survey data meets or exceeds requirements as set forth in the NOS Hydrographic Surveys and Specifications Deliverables Manual, Field Procedures Manual, Letter Instructions, and all HSD Technical Directives. These data are adequate to supersede charted data in their common areas. This survey is complete and no additional work is required with the exception of deficiencies noted in the Descriptive Report.As Chief of Party, field operations for this hydrographic survey were conducted under my direct supervision, with frequent personal checks of progress and adequacy. I have reviewed the attached survey data and reports.There were no conditions or deficiencies that affected equipment operational effectiveness.None ExistAll equipment and survey methods were used as detailed in the DAPR.Sonar system quality control checks were conducted as detailed in the quality control section of the DAPR.Total Propagated Uncertainty (TPU) values for survey H12917 were derived from a combination of fixed values for equipment and vessel characteristics, as well as field assigned values for sound speed uncertainties. Tidal uncertainty was accounted for by examining the filed generated 1,000-meter separation model and statistically determining a measured value. A measured uncertainty of 0.037 meters was entered into CARIS TPU tide zoning value to account for ERZT processing methods. See the OPR-P136-RA-16 ERZT memo included in Supplemental Correspondence for further information. In addition to the usual a priori estimates of uncertainty, some real-time and post-processed uncertainty sources were also incorporated into the depth estimates of this survey. Real-time uncertainties from Reson MBES sonars were recorded and applied during post-processing. Applanix TrueHeave (POS) files, which record estimates of heave uncertainty, were also applied during post-processing. Finally, the post-processed uncertainties associated with vessel roll, pitch, yaw and position were applied in CARIS HIPS using SBET / RMS files generated using POSPac software. Uncertainty values of submitted finalized grids were calculated in CARIS using "Greater of the Two" of uncertainty and standard deviation (scaled to 95%). Pydro QC tools were used to analyze H12917 TVU compliance, histogram plots of the results are shown below. In order to visualize where uncertainty requirements were met, uncertainty compliance layers were created for each individual resolution surface. The surfaces were based on the difference between the calculated node uncertainty and the allowable uncertainty defined in the HSSD. Pydro derived histogram plot showing TVU compliance of H12917 1-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_1m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.tvu_qc.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing TVU compliance of H12917 2-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_2m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.tvu_qc.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing TVU compliance of H12917 4-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_4m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.tvu_qc.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing TVU compliance of H12917 8-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_8m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.tvu_qc.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing TVU compliance of H12917 16-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_16m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.tvu_qc.pngThe value listed in Table 6 for Zoning uncertainty and applied to the survey does not agree with the ERS Capablility Memo. The correct value is .034 meteres. Due to the small difference between the values the reviewer did not reprocess TPU. 0.0370ERS via ERZT2801,2802,2803,28040.1530There were no other factors that affected corrections to soundings.None ExistMultibeam crosslines were acquired using the Reson 7125 SV2 on launch 2804 (RA-6). A 4-meter CUBE surface was created using only mainscheme lines, and a second 4-meter CUBE surface was created using only crosslines. A difference surface was generated from these two surfaces in CARIS at a 4-meter resolution. This difference surface was compared to the IHO allowable total vertical uncertainty (TVU) standards. In total, 99.06% of the depth differences between H12917 mainscheme and crossline data met HSSD TVU standards. This analysis was performed on H12917 data reduced to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW) using Ellipsoidally Referenced Zoned Tides (ERZT) methods.Summary table indicating percentage of difference surface nodes between H12917 mainscheme and crossline data that met HSSD allowable TVU standards.SupportFiles\H12917_Crossline_HSSD_Compliance.jpgH12917 crossline surface overlaid on mainscheme tracklines.SupportFiles\H12917_Crosslines.jpgThree contemporary surveys, all part of project OPR-P136-RA-16, junction with H12917.H12917 junction surveys.SupportFiles\H12917_Junctions.jpgThe overlap with survey H12851 encompassed 0.52 square nautical miles along the northern boundary of H12917. A comparison was made using a difference surface derived from the 8-meter CUBE surfaces of each survey. Analysis of the difference surface indicated that H12917 is an average of 0.08 meters deeper than H12851 with a standard deviation of 0.54 meters. For the respective depths, the difference surface was compared to the allowable TVU standards specified in the HSSD. In total, 94.67% of the depth differences between H12917 and junction survey H12851 were within allowable uncertainties. The highest uncertainties corresponded with areas of dynamic seafloor topography.H12917 / H12851 junction.SupportFiles\H12917_Diff_H12851_8m.jpgSummary table indicating percentage of nodes that met HSSD allowable TVU standards for H12917 / H12851 junction.SupportFiles\H12851_Junction_Stats.jpgNNOAA Ship RAINIER40000H128512016The overlap with survey H12849 encompassed 0.18 square nautical miles along the southern boundary of H12917. A comparison was made using a difference surface derived from the 2-meter CUBE surfaces of each survey. Analysis of the difference surface indicated that H12917 is an average of 0.003 meters shoaler than H12849 with a standard deviation of 0.172 meters. For the respective depths, the difference surface was compared to the allowable TVU standards specified in the HSSD. In total, 99.53% of the depth differences between H12917 and junction survey H12849 were within allowable uncertainties. H12917 / H12849 junction.SupportFiles\H12917_Diff_H12849_2m.jpgSummary table indicating percentage of nodes that met HSSD allowable TVU standards for H12917 / H12849 junction.SupportFiles\H12849_Junction_Stats.jpgSNOAA Ship RAINIER40000H128492016The overlap with survey H12918 encompassed 0.18 square nautical miles along the south eastern boundary of H12917. A comparison was made using a difference surface derived from the 4-meter CUBE surfaces of each survey. Analysis of the difference surface indicated that H12917 is an average of 0.29 meters deeper than H12918 with a standard deviation of 0.41 meters. For the respective depths, the difference surface was compared to the allowable TVU standards specified in the HSSD. In total, 96.16% of the depth differences between H12917 and junction survey H12918 were within allowable uncertainties. The highest uncertainties corresponded with areas of dynamic seafloor topography.H12917 / H12918 junction.SupportFiles\H12917_Diff_H12918_4m.jpgSummary table indicating percentage of nodes that met HSSD allowable TVU standards for H12917 / H12918 junction.SupportFiles\H12918_Junction_Stats.jpgSENOAA Ship RAINIER40000H129182016Thirty seven sound speed profiles were acquired for this survey at discrete locations within the survey area at least once every four hours, when significant changes in surface sound speed were observed, or when operating in a new area. Sound speed profiles were acquired using Sea-Bird SBE 19plus SEACAT Profilers. All casts were concatenated into a master file and applied to lines using the "Nearest distance within time" (4 hours) profile selection method.All CARIS CUBE surfaces were created with lines reduced to MLLW via ERZT methods. A total of 23 soundings were designated: nine as a DTONs and fourteen as least depths for features found by multibeam. No soundings needed to be designated to force the submitted finalized surface to honor least depths in accordance with HSSD requirements. The 1-meter grid resolution range was expanded to include the full range of survey coverage. See Supplemental Correspondence for Project Manager approval.CUBEH12917_MB_1m_MLLW188.76-1.90Complete MBESNOAA_1m1CUBEH12917_MB_1m_MLLW_Final20-1.9Complete MBESNOAA_1m1CUBEH12917_MB_2m_MLLW184.41-1.81Complete MBESNOAA_2m2CUBEH12917_MB_2m_MLLW_Final4018Complete MBESNOAA_2m2CUBEH12917_MB_4m_MLLW184.38-1.32Complete MBESNOAA_4m4CUBEH12917_MB_4m_MLLW_Final8036Complete MBESNOAA_4m4CUBEH12917_MB_8m_MLLW184.34-1.18Complete MBESNOAA_8m8CUBEH12917_MB_8m_MLLW_Final16072Complete MBESNOAA_8m8CUBEH12917_MB_16m_MLLW184.32-0.32Complete MBESNOAA_16m16CUBEH12917_MB_16m_MLLW_Final184.32144Complete MBESNOAA_16m16NOAA Profile V_5_3CARIS9.1.7HIPS/SIPSAll data reduction procedures conform to those detailed in the DAPR.All sounding systems were calibrated as detailed in the DAPR.Backscatter data, logged as .7k files, were acquired but not formally processed by Rainier personnel. Sample backscatter lines were reviewed on Rainier for quality control purposes. The data shall be submitted directly to the Processing Branch.Refer to the Data Acquisition and Processing Report (DAPR) for a complete description of data acquisition and processing systems, survey vessels, quality control procedures and data processing methods. Additional information to supplement sounding and survey data, and any deviations from the DAPR are discussed in the following sections.SeaBat 7125-BMBESResonSeaBat 7125 SV2MBESResonSVP71Surface Sound Speed ProbeResonSBE 19plus SEACAT ProfilerConductivity, Temperature, and Depth SensorSea-Bird ElectronicsPOS MV v5Positioning and Attitude SystemApplanix19055.70.3519065.80.3328048.81.128028.81.128018.81.128038.81.1All data for H12917 were acquired by survey launches (2801, 2802, 2803, 2804) and skiffs (1905, 1906). The launches acquired MBES depth soundings, sound speed profiles, bottom samples, and backscatter data. The skiffs (1905, 1906) conducted shoreline verification.The project area is referred to as Sheet 7: "Village Islands" within the Project Instructions. The area is east of Village Islands, Alaska (Figure 1). The area encompasses a total of 12.88 SNM.H12917 assigned survey limitsSupportFiles\A.1.png57.8325333333153.43238333357.7149153.5555Complete multibeam echo sounder (MBES) coverage was achieved within the assigned survey area except where kelp, rocks or other dangerous conditions prevented survey operations to continue further inshore. These areas were generally located very near shore, were subject to dangerous wave action, and judged to be navigationally insignificant. The Village Islands are a challenging location to survey as there were many navigationally significant rocks and features. In addition there were several areas where the NALL was reached before the sheet limits. Figure 7 depicts an area that was not surveyed due to the NALL being reached at all entrances. Local knowledge is required to operate in the area west of the largest village island. Figure 8 depicts where the NALL was reached around hazardous shoals which preclude further acquisition inshore around these features. This area has been submitted as a foul area due to rocks. Figure 9 shows a small holiday caused by acoustic shadowing. The holiday is in the 1-meter surface between the depths of 10 and 18 meters. Based on the coverage the shoalest most navigationally significant part of the feature has been covered. Northern section of the Village Islands on chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (sheet limits shown as black line.) This area was deemed unsafe to survey without local knowledge. SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig_4.pngNorthern section of the Village Islands on chart Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (sheet limits shown as black line.) Area not safe to transit inside due to reaching the NALL via depth. SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig_7.pngVillage Islands section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 survey coverage. The subset editor is shown of a small holiday in the 1-meter surface caused by acoustic shadowing.SupportFiles\H12917_Acoustic_Holiday.jpgInshore limit greater than 8 meters water depthComplete Coverage MBES (HSSD Section 5.2.2.3 Option A)Inshore limit to 8 meters water depth.Complete coverage MB with backscatter (Section 5.2.2.3) or Set Line Spacing MBES or SBES at 100m (HSSD Section 5.2.2.4).2016-09-182016-09-192016-09-202016-09-212016-09-292016-09-302016-10-012016-10-032016-10-042016-10-052016-10-062016-10-072016-10-142016-10-152016-10-16071012.887No data was submitted for 9/29/2016 (DN273) and no entries for this day were noted in the submitted acquisition and processing logs.28010000000037.8528020000000083.8128030000000018.62280420.60000000080.3720.60009.000000220.65The Pydro QC Tools Grid QA function was used to analyze H12917 multibeam echo sounder (MBES) data density. Each finalized, single-resolution surface met HSSD density requirements (Figures 2-6).Pydro derived histogram plot showing HSSD density compliance of H12917 1-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_1m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.density.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing HSSD density compliance of H12917 2-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_2m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.density.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing HSSD density compliance of H12917 4-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_4m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.density.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing HSSD density compliance of H12917 8-meter resolution MBES data. SupportFiles\H12917_MB_8m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.density.pngPydro derived histogram plot showing HSSD density compliance of H12917 16-meter resolution MBES data.SupportFiles\H12917_MB_16m_MLLW_Final.QAv2.density.pngThe entire survey is adequate to supersede previous data.Acquired survey coverage overlaid on chart 16597SupportFiles\A.4.pngSurvey data were acquired within survey limits in accordance with the requirements in the Project Instructions and the Hydrographic Surveys Specifications and Deliverables (HSSD). The purpose of this project is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charting products, which will support Kodiak's large fishing fleet and increasing levels of passenger vessel traffic.Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM)Multibeam Echo SounderMultibeam Echo Sounder BackscattermetersNavigable AreaThe purpose of this survey is to provide contemporary surveys to update National Ocean Service (NOS) nautical charts. All separates are filed with the hydrographic data. Any revisions to the Descriptive Report (DR) generated during office processing are shown in bold red italic text. The processing branch maintains the DR as a field unit product, therefore, all information and recommendations within the body of the DR are considered preliminary unless otherwise noted. The final disposition of surveyed features is represented in the OCS nautical chart update products. All pertinent records for this survey, including the DR, are archived at the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and can be retrieved via http://www.ncei.noaa.gov/.Edward J. Van Den Ameele CAPT/NOAA2016-05-162016-09-182016-10-162016Pacific Hydrographic BranchAlaska (-8)NOAA05/16/201640000AlaskaUnited States7Village IslandsH12917Village IslandsNorth Coast of KodiakOPR-P136-RA-16NOAA Ship RAINIERNo Maritime Boundary Points were assigned for this survey.No charted features exist for this survey.Two danger to navigation reports were submitted and are included in Appendix II of this report.92016-12-12H12917 Danger to Navigation Report.pdf2017-02-09H12917 Danger to Navigation Report Part 2.pdfNo uncharted features exist for this survey.Seven bottom samples were investigated for this survey; the results are included in the H12917 Final Feature File submitted with this report. Features of navigational significance are discussed in the chart comparison sections above or are included in the H12917 Final Feature File submitted with this report.No channels exist for this survey. There are no designated anchorages, precautionary areas, safety fairways, traffic separation schemes, pilot boarding areas, or channel and range lines within the survey limits.Chart 16597 covers the entire H12917 survey area. Numerous inconsistencies between H12917 data and Chart 16597 were found, those with navigational significance are discussed below: The area around the village islands generally has shoaler areas, not identified from the previous survey of the area. See Figure 25 and 26 for general reference to the northern and southern portions of H12917. In figure 27 there is a row of shoaler soundings less than 10 fathoms extending 530 meters NE off the northern village islands 10 fathom contour. The furthermost sounding is a 9.3 fathom depth at a 42 fathom chart sounding. There are also two other soundings less than 10 fathoms off shore from the 10 fathom contour. In figure 28 there are several examples of soundings less than 10 fathoms that are navigationally significant. In figure 29 there are several examples of soundings less than 10 fathoms that are navigationally significant. There is also a 225 m difference in the charted 50 fathom contour and the surveyed contour. In figure 30 an example of a sounding less than 10 fathoms outside of a 10 fathom contour near the ATON in the SE portion of H12917 coverage area. 165972017-02-081025592017-02-04800002015-04Village Islands southern section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (sheet limits shown as dashed black line.)SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_South.pngVillage Islands northern section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (sheet limits shown as dashed black line.)SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North.pngVillage Islands northern section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (shoal areas highlighted with yellow circle.) SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig.pngVillage Islands section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (shoal areas highlighted with yellow circle.)SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig_2.pngVillage Islands section of Chart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (shoal areas highlighted with yellow circle.)SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig_3.pngChart 16597 overlaid with H12917 contours and soundings (shoal areas highlighted with yellow circle.)SupportFiles\H12917_Chart_Comparison_North_Detailed_Navsig_6.pngElectronic Navigation Chart (ENC) US4AK5QM coincides with Chart 16597, therefore a comparison between H12917 and the ENC is equivalent to the preceding comparison with Chart 16597.72016-10-24US4AK5QM800002016-04-17falseA comparison was made between H12917 survey data and Chart 16597 using a range of single resolution CARIS CUBE surfaces, selected soundings and contours.No new insets are recommended for this area.No present or planned construction or dredging exist within the survey limits.No overhead features exist for this survey.No submarine features such as cables, pipelines or tunnels were detected within the H12917 survey area.No Aids to Navigation (ATONs) were specifically assigned for this survey. The FL G 6s 58ft 5M "1" light was visually verified and appears to serve its intended purpose.FL G 6s 58ft "1" Aid to NavigationSupportFiles\H12917_ATON_1.JPGNo platforms exist for this survey.No prior surveys were provided for this project. No ferry routes or terminals exist for this survey.There are no significant features in the survey area that are not discussed elsewhere in this report.No new surveys or further investigations are recommended for this area.Shoreline verification was conducted in accordance with applicable sections of NOAA HSSD and FPM using the Project Reference File (PRF) and Composite Source File (CSF) provided with the Project Instructions. In the field, all assigned features that were safe to approach, were addressed as required with S-57 attribution and recorded in the H12917 Final Feature File (FFF) to best represent the features at chart scale. This file also includes new features found in the field as well as recommendations to update, retain or delete assigned features. Refer to the Supplemental Correspondence folder submitted with this report for a discussion concerning incomplete attribution of CSF features provided by HSD OPS. Assigned feature ID US 0000000361 00001 was not addressed during shoreline verification due to the area being too shoal to access. In Figure 31 the assigned feature is shown 92 meters off shore. Assigned feature ID US 0000000361 00001 was not addressed due to the area being too shoal to access. SupportFiles\Unassigned_Feature.jpgEllipsoidally Referenced Zoned Tides (ERZT) methods were used to transform between the ellipsoid and water level data. A 1000-meter resolution separation model was computed between the ellipsoid and MLLW using real-time position measurements observed during the survey relative to the vessel water line and the TCARI tide file. "GPS tides" were then computed using the above separation model and the corrected GPS-height-to-water-level data (SBET). The 1000-meter resolution separation model was generated in WGS84 as were the SBETs. For additional information see the OPR-P136-RA-16 ERS Capability Memo included with the supplemental correspondence.ERS via ERZTH12917_WGS84_MLLW_SEP_1000m.csar945-5500SeldoviaMean Lower Low WaterH12917 features were tide corrected using a .tid file created in Pydro using the "TCARI TID file via S-57" function then loaded in CARIS Notebook.2016-10-242016-10-28FinalP136RA2016.tcFinal Approved9455500.tidTCARIAdditional information discussing the vertical or horizontal control for this survey can be found in the accompanying HVCR.The Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) was used as real-time horizontal control for this survey.Single Base9715Greg's VistaWorld Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84(G1674))Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) Zone 5 North