Capabilities

Sentry is equipped with a standard suite of scientific and engineering sensors. In addition, Sentry is a sufficiently flexible platform that additional sensors can be interfaced by PIs according to their specific interests and scientific needs. All sensors are rated to 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) except as noted. One of many advantage of Sentry vehicle is its expandable capabilities. Systems and sensors are generally described as "standard," "developmental," "ad-hoc," or "conceptual."

Standard

Standard capabilities are well established, well tested, do not require any special staffing considerations, have a reasonable level of reliability and spares, and should generally be considered available as long as they are requested on the pre-cruise forms.

e.g.  See the list of standard sensors in "Systems and Sensors"

Developmental

Developmental capabilities are capabilities that are established, but have not yet reached the level of a standard capability. Developmental capabilities are usually under improvement with a goal of eventually making them into standard capabilities. Developmental capabilities will generally be less reliable and require closer attendance with the vessel. Developmental capabilities should usually be considered available as long as they are discussed early in the cruise planning process but you should expect less reliability and fewer spares. We recommend you stay in touch with us leading up to your cruise regarding the current capabilities of the vehicle.

e.g. Vehicle-to-ship acoustic communications via surface glider (Trial report presented during the DeSSC Spring 2018 meeting)

Ad-hoc

Ad-hoc capabilities are things that we have done one or more times in the past but which have not had any significant long term infrastructure development. We can usually recreate ad-hoc capabilities, but these requests should usually be addressed at the proposal stage if they are critical and always as far in advance as possible. It should be expected that ad-hoc capabilities may not work the first time, may be undergoing active development during the cruise, will require the vessel to stay in communications range most of the time, and will probably require specific staffing.

e.g. See the list of "Project-specific sensors"

Conceptual

Conceptual capabilities are capabilities that have been discussed but have never been executed in practice or if they have it was done in an emergency in a one off way that is not readily reproducible. Conceptual capabilities must be discussed in well in advance, preferably prior to the proposal stage. It should be expected that conceptual capabilities will not work on the first several attempts and that incremental improvements will be required. Additional constraints on operations tempo, communications needs etc. should be expected