Ok, so the towed magnetometer we will use has a cone that covers 3,000' (1500 to each side), so we could only need to run two passes on each side of the reef, and one directly over the reef. We will overlap each 1500'. The plan will be to run along the reef so the cone will cover the outer 1500' of the reef and an additional 1500' outside the reef in 1 mile stretches. Turn around and run 1500' off the reef so we overlap the 1500' just off the reef and get an additional 1500' outside the reef. Depending on positive hits, we may run an additional 1500' further outside, by that is TBD. Next we will map over the reef itself, and then inside the reef in similar passes. However, I expect most of the hits to be within the 3,000' outside the reef, the reef itself, and inside the reef.

A second small tender will launch from the main boat to inspect spots showing promise.

So, we need 5 in this venture. Two to operate the magnetometer, 2 to dive/inspect points on interest, and one to stay on the main boat to coordinate the day. Once we locate an area, we will have 4 in the water and 1 topside.

The first few weeks will be boring as we work this process every day. Once we find a site that is promising, we will have to survey the area and submit a lease to the correct Florida state office so we will have exclusive rights to that area. We will need to make sure we file a claim that covers the entire area (and additional area outside) so some jackass doesn't come up and submit a lease adjacent to ours, which will happen if we are not careful.

quote:

The PROTON 5 is a fifth-generation proton magnetometer from JW Fishers. It is a top performing microprocessor driven marine magnetometer detection system. The Proton 5 definitive detector for iron and steel targets. It's maximum range capability of 1,500 feet (450m) on each side (3,000-foot total swath) lets you search a wide area quickly and completely. The mag is also a good choice to locate a variety of smaller targets such as pipelines, anchors, chains, cannons, dredge heads, etc. It is especially useful when objects are buried in the bottom and can't be found with sonar or video search systems. The detection range is unaffected by the medium between the magnetometer and the metal target. Performance does not change whether detecting through air, water, silt, sand, or solid coral. It's extremely large detection area make this magnetometer the ideal choice for both commercial operations and professional wreck hunters.