XBT/XCTD standard test procedures for reliability and performance tests of expendable probes at sea. Revised draft.

Abstract

The best way to assure a quality XBT or XCTD is to implement a standard set of procedures for testing the probes. This document proposes a three step process for insuring XBT/XCTD quality: 1. Start with a set of specifications that must be adhered to, by either laboratory testing or documentation from the manufacturer, before proceeding onto the field evaluations. 2. Next is a standard reliability testing procedure under normal ship of opportunity conditions, i.e. on a vessel underway. 3. Finally and most important is a side-by-side comparison with a cable lowered high precision CTD as a field reference.