Underwater Acoustic Test Facility: Dr Jitendra Singh Calls It a ‘Critical National Asset’
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Synopsis
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh commended the Underwater Acoustic Test Facility at NIOT, Chennai, for its global recognition and certification. He emphasized its crucial role in India's scientific self-reliance and national security. The facility is now recognized as a 'Designated Laboratory' for underwater acoustics, enhancing measurement accuracy for strategic sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Global recognition of Underwater Acoustic Test Facility.
- Designated Laboratory status under BIPM.
- Supports ocean observation and tsunami detection.
- Vital for national security and strategic applications.
- Accredited by NABL since 2005.
Chennai, April 12 (NationPress) Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday praised the global acknowledgment and international validation of the Underwater Acoustic Test Facility (ATF) located at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai.
He referred to it as a significant achievement in India’s quest for scientific independence in underwater acoustics and ocean technology, labeling the facility a “critical national asset”.
The minister emphasized its essential function in bolstering India’s self-sufficiency in ocean technology.
“The Acoustic Test Facility amplifies our ocean observation skills, aids tsunami detection mechanisms, and enhances national security through its strategic uses,” he stated.
In a landmark development, the facility was recently designated as India’s “Designated Laboratory” in the domain of underwater acoustics under the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) in Paris, effective January 30, 2024, through CSIR-NPL.
This designation signifies that NIOT now upholds the national standards for measurements in underwater acoustics, a vital duty for guaranteeing measurement precision across critical sectors.
Dr. Singh also observed a live demonstration showcasing the facility’s abilities, which encompass precise testing and calibration of a variety of underwater acoustic instruments, including hydrophones, transducers, and acoustic modems—essential for both strategic and civilian uses.
Established in 2004 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the ATF stands as India’s sole facility accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) for hydrophone calibration.
Since 2005, it has reliably retained this accreditation, serving a diverse range of users, including naval laboratories, IITs, universities, and major industry players like BEL, L&T, and Tata Power.
In 2018, the facility’s global capabilities were validated when it took part in a Key Comparison Test organized by the National Physical Laboratory in the UK, alongside labs from seven other nations, including the US, UK, and Russia. The ATF’s calibration results aligned with international standards, confirming its equivalence to leading global laboratories.
As India intensifies its aspirations in ocean exploration and maritime safety, the Acoustic Test Facility is poised to play a crucial role in shaping future technologies.
