Abstract
While autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are increasingly being used to perform mine countermeasures (MCM) operations, the capability of these systems is limited by the efficiency of the planning process. In this paper we study the problem of multiobjective MCM mission planning with an AUV. In order to overcome the inherent complexity of the problem, a multi-stage algorithm is proposed and evaluated. Our algorithm combines an evolutionary algorithm (EA) with a local search procedure based on simulated annealing (SA), aiming at a more flexible and effective exploration and exploitation of the search space. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was also integrated in the evolutionary procedure to guide the search. The results show that the proposed strategy can efficiently identify a higher quality solution set and solve the mission planning problem.

Abstract
This paper presents the design of low cost, small autonomous surface vehicle for missions in the coastal waters and specifically for the challenging surf zone. The main objective of the vehicle design described in this paper is to address both the capability of operation at sea in relative challenging conditions and maintain a very low set of operational requirements (ease of deployment). This vehicle provides a first step towards being able to perform general purpose missions (such as data gathering or patrolling) and to at least in a relatively short distances to be able to be used in rescue operations (with very low handling requirements) such as carrying support to humans on the water. The USV is based on a commercially available fiber glass hull, it uses a directional waterjet powered by an electrical brushless motor for propulsion, thus without any protruding propeller reducing danger in rescue operations. Its small dimensions (1.5 m length) and weight allow versatility and ease of deployment. The vehicle design is described in this paper both from a hardware and software point of view. A characterization of the vehicle in terms of energy consumption and performance is provided both from test tank and operational scenario tests. An example application in search and rescue is also presented and discussed with the integration of this vehicle in the European ICARUS (7th framework) research project addressing the development and integration of robotic tools for large scale search and rescue operations.

Abstract
This paper aims at presenting the STRONGMAR Summer School 2016 that took place at the Base Naval de Lisboa, of the Portuguese Navy. The STRONGMAR project ideal motivates the development of maritime and marine science research and technology through the knowledge transfer between INESC TEC and promising, and prestigious, leading research European institutions. This process takes place through theoretical lectures and training, and via experimental application of the concepts discussed in order to further develop technology related to the sea environment. The practical application of the STRONGMAR project ideal takes place during events such as summer schools, winter schools, thematic workshops and scientific conferences. The STRONGMAR Summer School 2016 approaches the subject of "Introduction to Advanced Marine Technologies", providing a strong component of practical applications in underwater archaeology. It develops the study of unmanned systems applied to underwater archaeology, through the use of unmanned underwater vehicles. As a whole, this paper describes the Summer School experience, providing some results and greater insight on the topic of underwater archaeology.

Abstract
The autonomy of robotic underwater vehicles is dependent on the ability to perform long-term and long-range missions without need of human intervention. While current state-of-the-art underwater navigation techniques are able to provide sufficient levels of precision in positioning, they require the use of support vessels or acoustic beacons. This can pose limitations on the size of the survey area, but also on the whole cost of the operations. Terrain Based Navigation is a sensor-based navigation technique that bounds the error growth of dead reckoning using a map with terrain information, provided that there is enough terrain variability. An obvious advantage of Terrain Based Navigation is the fact that no external aiding signals or devices are required. Because of this unique feature, terrain navigation has the potential to dramatically improve the autonomy of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). This paper consists on a comprehensive survey on the recent developments for Terrain Based Navigation methods proposed for AUVs. The survey includes a brief introduction to the original Terrain Based Navigation formulations, as well as a description of the algorithms, and a list of the different implementation alternatives found in the literature. Additionally, and due to the relevance, Bathymetric SLAM techniques will also be discussed.

Abstract
This paper presents the last developments towards vision-based target tracking by an AUV. The main concepts behind the visual relative localization are provided and the results from a statistical analysis for the relative localization algorithm are presented. The purpose of this analysis is to ensure properness of data used to feed controllers that are responsible for governing the AUV motion. A new set of controllers enabling the AUV to track a visual target is given. Experimental data from obtained from tests in tank are presented, validating both the visual relative localization and control of the AUV.

Abstract
A new small-sized autonomous surface vehicle actuated by a water-jet has been developed at INESC TEC for search and rescue of victims at sea. This paper describes the vehicle main components and presents the control and guidance laws governing the motion and enabling it to perform line-following and target tracking missions. Results from field trials are presented, demonstrating the capabilities and the performances of the vehicle along with its control layer.