Diver or ROV? It's Not One or the Other

The ongoing discussion about the roles of divers and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in underwater inspections is essential, given the growing demand across industries for more cost-effective and safer solutions.

With the rise of new technologies such as ROVs, the potential to improve operational efficiency while minimizing risks to human life is more accessible than ever. However, the value of human divers, with their critical thinking and adaptability, remains indispensable.

The decision to employ divers or ROVs depends on various factors, including safety considerations, time constraints, budgetary limits, and the scope of the project.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how ROVs can complement and support divers in various underwater tasks, offering real-world examples to illustrate their effective collaboration.

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Time & Money

The second reason for deploying divers and ROVs simultaneously, creating the ultimate underwater duo, is the time and money that can be saved.

For basic inspection needs, an ROV can completely eliminate the costs of briefing and sending a diver into the water. With more complex jobs, divers are still very important and offer extremely valuable services. However using an ROV to compliment them during these jobs can easily reduce the time they are actually needed in the water. This significantly cuts down on hourly costs and reduces the need for as much oxygen.

Before a diver even dips a toe in the water, the ROV can be deployed to identify the area that needs to be worked on. The diver is not wasting underwater time locating and identifying problems, searching for damage, or determining a course of action to resolve the issue. Deploying an ROV before a dive allows stakeholders to see exactly what needs to be done and where, ensuring that all of the appropriate equipment is assembled and prepared before diving in.

Using an ROV gives a wider range of personnel the opportunity to brainstorm solutions to a particular problem. No longer does a diver have to independently assess the situation and come up with a solution, all while operating on a limited supply of oxygen.

Deep Trekker believes that using an ROV in conjunction with divers creates the optimal team to tackle underwater jobs. While the debate surrounding the question of whether it is better to use an ROV or hire a diver may continue, there should be focus on how they can be used together to reduce costs and improve safety and methods of underwater work.