3 Key Ways ROV Pre-Dive Checks Optimize Diving Operations

Rachel Doornekamp | July 23rd, 2020

Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are a versatile tool to assist commercial divers in performing inspections in enclosed spaces including tanks, pipes and intake structures or in open water applications, such as hull inspections or salvage operations.

Submersible ROVs and commercial divers are truly the optimal team for completing underwater tasks. Combining the strengths of both divers and underwater ROVs creates a mutually beneficial relationship.

The diving industry plays a large role in ocean exploration, infrastructure, aquaculture, military and salvage operations. Essentially anytime something leaks, crashes, sinks or catches fire in the marine world, commercial salvage crews are called to solve the problem. Without divers, underwater incidents can have seriously detrimental impacts to surrounding ecosystems and human health. Despite the associated risks and dangers, salvage diving operations are extremely important.

In addition to taking care of problems in the marine world, commercial divers also perform inspections and fix issues in various industrial situations. Nuclear power plants for example require consistent inspection to ensure structural integrity on submerged components. Structures like cooling tanks require regular inspection and cannot be drained for routine inspection.

With such a broad and potentially dangerous breadth of tasks, underwater drones can assist divers to maximize efficiency, effectiveness and most importantly - safety.

One of the primary ways that an ROV helps commercial divers is the ability to conduct pre-checks. Using Deep Trekker ROVs dive teams can conduct a preliminary inspection to perform safety checks, accurately quote contracts, determine specific tools and resources required and pinpoint the appropriate dive site. Pre-dive inspections allow divers and their team to use their time and resources effectively underwater while keeping humans safe.

1.Safety Check

Diving is inherently dangerous, no matter the situation. Human safety is paramount in any mission. Before sending a human under the water, an ROV can conduct a safety survey to ensure that the job is safe for a diver.

Using the camera equipped vehicle dive teams can effectively check for any underwater risks. Protruding branches or wires that divers could get snagged on can be identified in advance. Varying water conditions or nearby hazards can be spotted easily allowing teams to enter the water prepared.

Furthermore, the ROV pre-check provides users with a lay of the land. Divers can get their bearings before they even enter the water. Operators can also look for potentially hazardous or confined spaces to avoid or plan for.

Deep Trekker’s battery powered and easily deployed ROVs are quick and easy to use - providing dive teams with a reliable way to confirm the safety of their mission.

2. Accurately Quote Contracts

An ROV pre-check enables dive teams to fully examine the upcoming mission. 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 scope of the task can be fully understood, including personnel required, equipment, time, etc.

By gathering a complete understanding of the task at hand, dive teams are well-equipped to provide clients with reliable information and accurate quotes.

Ask us about deploying ROVs to assess dive areas and monitor divers

3. Prep for Success

A pre-dive check with an ROV allows operators to accurately determine tasks before deploying a diver. By checking the job first with an ROV, teams can ensure that nothing is missed or overlooked.

Optimal dive sites can be carefully chosen during pre-dive checks. The pre-dive check also ensures that not only are the correct personnel available but that those divers are well-prepared to complete the job at hand.

In doing this, dive teams can be fully equipped to fix underwater issues safely, accurately and successfully.

Brainstorm Solutions

By conducting a pre-dive check, personnel have the opportunity to brainstorm and work together to determine the best solution. The diver does not have to independently assess the situation and come up with a solution all while operating underwater on a limited supply of oxygen. With the pre-dive ROV check, teams can come up with the best possible solution while optimizing time and money.

Further Safety

Diver safety can be optimized with the use of an ROV during the dive as well. By monitoring divers from the topside, operators can ensure safety and security for divers. Those topside can ensure that divers are safe and following safety protocols. Real-time video observation allows any issues to be caught immediately with immediate emergency assistance if necessary. Whether open water or confined spaces, real time monitoring is incredibly beneficial for scuba diving safety.

Operating an underwater robot from topside also allows for the dive to be accurately recorded for later review. Recording underwater dive operations in 4K UHD provides value to both divers and their clients. Commercial diving companies can show the video to their clients to demonstrate their valuable and important work. Divers can evaluate dives to determine where operations and efficiency could be improved. Companies can also create a historical directory of diving content for marketing, documentation and review purposes. Add value to customers by providing high quality service reports.

Deep Trekker ROVs

Deep Trekker has two underwater ROV models; the DTG3 and the REVOLUTION. Deep Trekker ROVs are designed for maximum portability and maneuverability. Its compact size and onboard battery power allows access to remote locations.

The DTG3 is an intelligent and advanced vehicle. The mini observation-class vehicle is portable and easy to use, allowing operators to quickly deploy and inspect underwater environments.

Mission-ready with serious payload capabilities and advanced stabilization, the REVOLUTION is a completely re-imagined ROV. The patented pending revolving head allows operators to rotate the camera, manipulators and sonar all while station holding in moving water.Using an ROV to conduct pre-dive inspections can increase safety and efficiency, ultimately saving time and money.

You can learn more about how commercial dive teams use Deep Trekker vehicles in our case study with Extreme Divers or our blog How Commercial Divers Can Benefit from an ROV. Our team of industry experts is always here to answer any questions you may have, reach out today!

Do you want to take the leap and create an ROV package of your own? We can make a custom Deep Trekker package just for you. Talk to one of our team members today to get started.