Meet Nemo: Washington State Ferries very own Underwater ROV

Shannon Regan | January 31st, 2018

Washington State Ferries introduces Nemo, their very own Deep Trekker Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). Using the new DTX2 underwater drone, the ferry operators are able to conduct regular and ongoing inspections of the ferry hulls and props; without a diver.

A vessel’s structural integrity requires periodic inspections of the vessel’s hull during transit and when entering ports. Deep Trekker commercial grade underwater ROVs provide an affordable and user-friendly way to perform marine surveys, ship inspections and more without the need and added cost of diver intervention.

Washington State Ferries and their ROV, Nemo

Washington State Ferries is a valued customer of Deep Trekker and uses the DTX2 ROV - otherwise known as “Nemo” - to inspect their boat hulls, propellers, and rudders.

Benefits of an ROV Hull Inspection

Washington State Ferries -

Deep Trekker ROV

Emergency hull inspections, nighttime inspections, and marine checks are easily completed with Deep Trekker ROVs. Vessel owners now have a way to monitor the status of their hull without needing to dry dock it or send divers into unknown areas. In turn, this gives them the opportunity to address any potential issues at the outset, avoiding high costs and further damage to boat hulls. If an ROV boat inspection reveals any damage, you will know exactly and immediately where to send your repair team.

“The ROV gives us that sense right away if there’s a problem or not,” said Cotty Fay, Chief Naval Architect. “If we lose a boat for half a day not knowing and waiting for divers to show up, it can cost the public and economy a lot. [The DTX2] has definitely paid for itself already.”

Low Cost of Regular Underwater Drone Inspections

The Deep Trekker DTX2 allows the Washington State Ferries to perform regular inspections without the cost and high risk of having divers. The ROV’s spherical shape and patented pitching system allows you to effortlessly maneuver it into tight spots, where divers would otherwise not be able to swim to.

Portable and Rapid ROV Deployment

The internal battery - which lasts up to 8 hours on a single 1.5-hour charge - also prevents the need for excessive cord management and constant “top-ups”, which further simplifies the operation of the ROV for boat hull inspections. The lack of need for connectivity to a generator or topside box means you can deploy an ROV from just about anywhere on the vessel or docks - and even in the most remote locations.