This is a common question, however the answer isn’t as simple as just a number or a specification. The answer depends on the application. In general, ROV inspections and surveys can be broken down into two main categories; swimming to a single point or doing a thorough evaluation of an entire area. When swimming to a single location, an ROV is able to take on more current because the flight path it takes to get there does not matter - as long as it gets to the target. There are tools to help guide you, such as USBL Positioning Systems, Imaging Sonars or even Heading and Depth Sensors. The DTG3 ROV can fight through up to 2 knot currents and get to a target, while the Revolution can fight through up to 3 knot currents.
When performing a thorough survey, the DTG3 has Active Yaw Stabilization, Auto Heading and Auto Depth functionality that help it keep its course and stay on a steady path, however without the vectored thrusters that are featured on the Revolution, you are best to perform surveys with the DTG3 at slack tide, in 0.5 knot to 1 knot currents. With its vectored thrusters and greater power, the Revolution is able to fight against current in any direction and perform thorough evaluations in up to 2 knot currents.
It is important to note that the amount of tether deployed makes an impact on the ROVs ability to fight current. The more tether deployed, the more surface area for water to drag the ROV. Deep Trekker’s battery powered ROVs utilize thinner diameter (5mm) tethers than topside powered vehicles - this is beneficial as the drag effect increases exponentially with thicker tethers. The DTG3 is most effective when it has deployed less than 300m of tether. If over 300m, it is best practice to operate in lower currents. The Revolution is very capable with the tether deployed even up to the 800m amount.