What is an ROV?
The term ROV stands for Remotely Operated Vehicle. This is an underwater robot that allows the operator to remain in a comfortable environment while the ROV works in the hazardous environment below. ROVs are used in underwater enivironments to dangerous or deep for human divers to operate within. This makes them a useful tool in the field of Maritime Archaeology when surveying wrecks and other underwater archaeological sites. The ROV can vary in size from small vehicles with TVs for simple observation up to complex work systems , which can have several dextrous manipulators, TVs, video cameras, robotic grips, tools and other equipment.
Picture taken by Tom Jervis
The vehicle is powered from the surface through an 'umbilical' line that runs out the back of the robot. This limits the distance between the power source and the ROV but usually the permitted distance is sufficient for its tasks. To operate an ROV requires minimal staff personnel and is usually operated from a ship, however it can be deployed from docks and in some cases sea ice. The robot is very manouverable in the water making exploration alot easier. Depending on the size of the ROV the working depth may reach a maximum of 7,000 metres. However the smaller ones may be used in exploring sewers, pipelines and caves. The amount of time an ROV is able to remain submerged is only limited by pilot endurance, most dives are limited to 4 hours due to pilot fatigue. Piloting requires total and continuous concentration. Some projects will operate a shift system between pilots.