What is an ROV?

ROV is the abbreviation for remotely operated underwater vehicle. ROVs operate underwater and are connected to the surface by a tether where they are controlled by a pilot or team of pilots. The tether is the way in which video signals and power for motor and equipment control are transferred to and from the ROV. All ROVs have motors to make them maneuverable and camera(s) so the pilot can see where the ROV is going. Many professional ROVs also have lights and sonar to assist in navigation. Depending on the ROV’s purpose there may be many other appendages such as gripper arms, thermometers, water and material samplers, etc.

ROV are categorized into these five classes:

·         Class I Observation ROVs: Simple ROVs with just a camera, possibly sonar and are used only for observation and exploration

http://subseaworldnews.com/2011/11/30/norway-i-tech-announces-award-from-statoil-for-provision-of-rov-services/tiger-observation-class-rov/

·         Class II Observation ROVs with Payload Option: These are the same as Class I ROVs but with the ability to carry things an either within their frame or with a simple gripper arm

http://www.seaeye.com/falcon.html 

·         Class III Work Class Vehicles: ROVs in this class are typically larger and have greater abilities than those in Classes I and II. They have a greater variety to sensors and manipulators/gripper arms.

http://www.hydro-international.com/news/id3427-New_Work_Class_ROVs.html 

·         Class IV Towed and Bottom Crawling Vehicles: These vehicles have very limited self-mobility to the point of needing to be pulled my a craft of the surface of the water. Their abilities are very specialized.

http://www.hellotrade.com/csip/product2.html

·         Class V Prototype or Development Vehicles: Vehicles in the category are not technically ROVs, but AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) that do not require continuous control from a pilot but have programming that allows them to complete tasks independently.

http://www.gizmag.com/eyes-ears-brains-autonomous-undewater-vehicles/17053/

The uses for ROVs are extensive: marine research, exploration, salvaging, and construction to name a few. Their main purpose is to do tasks that are not possible or safe for human divers. Some of their many uses are to explore shipwrecks, retrieve test torpedoes, repair oil wells, and collect marine samples and data.