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US Coast Guard Purchases Fourth VideoRay with Desert Star Navigation - August 10, 2003

Fleet Expands with Top of the Line 8-Pound Underwater Robot Equipped for Ship Hull Inspections

VideoRay LLC announced today that the US Coast Guard has purchased VideoRay systems valued over $231,000. The miniature swimming robots are currently used to investigate potential underwater dangers. The Coast Guard is testing VideoRays to quickly, efficiently, and economically inspect ships, piers and harbors for condition and security.

The purchase includes a VideoRay Pro II, four Desert Star Shiphull Inspection systems, peripheral equipment, and training. This follows the initial purchase of three VideoRay Pro units in December 2002, training classes, and demonstrations and deployments throughout several Coast Guard locations.

The Hull Inspection system from Desert Star (www.desertstar.com) allows precision navigation and location of any target or condition on a ship hull. When added to the VideoRay vehicle, a small team can quickly and methodically inspect either an entire ship hull or only those areas which are the most likely to be tampered with. Because the Desert Star equipment is very light and rapidly deployed, technicians can accomplish the inspection while the ship is still miles from port. This practice enhances safety while minimizing disruptions to shipping and dock usage scheduling.

About VideoRay:
With more than 1,950 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

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WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.