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VideoRay Reveals ROV contribution to USCG Minot Light Memorial Research - September 25, 2007

Pictures, and Video from the underwater robot, are now available

In June, The US Coast Guard launched an expedition to investigate and preserve the wreckage of the Minot Light lighthouse in Cohasset, Massachusetts. The lighthouse was destroyed in a storm in April, 1851, a disaster which caused the deaths of two lightkeepers. The USCG team worked with the underwater archeologists from the University of Massachusetts, divers from the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

While the divers worked within an established zone marked by buoys, thought to be the most likely location for the remains of the lighthouse, the actual remains were discovered by an operator of the Coast Guard’s VideoRay Pro 3 GTO Remotely Operated Vehicle on the third day of the search, a short distance outside of the search zone.

Gunner’s Mate Carl Shipley, the primary operator of Boston Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) VideoRay, discovered the iron legs as he glided along on the bottom at over 3 knots. Video of the discovery, which occurred on the third day of searching can be found on (link)

Scott Bentley , President of VideoRay, was very impressed with the Boston unit’s use and mastery of underwater technology. “These folks are very innovative – the use of our PC Pilot with wireless controllers, for example. This allows control of the submersible from the boat deck while the submersible control box is safely below – more efficient and effective results with fewer people. Also, their custom fabrication of a case for their laptops, and the ability to instantly transmit pictures of underwater discoveries via cellphone carriers is pretty unique. It’s a tribute to GM1 Shipley, his colleagues and command, that they can accomplish these cutting edge tasks.”

boston.com:
A beacon on the past – Expedition searches for sunken Cohasset lighthouse

Military.com:
CG Team to Explore Sunken Lighthouse

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 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.