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Deadly Dives - June 01, 2004

“Alert Diver” Magazine Highlights Role of ROVs in Hazardous Environments – Excerpted from “Alert Diver,” the Magazine of Divers Alert Network.

If life-endangering water conditions are discovered at a requested dive site – whether their nature is biological, currents or obstructions, for example – a mission determination favors the life of the diver. In some cases, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) can be used to photograph and even retrieve recovery items. This was the case when the ATF Dive Team investigated fires that burned the boats of President-elect George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce designate Don Evans the night Bush’s election was confirmed in December 2000.”

“The team was dispatched after ATF’s Houston Field Division requested assistance with its fire investigation. Initial dives proved the area was too hazardous for safe diving. The team then used an underwater ROV with scanning sonar capabilities to identify and recover wreckage. Recovered evidence proved the use of an accelerant and led to the arrest and conviction of an arson suspect.”

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.