The ROV Manual

The ROV Manual: A User Guide for Observation-Class Remotely Operated Vehicles is the first manual to provide a basic ""How To"" for using small observation-class ROVs for surveying, inspection and research procedures. It serves as a user guide that offers complete training and information about ROV operations for technicians, underwater activities enthusiasts, and engineers working offshore.

The book focuses on the observation-class ROV and underwater uses for industrial, recreational, commercial, and scientific studies. It provides information about marine robotics and navigation tools used to obtain mission results and data faster and more efficiently. This manual also covers two common denominators: the technology and its application. It introduces the basic technologies needed and their relationship to specific requirements; and it helps identify the equipment essential for a cost-effective and efficient operation.

This user guide can be invaluable in marine research and surveying, crime investigations, harbor security, military and coast guarding, commercial boating, diving and fishing, nuclear energy and hydroelectric inspection, and ROV courses in marine and petroleum engineering.

• The first book to focus on observation class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) underwater deployment in real conditions for industrial, commercial, scientific and recreational tasks
• A complete user guide to ROV operation with basic information on underwater robotics and navigation equipment to obtain mission results quickly and efficiently
• Ideal for anyone involved with ROVs complete with self-learning questions and answers

Marine research & surveying; nuclear energy/hydroelectric inspection; crime investigations; environmental monitoring agencies; harbour security; military & coast guard; commercial/recreational boating, diving & fishing; ROV courses in marine/petroleum engineering

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgments

History and dedication

Introduction

1 A bit of history

1.1 Introduction

1.2 What is an ROV?

1.3 In the beginning

1.4 Today’s observation-class vehicles

2 ROV design

2.1 Underwater vehicles to ROVs

2.2 Autonomy plus: ‘why the tether?’

2.3 The ROV

3 ROV components

3.1 Mechanical and electro/mechanical systems

3.2 Primary subsystems

3.3 Electrical considerations

3.4 Control systems

4 Underwater acoustics and positioning

4.1 Underwater acoustics

4.2 Acoustic positioning

5 Sonar

5.1 Sonar basics

5.2 Sonar types and interpretation

5.3 Sonar techniques

6 Oceanography

6.1 Distribution of water on Earth

6.2 Properties of water

6.3 Coastal zone classifications and bottom types

6.4 Effects of wave pattern upon ROV operation

7 Environment and navigation

7.1 The 3D environment

7.2 The necessity of achieving objectives through navigation

7.3 Currents and tether management

8 Homeland security

8.1 Concept of operations

8.2 Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)

8.3 Operating characteristics of ROV size categories

8.4 Port security needs

8.5 Underwater environment of ports

8.6 Navigation accessories

8.7 Techniques for accomplishing port security tasks

8.8 Development of TTPs for port security

8.9 Results of procedures testing by sizes

9 Explosive ordnance disposal and mine countermeasures

9.1 Background

9.2 EOD applications

9.3 MCM today

10 Public safety diving

10.1 Public safety diving defined

10.2 Mission objectives and finding items underwater with the ROV

10.3 When to use the diver/when to use the ROV

10.4 Search theory and electronic search techniques

11 Commercial, scientific, and archeological

11.1 Video documentation

11.2 High current operations

11.3 Operations on or near the bottom

11.4 Enclosed structure penetrations

11.5 Aquaculture

11.6 Documentation and disposition

12 Standard operating procedures

12.1 Overall operational objectives

12.2 Equipment mobilization

12.3 Operational considerations

12.4 Pre-dive operations and checks

12.5 Specific considerations for operational deployment of ROVs

12.6 Task list and guidelines

12.7 Post-dive procedures

13 Servicing and troubleshooting

13.1 Maintenance

13.2 Basics of ROV troubleshooting

13.3 Tools and spares for field work

13.4 Standard preventative maintenance checklist

13.5 Operational forms

14 Putting it all together

14.1 Attention to detail

14.2 Training and personnel qualifications

14.3 Equipment setup considerations

14.4 Division of responsibility

14.5 Boat handling

14.6 Marking the target(s)

14.7 Methods for navigating to the target

14.8 Sonar/ROV interaction

Appendix A Test questions and answers

Bibliography

Index