Submersibles A small vehicle designed to operate underwater for research and exploration. Can be crewed or uncrewed. Two basic types of uncrewed submersibles: Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) which is controlled from the surface by a tether or a cable. Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), eliminates the cable and carries its own power.
A picture of Buttercup – a ROV used in Kachemak Bay, Homer, Alaska for Rockfish population surveys
More information: Submersibles come in many shapes and sizes, and have the capability to visit the ocean depths, make measurements, collect data, recover lost equipment, explore, even possible rescue activity. They have been very important to the oil and gas industry – laying pipeline underwater, surveys, and inspections.
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Launched from a Larger Ship
Jason Jr. Underwater ROV deployed from ALVIN to explore the TITANIC ALVIN: Small, manned submersible Jason Jr. Underwater ROV deployed from ALVIN to explore the TITANIC ROV - Phantom DS4 turbosquid.com
ROV and AUV Equipment Power Sources Lights Cameras Instruments for scientific measurements Some have mechanical arms or manipulators Sonars Hydrophones
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
AUV being used for detection of derelict fish traps in Virgin Islands to avoid ghost fishing
Glider to Measure CO2
There are many examples of ROVs and AUVs Using the internet, spend 15 minutes looking for ROVs and AUVs What can you find? Where are they used? What are they used for? What kind of instruments do they have? Collect information on your favorite one, on its type, location, purpose. Write this down and be ready to share it with your class.