What are the latest advances in work class remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology? What sort of small observation class vehicles are available? What if you need a vehicle that is not as big as a work class ROV, but bigger than the swimming camera variety? Glad you asked.

Sub-Atlantic's Cherokee
The redesigned Cherokee is the newest addition to Sub-Atlantic's fleet of ROVs. The vehicle comes complete with a plastic frame and uses the same proven electronics as found in Sub-Atlantic's Apache and Mohawk vehicles. A greater payload of 60kg has been achieved, with room for mounting additional sensors. Sub-Atlantic recently supplied a Cherokee ROV system to Nato SACLANT. The vehicle was delivered complete with a manipulator and purpose-built 6-function valve pack. Sea trials took place in late April 2001. The vehicle will primarily be used in a support role for Nato SACLANT's new AUV, which is due to be delivered later this year.

Technical training was carried out at Sub-Atlantic's headquarters in Aberdeen, and the pilot training was carried out at Subserve's premises in Cumbria. For more information on all Sub-Atlantic ROVs and accessories, contact Scott Jamieson by phone at +44 1224 723623, or e-mail him at scottj@subatlantic.co.uk.

Halliburton Subsea's ROV Fleet
Halliburton Subsea's ROV Group commenced ROV operations in 1976 with the purchase of its first ROV system. They've certainly come a long way. Today, the Group provides ROV services for both external clients and Halliburton Subsea projects on a global basis.

In 1982, Halliburton Subsea became one of the first contractors to design, build and operate its own ROVs. With almost 100 vehicle systems in service, ranging from advanced work class systems to small observation class vehicles, the company owns and operates one of the world's largest ROV fleets.

The development of their ROV fleet has been complemented by a similar growth in Halliburton Subsea's intervention tooling technology. Their ROV systems are designed and upgraded with emphasis on interfacing to this technology.

The observation class ROVs operated by Halliburton Subsea include the Seaeye 600, Boxer, Tiger, Surveyor, and Puma. In addition, the company has designed and built a 6,560-foot (2,000m) rated observation class ROV named Eagle-Eye and produced a number of Hawkeye ROVs, an upgrade of the popular Seaeye 600 ROV. The work class vehicles available from the Halliburton Susbea ROV fleet include many designed and built in-house, including the Pioneer HD, Examiner HD, and Centurion HD. The deepwater fleet includes the Clansman, capable of operating in depths to 6,560 feet (2,000m), as well as the 10,000-foot (3,000m) Hercules and the 16,400-foot (5,000m) Hammerhead.

One of the advantages of being an ROV manufacturer and operator is that design changes can be made to vehicles to suit particular project goals and applications.

There are six primary work activities that Halliburton Subsea executes with the assistance of ROVs.

• ROV drill rig support activities are undertaken using either an observation or work class vehicle system. On a number of long-term contracts Halliburton Subsea has designed and built wire-guided launch systems for the deployment of the work class ROV from semi-submersibles instead of using a conventional crane or A-frame. These have included the launch systems on the Borgny Dolphin, Jack Bates, and Sedco 704, ensuring that the ROVs can match the operating conditions to each rig.
• Detailed pipeline inspection and route surveys are performed from the company's dedicated ROV support vessels. The work class vehicles are deployed using Halliburton Subsea's unique moonpool launching system, significantly improving the harsh weather capabilities of a vessel for ROV work.
• ROV construction support work is executed from one of the company's construction vessels (Subsea Viking, Toisa Perseus, Toisa Polaris, etc.) or from client provided vessels.
• Platform inspection and cleaning operations feature vehicle deployment from either the platform or an offshore support vessel.
• Diver support operations are normally performed using an observation class ROV launching from the diving support vessel.
• Subsea intervention is performed from monohull vessels and barges using high specification work class ROVs. This area of business has developed significantly over recent years and is still evolving due to the technical demands being placed by the deepwater developments around the world.

As everyone in the industry knows, hardware is only part of the equation. In order for the equipment to work to its maximum capability, it is imperative that high quality and experienced personnel are also utilized. Halliburton Subsea employs a large number of offshore ROV personnel on a salaried basis to support global operations, with most of these having been with the company for many years.

A vital factor in Halliburton Subsea's success is the interaction between their offshore operations and onshore engineering groups. This highly beneficial relationship allows company designers to draw upon the practical experience gained in the offshore environment, thus enabling the creation of products that are reliable and appropriate to the task. The benefits are clear: successful projects and satisfied clientele.

Benthos Introduces Stingray
The new Stingray ROV from Benthos is designed as a small inspection class ROV, but with the performance characteristics of significantly larger and more powerful ROVs.

The Stingray is a flexible and modular design, enabling the customer to easily and efficiently configure the system for a wide range of inspection and light work task operations. The ROV can be fitted with a range of video or still cameras, electronic flashes, NDT devices, navigation equipment, and a range of manipulators. The modular design enables the customer to install a range of sensors and optional equipment. The expandability of the Stingray allows customers to undertake jobs with a small electric inspection class system that were previously possible only with larger, more expensive systems.

The Stingray incorporates a proprietary digital control system developed by Under Control, Reuben Schilling's company based in Davis, California. It utilizes an open system architecture based on an embedded Linux operating system. This robust control system further assures a high degree of system reliability. To assure ease of sensor integration, the standard system has eight serial, eight analog, and eight digital ports available for customer installed sensors.

Utilizing commercially available off-the-shelf Tecnadyne 1/2-horsepower thrusters, the Stingray system has the power characteristics of much larger ROVs. The four brushless DC electric motors are magnetically coupled to the thruster propeller, with no thruster shaft seal, ensuring reliability and robust design.

The Stingray is the latest in a long line of Benthos ROV systems. Their E-ROV is a video/sensor platform developed specifically to accommodate the unusual restrictions of working in the nuclear environment. The vehicle is constructed entirely of stainless steel parts and minimal fastening hardware. The majority of electronics are housed on the surface to reduce radiation exposure. An optional ROV DP position and automatic control system is available for controlling the ROV in a closed loop manner.

The Super SeaRover, rated to 1,000 feet (300m), is a high performance, low-cost system designed for harbor surveillance, exploration, mine countermeasures, underwater inspections, and surveys. It supports options such as scanning sonar, USB tracking systems, special function camera systems and multi-function articulators. Two horizontal thrusters, one vertical thruster, and one lateral thruster provide speeds up to five knots and the ability to turn on its own axis, reverse direction and move laterally and vertically while maintaining heading. A high resolution color video camera and lighting suite with pan and tilt capability is also standard.

Benthos' Openframe MiniRover MKII is a small, lightweight vehicle operational to 1,000 feet (300m). It is equipped with a high resolution, low light sensitive, color pan and tilt camera. The Openframe design provides ample room for sensors and other payload options such as an articulated arm, navigational tracking system, or sensors. For nuclear industry applications, the open frame design aids in washdown, and provides easy access to the vehicle and its components.

Designed to be used for a variety of underwater inspections and light-duty work tasks, the Benthos Manta ROV provides the offshore oil and gas industry an efficient alternative to larger, more expensive work-class vehicles. The Manta system includes an ROV with a depth capability to 4,921 feet (1,500m), tether management system, and topside control van.

The Openframe is an all-purpose ROV designed for maximum performance, payload capacity, and adaptability. It is moderately sized and priced as an alternative to heavy duty work vehicles, but is tough enough to meet the demands of offshore users. The Openframe is rated to 1,000 feet (300m), with an optional 3,000-foot (900m) version available, and can carry up to 100 pounds of payload. Benthos is based in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and can be reached by phone at 508-563-1000, e-mail at info@benthos.com, or visit them on the Web at www.benthos.com.

ISE Outfits Ocean Explorer
International Submarine Engineering (ISE) of Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada, recently built the 25Hp Oceanic Explorer ROV system for Eastern Oceanics. Used in scientific applications, the Oceanic Explorer features high resolution three-chip broadcast quality TV and hardware for multiple box core, grab samples, and punch cores.

Dave Lovalvo and the Oceanic Explorer were busy working off the coast of California during April of this year. The project was undertaken for Woods Hole, and was funded by the National Undersea Research Center, West Coast. The chief scientist on the project was Lisa Levin of Scripps Oceanographic Institute.

ISE has built science ROVs for the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, the Canadian Submersible Science Foundation, and the Korean Research Institute of Ship and Ocean Engineering. Besides oceanographic research, other target applications for ISE systems include search and salvage, subsea telecommunications support, offshore oil and gas support, and mine countermeasures.

ISE has two main ROV product lines: Hysub and Trailblazer vehicles. The Hysub electro-hydraulic submersible family is available from six to 250Hp. Several Hysubs have been designed to operate to depths of 16,400 feet (5,000m). They are generally equipped with two Magnum manipulators. The ROVs may be live-boated or cage deployed, and are provided with real time telemetry and control.

The Trailblazer ROV line is for mine countermeasures, and comes in 10, 25, and 30 horsepower configurations.

Oceanscan to Offer VideoRay ROVs for Rental
VideoRay, based in Exton, Pennsylvania, has partnered with Oceanscan of Aberdeen, Scotland, which will rent the tiny, portable, lightweight VideoRay ROV to companies for short hire jobs.

The VideoRay is the latest entry into the mini-ROV wars. Often referred to as observation class vehicles, they are essentially remotely operated camera systems that can access tight or hazardous areas for inspection purposes. Scott Bentley, President and co-founder of VideoRay, and Raymond Ruth, Sales Director of Oceanscan, got together to cement the deal at Oceanology International. Oceanscan is supporting a fleet of five VideoRay ROVs, which include manipulators and other accessories.

"Raymond and I see the critical role that this device plays in safe and effective inspection of many different commercial marine environments," says Bentley. "Oceanscan will superbly support the VideoRay and introduce its value to companies in need of ROVs for short-term projects."

Microsub Technologies, of Morgan City, Louisiana, is also a distributor of the VideoRay ROV. With expertise in the offshore industry, Microsub Technologies' President Tom Clark is introducing VideoRay to companies in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi as a new tool for all types of underwater operations. Costing less than one-third the cost of other ROVs for shallow-water inspections, the tethered VideoRay sub can dive to 500 feet (152m) deep.

Because it sends live video to the surface, VideoRay can be used to pre-dive an area or as a substitute for divers. VideoRay is portable, operable by one man, and powered by 110V or 220V. Its low power requirements allow VideoRay to be powered by a 12 Volt battery with an AC inverter for up to 12 hours. About the size of a shoebox, VideoRay is ideal for underwater inspections of platforms, ships, barges, pipelines, sewer outflows, marina pilings, and docks. Using VideoRay, potable water tanks can be inspected without special dive suits or the risk of contamination.

JW Fishers Low-Cost ROV Systems
For over 30 years, JW Fishers has specialized in the design and manufacture of reasonably priced, high tech underwater search equipment. They manufacture two low-cost ROVs, the SeaOtter and the SeaLion.

The SeaOtter was developed as a truly commercial grade, low-cost ROV. Priced under $20,000 with a 500-foot (152m) depth rating, the SeaOtter's color camera with 70 degrees of tilt and remote focus control provides an eyeball to the underwater world. A four-motor proportionally controlled propulsion system gives the ROV a high degree of maneuverability.

Weighing only 80 pounds, the SeaOtter can be deployed and recovered by a single person. Operating on 120vac with no special cable handling system required, the system is highly portable.

The primary applications for the SeaOtter are search and inspection. The SeaOtter has been embraced by a variety of users, including dive rescue groups, commercial diving companies, shipwreck explorers, colleges, and law enforcement agencies. The SeaOtter has been incorporated into the oceanography programs at universities in the U.S. and abroad, allowing students to view marine environments that were previously inaccessible.

Law enforcement agencies, like the San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department and Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Team, are using Fisher ROVs to assist in their search operations. The SeaOtter has been instrumental in helping to locate and recover deep-water drowning victims. Using the ROV, a dive team's risk can be minimized by allowing pre-inspection of sites and identification of any hazardous conditions. The ROV can go to depths beyond the range of safe scuba and stay there for as long as necessary, reducing or eliminating the need for decompression diving.

The owners of megayachts have even purchased the SeaOtter to put on a show of the underwater world for their guests, while sipping champagne and soaking in the hot tub.

Fishers' SeaLion ROV has a six-thruster propulsion system, an upgraded electronics that allow the SeaLion to operate with 1,000 feet of cable, and an optional 1,000-foot (300m) depth capability.

The SeaLion's base price of less than $28,000 immediately made it popular with a diverse group of operators. The system is in use by Canadian Hydro and U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers for power plant and dam inspections. Ontario Power in Toronto is using their SeaLion to inspect tailraces, concrete piers, head-works, sluice-way aprons and draft tubes at several of their plants. Commercial diving companies contracted to inspect intake pipes, are using the SeaLion because of its ability to make penetrations up to 1,000 feet. State agencies responsible for control and inspection of reservoirs and water supply lines, like New York DEP and the City of San Diego Water Operations and Support Group are utilizing Fishers ROVs.

In New York state, the SeaLion was deployed into an 800-foot (243m) deep, water-filled shaft to locate and inspect a leaky valve. Previously, this type of operation required draining the shaft to locate the problem, a time consuming and expensive process.

Cable Maintenance ROVs from CTC
Cable protection is the principal focus of CTC's business and, in consolidation of this, the company is establishing a fleet of cable maintenance ROVs (CMROV) to support Alcatel Submarine Networks' maintenance capability. Each of these vehicles will be strategically placed around the globe to be available for the largest number of cable system failures.

CTC currently has two CMROVs in service, both of which are on long-term contracts for Alcatel. The first vehicle, CMROV1, is based in Natal, Brazil. CMROV2 is stationed in Bermuda. Three more CMROVs are scheduled for introduction by the end of next year.

While standby cable maintenance is clearly crucial for the restoration of damaged cables, CTC is focused on working towards preventative maintenance through the introduction of a pioneering fleet of cable trenching ROVs. These vehicles are aimed at improving the productivity and reliability of post-lay burial operations and reducing the number of system failures which occur every year as a result of insufficiently buried cables.

The introduction of the first vehicle, C-Trencher 1, in 1998 established the series and set an industry benchmark. A year later, C-Trencher 2 extended the parameters by offering improved burial in high seastates for year-round operations. These trenchers have worked around the world on some of the most prestigious cable systems ever to be deployed, including SMW3, Northstar, Mid-Atlantic Crossing, South America Crossing, and Southern Cross.

The post lay inspection and burial of Southern Cross by C-Trencher 2 included inspection of 1,600km of cable and burial of 1,160km in water depths up to 2,000m. This campaign, lasting a total of 13 months, is believed to be one of the most extensive and challenging projects ever carried out by a single ROV. C-Trencher 3, to be introduced in September 2001, is expected to set a new standard by significantly improving existing technology and achieving enhanced burial at greater depths and speeds than ever before.

CT3 is a comprehensive burial vehicle with a range of burial tools designed to be easily interchangeable offshore. Offered as part of a spread are a 500kW wheel cutter, 900kW jetter, and 500kW dredge unit, as well as a cable surface slack management system. The vehicle dimensions are 10m x 10m x 6m and total onboard power is 1200kW, making C-Trencher 3 the largest and most powerful deepwater trenching vehicle available to the submarine cable market.

CT3 can operate in water depths up to 4,920 feet (1,500m), achieving cable burial to 3.3 feet (1m) in rock at speeds of up to 800m per hour and up to 16.5-foot (5m) burial in sands and clays at speeds up to 2000m per hour. In addition, high sea state capability means that the spread will be ideal for global operations year round.

New Omni-Max and Thruster from DSSI
Deep Sea Systems International (DSSI), based in Falmouth, Massachusetts, brings decades of deep ocean engineering experience to the design and manufacture of ROVs and associated components.

DSSI recently completed Harbor Testing of their newest and largest Max-Rover. The new ROV, dubbed Omni-Max, has six 3.5-Hp thrusters in an omni-vector configuration.

The frame of the standard Max Rover has been enlarged and payload increased to 400 pounds to accept a complete suite of pipeline survey instruments. These include a TSS 340 pipe tracker, an RDI 600KHz Doppler Login, a special configuration for near-bottom operation, a corrosion potential sensor, and a Trackpoint navigator. Standard DSSI accessories include a five-function manipulator, dual Simrad scanning and profiling sonars, three DSP-controlled wide-angle cameras, zoom camera, and four HID lights. It also has the new DSSI Model DPC-7000 high-resolution digital still camera with green lasers for object scaling.

The frame and payload design of this unit allow for future upgrade to include a Reson 8125 multi-beam profiling sonar with fiber optic telemetry, or a sub-bottom profiler.

The Omni-Max marks DSSI's entry into the large vehicle market. All hardware is common with previously built Max and Mini-Max ROVs.  The larger frame and increased payload allow a wide variety of missions to be tackled.

DSSI introduced its new 10Hp AC/DC Brushless Thruster at Oceanology International Americas in Miami. The target markets for this unit are large electric vehicles, commercial submarines, and large manned submersibles. A companion 20Hp unit will follow.

Testing of the new unit was recently completed with outstanding results, according to DSSI President Chris Nicholson. The bollard pull design target of 375 pounds was met with 10EHp input. The thruster has 10-inch dual counter-rotating propellers mounted in a proven nozzle design. Very high exit velocities will provide maximum performance in high current applications. Nicholson says the power transitions of this thruster are the smoothest he has ever seen. This is due to the precision control from all digital electronic drive modules that allow setting of acceleration and deceleration rates, precise rpm/velocity feedback control, and other operating parameters. For information, contact Chris Nicholson or Bob Lobecker at 508-564-4200 e-mail dssiinc@aol.com, or visit www.deepseasystems.com.

Alstom Schilling is on a Quest
Alstom Schilling Robotics (ASR) delivered the first production Quest ROV system to Canyon Offshore in April. The system was shipped to Canyon's Houston facility for display during the Offshore Technology Conference, and then immediately shipped to the Asia Pacific region for a long-term construction support contract with Clough Offshore.

The delivery of the electric work-class Quest is the culmination of ASR's intensive, three-year development project to produce a simpler, more capable, and more cost-effective deepwater work-class ROV. The second Quest system was delivered to Canyon in June 2001.

Quest sea trials in February 2001 highlighted features that will enhance the system's performance in field operations. The Quest set a new milestone for the deepwater ROV industry by making six separate dives to the system's rated depth of 10,000 feet (3,000m). Each deep dive included multiple TMS/ROV docking operations and ROV excursions out to the full 350m tether length. Call Wes Gerriets at 530-753-6718, visit www.schilling.com, or e-mail him at wes.gerriets@powerconv.alstom.com.

Thales' New Sea Pup
Thales GeoSolutions (formerly Racal Survey), has introduced the Sea Pup observation class ROV. It was developed to identify a niche market for an observation class ROV capable of carrying a payload and performing limited intervention tasks. In addition, the Sea Pup increases the reliability levels associated with the proven range of Thales work class ROV into the observation class market.

The Sea Pup is a smaller version of the successful Seal light work class ROV and is ideal for jack-up rig and diver support and inspection tasks. The vehicle has a depth rating of 1,968 feet (600m) and a 20Hp motor, giving it a forward/reverse speed of 2.8 knots.

Thales GeoSolutions is one of the leading players in the ROV market, with a fleet of over 40 vehicles including work class vehicles capable of operating a variety of tasks in depths of 10,000 feet (3,000m).

This latest addition to the company's growing fleet started life as a conceptual design created in the company's Aberdeen office, specifically with North Sea applications in mind. It was manufactured to Lloyds' standards at the company's Singapore based ROV facility, with the company's Seal, Sealion, and Sea Serpent work class ROVs.

The vehicles will be used in a variety of applications including drill support operations, survey vessels, subsea installation vessels, cable ships and vessels of opportunity.

Thales GeoSolutions has built seven Sea Pups, all of which generate demand, especially in the Asia Pacific region. Due to this continued interest, the company is currently manufacturing two more vehicles. Visit www.thales-geosolutions.com.

Soil Machine Dynamics
First and foremost, Soil Machine Dynamics' (SMD) ROV is designed for trenching. This means that the driving force behind the design is centered around the jet burial tool. SMD's proven and highly developed high flow jetting technology uses twin jet-legs with remote width adjustment and positive (independent) depressor, which includes integral cable detectors.

The SMD ROV is available in varying sizes and performance levels to meet particular operational requirements: the 200Hp maintenance class vehicle for light trenching duty and cable maintenance tasks, the 400Hp trenching class ROV for burial depths up to 6.5 feet (2m), and the 800Hp vehicle for deeper trenching.

SMD's TrencheRov concept takes the idea of an ROV designed for trenching one step further by optimizing balance in the completely different trenching and swimming modes using a range of innovative features. This typically provides 50 percent more power to the jet tool when compared with the more conventional layout.

A greatly reduced number of components, coupled with other proven SMD ROV technology, makes this a highly reliable vehicle. The control of the TrencheRov in trenching mode is greatly simplified for the pilot compared to a conventional free-swimming ROV.

The pilot's active control chair houses the main ROV controls, including thrusters, tracks and keypad controls. The graphics and sonar monitors are mounted at eye level. This ergonomic combination allows long operational hours with a minimum of operator fatigue.

Proven in the worst Pacific Ocean conditions, the sea state 7 landing system offers fully remote deployment from a central control point in conditions when you certainly wouldn't want to be on the deck of a ship. The system docks the ROV while it is still underwater to remove impact loads on the vehicle when moving through the splash zone. The umbilical winch has a peak load limiter to reduce umbilical stress when operating in high sea states.

Deep Ocean Engineering
Deep Ocean Engineering (DOE) has a comprehensive ROV lineup designed to fit any job. With over 400 vehicles now in service, DOE enjoys a worldwide reputation for reliability and innovative developments. Additionally, their recent acquisition by Vortex Diving has brought DOE new resources and a renewed focus on improving its ROV product line, related advanced technologies and special engineering.

As a result of client feedback and market direction, DOE has now standardized its ROV systems. The Phantom series (XTL, HD2, HD2+2, S2, and S4) are known for their service in offshore/inshore operations, as well as military applications, while the P150 and Firefly are heralded for their utility in confined space and nuclear power plants.

The XTL, DOE's entry-level ROV system, offers surprising performance capabilities, simplicity, reliability and unsurpassed value. The XTL is an ideal ROV for underwater inspection and light intervention applications to 492-foot (150m) depths.

Stepping up to the HD series, the HD2 and HD2+2 provide more thrust, payload, sensor support and depth capability than the smaller XTL. These proven workhorse ROVs provide enhanced performance while retaining the simple hardwired, minimal electronics approach that ensures reliability and ease of in-field service.

The S2 and S4 systems offer the ultimate in performance and capability from the Phantom series. Features of the S-series include a specially engineered vertrans thruster arrangement and wide front tilt tray which allows for mounting and orientation of an array of cameras, lights, lasers and sensors. These features, coupled with exceptional maneuverability and payload capacity make the S-series a benchmark for light work class ROVs.

Recent improvements to all these systems include simplified electrical and mechanical subsystems, and enhanced float configuration. These improvements allow the user to easily upgrade from our hardwired system to our fiber optic system with minimal adjustment.

The radiation-hardened Firefly and P150, although broadly suitable for access in confined spaces, are engineered to reach difficult access locations in the reactor core. The key to the success of the Firefly and P150 is the absence of electronics in the vehicle, which makes them reliable in high radiation areas. The evolution of the P150 and Firefly to their current place as standards for the nuclear industry reflects DOE's ability and willingness to develop special purpose systems. Their performance and success have continued to generate a broad demand for these vehicles within the nuclear community.

DOE is also aggressively developing its Phoenix series of ROV systems, which offer more thrust, payload, depth and horizontal excursion capability, while providing increased maneuverability and fiber optic telemetry for control and data transmission. Most recently, the Phoenix technology has been incorporated in an open-frame ship hull inspection ROV system, the fourth for the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland. This one-of-a-kind system incorporates a positioning system and specialized suite of sensors to provide the operator both real-time and recorded sensor information correlated to ship hull position. The open-frame system, now engaged in sea trials on sunken World War II ships off the Normandy beachhead, has broad potential for military and commercial applications.

Most importantly, DOE is increasing its commitment to designing, building and operating specialized equipment for harsh environment applications, including the oceans and inland waters, polar regions, nuclear power facilities, hazardous material applications and outer space. DOE's special engineering and development capabilities are currently focused on a number of promising proprietary and classified efforts. The evolution of their products and services reflects DOE's ability and willingness to adapt to the ever-changing ROV market and need for development of special purpose systems.

The Evolution of Shark Marine
Originally a custom equipment manufacturer, Shark Marine is now in its 18th year of business and has a standard line of products, including ROVs, plug-and-play video systems, and laser scaling unit. Research has even begun on an autonomous vehicle. Development and research of product innovations is a constant process. The company listens to the needs of its clients and tries to anticipate technology and industry changes.

Shark Marine is a leader in answering the needs of today's smaller dive operations. Small commercial dive operators are about 50 percent of the company's business and it was with these companies in mind that the Stealth ROV was born. The Shark Marine Stealth ROV maintains the adaptability and options of larger systems in a smaller, portable size.

The Stealth ROV comes plug-and-play ready for such options as scanning sonar, manipulator arm, sub-bottom profiler, and total positioning system. These types of options are rarely, if ever, found on vehicles of this small size.

The size and weight of this ROV system allows for operation from even small boats or inflatables. The system is even portable enough to fly as hand luggage on most airlines with only a small extra baggage fee. Its dimensions are 30 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 18.5 inches high. It weighs 90 pounds.

Shark Marine's Sea-Wolf ROV is a multi-purpose, highly adaptable vehicle that packs a lot of thrust into a small package. Boasting four 1Hp thrusters in a frame measuring only 36 inches long by 22.5 inches wide and 21 inches high, this unit has a higher thrust-to-size ratio than most other vehicles in this size range.

The onboard computer system provides on screen display of all data as well as such features as auto-depth, auto-heading, goto depth, goto heading, onscreen annotations and event logging software that basically writes your report for you as you perform your work.

Expansion is never a problem with the Sea-Wolf, the built-in multiplexed control line accommodates up to 128 channels as is, and could be expanded to over 3000 channels. This allows for the addition of extra functions or equipment without the need to modify the umbilical wiring.

The system comes standard with a high resolution color camera and is already wired for a second camera. The console allows for live video from two cameras at the same time, with a switch to select which camera is being recorded. Additional cameras can be added by installing a video switch. Only two cameras can be viewed at the same time.

For more information, call Shark Marine at 905-687-6672 or visit www.sharkmarine.com.

Stolt Offshore Chooses Seaeye ROV
As part of an ongoing asset improvement program, Stolt Offshore has selected Seaeye Marine to provide their new standard inspection ROV. The Seaeye Lynx system, designed to Stolt Offshore's specifications, is rated to 4,920 feet (1,500m) and can be fitted with tooling such as a manipulator and flooded member detection skid.

Two systems were delivered, each with Seaeye's new 250m excursion TMS and gravity-based launch and recovery system. Workshop and zone-2 rated control containers were also provided to complete the package. It was Seaeye's largest single order for ROV systems to date.

The Seaeye Lynx vehicle is a derivative of the Seaeye Puma in an enlarged frame that provides improved water flow through the vectored thrusters and performance to match the smaller and lighter Seaeye Tiger observation ROV. The two vertical thrusters have been repositioned for greater dive and surface speed.

All Seaeye ROVs feature brushless DC thrusters, which, apart from having the greatest power density, have integrated drive electronics with velocity feedback for precise and rapid thrust control. These thrusters are interfaced to a fast PID control system along with a solid-state rate gyro for enhanced azimuth stability. These essential building blocks enable Seaeye Marine to provide superior control and response from their powerful ROVs.

For more, visit www.seaeye.com.

SeaBotix Develops Small ROV
Located in San Diego, California, SeaBotix is a new manufacturer of capable, rugged, compact and affordable ROVs. Their Little Benthic Vehicle (LBV) is a remarkable tool offering a solution previously beyond reach to many users. SeaBotix may be a new company, but its founder and President Donald Rodocker is well known within the commercial underwater industry. Rodocker also founded Gas Services, Pressure Products Group, and Hydrovision, manufacturer of the Hyball ROV system, which Don developed.

One look at the impressive specifications quickly identifies the potential for LBV. Standard LBV systems are available in depth ratings of 500 feet and 1,000 feet (150m and 300m). Each of the four thrusters produce 4.5 pounds of peak thrust and 3.5 pounds continual thrust, propelling the vehicle to speeds in excess of three knots.

A 420-line 0.3 lux color camera rotates to provide 270 degrees field of vision. Following the camera is an intensity adjustable 50-watt halogen lamp. Up to two cameras can be fitted on the rotating chassis. With input power requirements ranging from 90 to 260 volts, LBV can be plugged into any wall in any part of the world with no adjustment by the user. No walls? No problem. LBV can simply be powered by a small 1kw generator or inverter. With a 7.4mm diameter, neutral buoyancy in fresh water and Kevlar strength member, drag is greatly reduced while strength is maintained.

Simplifying operation is the single-stick, three-axis (including rotate) joystick and membrane keypad control console. The industrial joystick offers forward, reverse, rotate and lateral movement, with dive and surface located on the keypad. Included on the tactile keypad are functions such as thruster gain control, trim, auto heading and depth, camera rotate and focus, light intensity, grabber arm manipulation and video overlay programming. The cost for a 500-foot (150m) system, including vehicle, control console, power supply and 50 meters of umbilical, is $7,495. SeaBotix also manufacturers deep water Fly Out LBV systems with depth ratings of 5,000 feet (1,500m) and 10,000 feet (3,000m). Visit www.seabotix.com or call 619- 239-5959.

Inuktun Delivers Custom VideoRay Pro
Inuktun, which originally developed the VideoRay Pro ROV now marketed by VideoRay, recently delivered a custom VideoRay Pro to Walker Technical Resources (WTR). The ROV was equipped with unique features to make reservoir inspection effortless, efficient and economical.

The objective of a tank or reservoir inspection program is to keep the facilities in operation as long as possible, with minimal down time. Effective repairs begin with a thorough inspection. Typically reservoirs must be drained or qualified divers must enter to determine structural integrity, corrosion, sedimentation and deterioration of welds. This environment is often hazardous and safety is an issue for all members of the inspection team. Thorough investigation within the tank is often costly and if not undertaken regularly, contamination and tank failure are likely to occur.

Using the custom VideoRay, the costs, safety concerns and tedious man-hours associated with reservoir inspection are greatly minimized. As a result of service demands during peak summer months, inspections often have to be done in the winter. The ROV is deployed into the reservoir through small hatches and interior monitoring becomes a simple task any time of the year.

Perry Slingsby Systems
Perry Slingsby's Triton SP is a compact work class ROV system offering high-end performance for light to medium duty tasks. Typical applications for this system include drill support, seabed/pipeline survey, salvage, and platform inspection and maintenance. The vehicle is depth rated for 10,000 feet (3,000m) as standard and is supplied with a 100Hp electro-hydraulic power unit capable of keeping the ROV on station in currents of over three knots.

Comprehensive tooling interface capability is standard, with the ability to interface typical tooling such as manipulators, survey booms, dredging skids, torque tools and cutting equipment. Telemetry and video are transmitted over one single-mode optical fiber, thus removing the need for bulky umbilical and tether cables. A PC-based control system also offers pilot's displays and real-time diagnostic facilities.

The vehicle can be used in conjunction with a tether management system (TMS) for applications such as deepwater work, where the use of a TMS permits an extensive radius of operations of up to 200m. The system can also be supplied with a range of subsystems, including launch and recovery equipment and vans for housing the control system and maintenance equipment.

Having evolved from the successful Triton XL, which has a track record of 38 systems being delivered, Perry's Triton ZX provides high-end work class capability for the majority of offshore applications.

The 3,000kg lifting capability of the Triton ZX provides the ability to attach a wide range of tooling modules such as flowline connection tools and trenching skids. While retaining all the capability of the Triton SP, the ZX's enhanced hydraulic and electrical interfaces provide the capability to integrate any of the sensors and tools typically required for most subsea applications.

In addition to the tasks identified for the SP, the Triton ZX is also suitable for heavy-duty subsea construction applications, and includes the ability to power tooling from an isolated power pack to help prevent damage to the core ROV hydraulics. Increased flexibility can be offered by fitting the system with a 150Hp power pack instead of the standard 100Hp pack.

A TMS and all necessary surface equipment can be supplied to operate and maintain the system, and can be configured to suit the client's exact requirements.

While the majority of subsea operations can be accomplished with either of the above vehicles, there are particular applications which demand the need of an ultra heavy-duty work class ROV system. Perry Slingsby Systems has answered this need by developing the Triton MRV, which includes a powered garage system to increase the operational range of the vehicle.

Although outfitted in a similar manner to the ZX, the Triton MRV is designed to provide the same high performance, while having a significantly increased load carrying capability of 7000kg. As standard, the vehicle and garage are each fitted with a 100Hp power pack, although a 150Hp unit can be fitted if desired. The system was initially developed for touchdown monitoring of pipelines being deployed from a vessel to the seabed. The use of a powered garage, which can be maneuvered subsea in the same manner as the ROV, combined with the 750m tether fitted to the garage, allows a range of operation unmatched by any other system.

The flexibility of this system is suited to a wider range of survey applications, thus allowing only one vessel to perform work which has previously necessitated the use of two vessels.

Additional enhancements in relation to the vehicle's electrical interfaces are also provided, offering more flexibility for the addition of more sensors such as cameras, and survey equipment. As with all of these ROVs, optional surface equipment can be supplied and configured in accordance with each client's specific requirements.

Based in Jupiter, Florida, Perry Slingsby Systems, Inc., recently delivered a Triton T211 system to Canyon Offshore in Houston. For information, visit www.perryslingsbysystems.com.

New Thrusters from Klein Associates
Klein Associates of Salem, New Hampshire, has launched a new product line dedicated to ROV and AUV manufacturers. The company's SubSea Propulsion Division designs, manufactures, and services a complete line of thrusters. A team of specialists with over 30 years of experience has begun production of standard thrusters, dual-prop, counter-rotating thrusters, AUV propeller propulsors, fin actuators, TMS positioning modules, and total propulsion modular platforms.

Complete systems include operator controls and displays, power converters, programmable motor controllers, sensor sub systems, housings of various materials, nozzles, and propellers. Materials and testing to ABS, DV and Lloyds standards are available.

Current clients include Sonsub, Benthos, Atlantis, Columbia Research Corp., MIT, and Bluefin Robotics. High thrust-to-power and power-to-weight ratios makes the SubSea Propulsion thrusters very attractive when compared to hydraulic and other systems. Total vehicle weight and performance are maximized permitting more payloads and/or speed performance. Thrusters to ocean depths are available. UW