Light Weight, Low Cost Work Platform

Abstract

Using divers or large ROVs and their associated tracking and support systems can be costly from a success as well as a price standpoint. The time and money required to mobilize a diving or large ROV effort can defeat a project before it begins. There are alternatives; SAIC/MariPro has assembled a highly versatile light weight, low cost ROV and tracking system combination. It is capable of performing many tasks previously reserved for divers and large ROVs. Attaching a recovery line into a 4-inch diameter eye on a package in 700 feet of water is one recent example of the use of this system. Additionally, projects have been undertaken to locate and navigate to Benthos acoustic releases and expendable transponders. Surveying anchor moorings and bottom-moored equipment have also been tasks performed by SAIC/MariPro's two Phantom HD2/Trackpoint I1 tracking systems. Future projects include gathering bottom samples, surveying deployed cable systems, inspection components, and recovering equipment in harsh and/or dangerous environments. Each project attempted by this system has been completed at reduced cost to the customer in both dollars and time. A great deal of information has been gathered on how to operate ROVs and low frequency (from 8-15 kHz) tracking systems. Recovery hooks, underslung densewound cable packs, and releasable descent weights are a few of the accessories SAIC/MariPro has successfully integrated into its system. Divers and large ROVs will never be replaced entirely, but the assembled system will serve to make many tasks more feasible.