E/V Nautilus’s Two-Body ROV System

• Published in: Oceanography (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 36; pp. 10 - 11
• Main Author: Chernov, Josh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Rockville Oceanography Society 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Cameras; Ocean floor; Ships; Thrusters; Underwater exploration; Underwater vehicles; Unmanned vehicles
• ISSN: 1042-8275; 2377-617X

A unique feature of Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) operations is the use of a two-body remotely operated vehicle (ROV) system. ROV Hercules operates in tandem with a tow sled, either Argus or Ataionto. The negatively buoyant tow sled dangles at the end of an armored cable connected to a winch onboard E/V Wauf/7us. The tow sled's movements are controlled horizontally by moving the ship and vertically using the winch to pay out or pay in cable. Thrusters on the tow sled allow the pilots to control heading and thereby aim cameras and lights toward Hercules and features on the seafloor. A soft 30 m tether connects the tow sled to Hercules, and the pair of vehicles is arranged in such a way that Hercules is decoupled from the ship's movements. Argus carries a high-definition video camera similar to the one on Hercules, as well as bright lights that illuminate the area around Hercules. This powerful feature allows pilots, scientists, and our home audiences a bird's-eye view of Hercules working on the seafloor. It also creates stunning visuals and allows for a much higher level of situational awareness for all who are involved with subsea operations.