What Is an ROV?
An ROV is an unmanned exploration device remotely operated by a surface operator through wired or wireless means.
Commonly referred to as ROV, it is also known as R-O-V, derived from the initials of Remotely Operated Vehicle.
Typically, a standard ROV is connected to the mother ship via primary and secondary cables, including launchers and other necessary equipment. It descends to the desired depth using winches, thrusters, and other equipment. The cables transmit power and commands from the mother ship to the exploration vehicle, relaying real-time images and information from the target location back to the ship.
Due to the diverse purposes and achievable depths depending on the exploration objectives, ROVs are used worldwide in various configurations tailored to specific needs.
Uses of ROVs
Originally developed in the 1960s in the United States for military purposes such as deep-sea mine clearance and rescue operations, ROVs have evolved to become integral in both military and civilian applications. They are widely used in the investigation and development of seabed gas fields and oil fields by private enterprises.
Depending on their intended purpose, ROVs can be equipped with a variety of tools, including sensors and devices to measure water quality and temperature, sonars for seafloor observation, and manipulators for simple tasks. Additionally, safety features such as halogen lights and radio relays are incorporated. In deep-sea exploration, ROVs operate in a buoyant state near the seabed, maintaining depth while conducting investigations. Upon completing the survey, they ascend to the sea surface, detaching thrusters or weights for buoyancy.