Page 590 - The ROV Manual - A User Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles 2nd edition

fact that it was able to image the stitching in the shoes of one of the victims to the shoe manufac- turer’s logo.
The victims were recovered with divers as the ROV held position while imaging the targets acoustically. Neither the ROV equipment nor the divers were put into the water until sonar targets were identified.
Excellent planning and research can lead to a successful search operation.
21.3.4.5 Final identification
The final identification of an item of interest requires human discrimination of an image of the item. Positive classification of the target as either the object of the search or the exclusion of the object as a possible target from the search area achieves the objective of the task.
Once the final identification is obtained, the objective of the entire field task must be concluded. In most instances, clues as to the cause of the incident under investigation may be gleaned from the scene by taking the extra time to document the area. What other evidence can be found within the area? In what position did the victim or the evidence come to rest? How can one (or should one) recover the victim or evidence?
Extreme attention to detail in the final phase of the search and recovery operation can signifi- cantly enhance the results of the PSD operation. The quality of the findings will support court pro- ceedings as well as fact-finding tribunals where the PSD could be called to testify.
21.4 Homeland security
21.4.1 Concept of operations
ROVs provide governmental and law enforcement officials with the ability to visually inspect underwater areas of interest from a remote location. ROVs are intended to be complementary to the use of public safety and military dive teams. They can be used in conjunction with divers, or as a replacement to them, when the operation’s environmental conditions allow. Factors to consider in deciding which capability to employ should include, but not be limited to, the mission objective, degree of accuracy required, current threat level, on-scene conditions, and the amount of time plus resources available.
As homeland security operations involve shallow water, light-duty operations from small platforms, this section covers usage of OCROV systems with submersibles weighing from the smallest size to 200 pounds (90kg—excluding tether). A two-person (nominal) team is recommended to operate inspection ROVs (although single-operator functions can be per- formed). Experience has shown that personnel from electronics or scuba diving backgrounds are excellent candidates for assignment as the primary ROV operator. Operation and mainte- nance of the ROV require an average level of electronics and situational awareness skill and experience that fit well with the background of most electronics and dive team personnel. The use of volunteer or administrative personnel also helps to reduce impacts to the department’s operational schedule, as many law enforcement personnel are not assigned to dedicated 24/7 security duties.
When planning ROV operations, appropriate consideration must be given to the personal protec- tion of the ROV team. An ROV team operating in a nonsecure area under heightened threat levels
21.4 Homeland security 589