Page 634 - The ROV Manual - A User Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles 2nd edition

634 CHAPTER 22 It’s the Little Things That Matter
22.3 Putting it all together
Throughout this manual, the technology applicable to ROVs was discussed, along with its applica- tion in various missions. The crowning achievement is when these newly acquired skills come together to successfully find and prosecute an underwater target. In this section, the steps to accom- plish this final task will be examined in detail along with the most common tools in the underwater technician’s tool chest—the side scan sonar and the ROV deployed aboard a small boat.
22.3.1 Attention to detail
In the underwater business, there is no so-called silver bullet (i.e., a single piece of equipment that can be used to solve all operational situations). Finding things underwater is more a function of gathering input from many different sources, putting them together to form the most likely conclu- sion, and repeatedly testing that conclusion until it is positively proven or disproved.
An oversight can cause a wasted mission through simple inattention to detail. A conversion of feet to meters can throw the projected location of the search area away from the known target. A mistake while choosing the map projection can waste an entire day of searching. Choosing the wrong operating voltage can destroy equipment. Careless wiring and arrangement of equipment can cause serious injury and even death while in the field. Attention to detail is paramount when per- forming any field task.
22.3.2 Training and personnel qualifications
The knowledge requirements for operators, repair technicians, and tasking personnel are:
• Operators are required to know the theory and application of ROV technology.
• Repair technicians are required to understand the operations and maintenance of the
components for the ROV system.
• Tasking personnel need only concern themselves with the capabilities and limitations of an
ROV inspection system in use for various missions.
This manual has provided the basics in these areas. However, a training program should be established and a record kept in the personnel file of those involved to ensure that each individual, and thus the team, is ready for the task at hand.
22.3.3 Equipment setup considerations
Some considerations while setting up equipment aboard a small boat are needed to properly and efficiently operate the equipment in a safe and productive manner. Time spent initially during the setup phase will pay dividends repeatedly while under way through a tidy, clean, and efficient working environment.
Equipment setup considerations include:
• Both side scan sonar and ROV equipment use considerable lengths of cable. Attempt to use only one piece of equipment at a time while completely stowing the second piece of equipment until needed.