Underwater ROVs have now become commonplace in the underwater asset integrity industries. Its popularity can be credited to the fact that it is such an advanced technology – it can carry out complex projects in restricted and hazardous environments. Owing to this, ROVs have now become a viable alternative to divers.
Planys has and will always promote improvements in health, safety, quality, environmental and technical standards. We keep updating our safety manual on a timely basis in accordance with the guidelines and adhere to the same. Our objective is to use automated and autonomous systems to bring down the exposure of our employees to the harsh environment, increase the operational weather window and bring down costs.
Since ROVs are so widely used, it becomes important to have a few rules and regulations put into place to govern their operations. Compiled below is a standard list of codes of practice whilst undertaking inspections using underwater ROVs. Please note that the information given below is for guidance purposes and endeavors to reflect best practices. This is the safety process that most inspection services companies follow for safe and efficient underwater inspections.
ROV Health Check Before Job:
ROV capabilities are constantly increasing with the technology influx. The higher the specification of a particular vehicle, the more efficient the utilization becomes. However, it is important to detail the work that the ROV is supposed to undertake. In addition, the ROV provider needs to be confident that the vehicle and the additional equipment (payloads, sensors, etc.) are in suitable conditions fit for the proposed inspection. The precision and health of the system need to be assessed through the evaluation of experts, physical tests and previous use in similar conditions.
Surveying:
In the marine inspection industry surveying is most tasks involving seabed assessment which is at times assisted by acoustic mapping. Before starting the survey, the geographical coordinates need to be fixed, making sure that the target is within the permitted corridor, examining the physical condition of the target, and if required cleaning the debris.
Equipment & Tool Safety:
Tools fitted on the ROV, and the accompanying materials are being constantly upgraded according to the requirements of the market. While fitting or testing ROV tools all the safety practices should be duly followed. In addition, the tool manuals should be always kept on-site and readily available for the crew.
Environmental and Weather Considerations:
Safe and competent deployment of ROV and underwater inspection largely depends on environmental and weather conditions. The ROV supervisor is the one who reserves the right to decide the operational timings of the ROV. They will be required to discuss with the site managers and define clear environmental limits. All environmental aspects such as weather, water current and high tide periods, etc. need to be properly studied before deciding upon the operational window for the ROV inspection crew.
Water Depth Assessment:
Some ROVs are built to work thousands of meters under the water level whereas some are designed to go only up to a certain depth. Whilst operating an ROV at a considerable depth, tether length, station keeping, and associated drag should be taken into account as these parameters affect the topside handling system.
Temperature:
Too high or too low temperatures can have an adverse effect on the usability of electronic equipment and cause material damage that can lead to structural or mechanical failure onsite. Hence it is always advised to utilize lubricants and hydraulics that possess stable properties in varied environments.
Pilot Experience:
The ROV pilot plays a crucial role in keeping things under control, especially in high current locations. The pilot should be experienced enough to understand the capabilities and limitations of the vehicle at hand. Always choose a pilot that has a good sense of spatial awareness and the agility to carry out operations in tough conditions such as strong current or limited visibility.
Launch and Recovery:
The ROV supervisor is responsible for putting into place a reliable, effective and safe launch and recovery system. The procedure needs to be strictly adhered to by all the crew members. It should be undertaken in an organized, logical manner and be built in a way that every personnel on the field is aware of the situation at any given point in time.
Communication Mediums:
Effective communication systems are of paramount importance to the safety and success of any underwater inspection. The crew should either communicate via word of mouth, wired communication systems, radios or even toolbox talks. All the members of the crew should be given a status update and should also be filled in on any unusual situation that may arise during operations.
Besides all of the aforementioned, the client and providers must that the site, equipment, and operating procedures are appropriate and meet the required standards & regulations. If you wish to know more about our services, please visit www.planystech.com or dial +91-8448188507.
FAQs
1. What safety risks are reduced by using an ROV for underwater inspections?
Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) helps avoid sending human divers into deep, confined, or hazardous underwater environments thus reducing risks such as high pressure, limited visibility, toxic/contaminated water, and diver fatigue.
2. How do you plan for a safe and efficient underwater ROV inspection?
Effective planning includes defining the mission objectives, selecting the right ROV and tooling (camera/sonar/UT probes), assessing environmental conditions (currents, visibility, access), and ensuring proper launch/recovery procedures and surface communication systems.
3. What operational strategies make ROV inspections more efficient?
Key strategies include using high-definition cameras and sonar for clear visuals even in low visibility, deploying mini/inspection-class ROVs for confined spaces, reducing downtime by avoiding shut-downs (e.g., tanks or reservoirs stay online) and performing live data monitoring for faster decision making.
4. What common equipment and sensors are used with ROVs for safe inspections?
Typical equipment includes HD/4K cameras, LED lighting, sonar (sidescan or multibeam) for poor visibility, ultrasonic thickness gauges, manipulators for sampling, and tethered communications for live data feed.
5. What environment or site conditions must be considered for ROV inspection safety?
Conditions to consider include water depth and pressure limits, current strength (strong currents can hamper stability), visibility/turbidity, structural hazards (cables, entanglements), confined space hazards, and access/egress for vehicle.
6. How do ROV inspections help reduce downtime and costs?
Because ROVs can operate without dry-docking or draining tanks and can be deployed rapidly, they significantly reduce operational interruptions. For example, inspections with ROVs can cut inspection time by up to 50% compared to traditional methods.
7. Are there any limitations or challenges when using ROVs for inspections?
Yes — limitations include restricted mobility in high-current conditions, tether management, visibility issues in murky water, and dependence on power/data systems. While ROVs reduce many risks, human divers or alternate inspections may still be required in certain scenarios.