ROV insurance covers your specialized machines in a rough environment. A remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), is a tethered underwater vehicle. ROV insurance covers these specialized crafts. They are common in deep water industries such as offshore hydrocarbon extraction, commercial diving contractors, geophysical and hydrographical survey contractors. While the traditional abbreviation “ROV” stands for remotely operated vehicle, one must distinguish it from remote control vehicles operating on land or in the air. ROVs are unoccupied, highly maneuverable and operated by a person aboard a vessel. They are linked to the ship by either a neutrally buoyant tether or (often when working in rough conditions or in deeper water a load carrying umbilical cable) used along with a tether management system (TMS). The TMS is either a garage like device which contains the ROV as it is lowered through the splash zone, or on larger work class ROVs a separate assembly which sits on top of the ROV. The purpose of the TMS is to lengthen and shorten the tether so the effect of cable drag where there are underwater currents is minimized. The umbilical cable contains a group of cables that carry electrical power, video and data signals back and forth between the operator and the TMS. Where used, the TMS then relays the signals and power for the ROV down the tether cable. Once at the ROV the electrical power is split and distributed between different components of the ROV. However in high power applications most of the electrical power is used to drive a high powered electrical motor which in turn drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump is then used to power equipment such as torque tools and manipulator arms where electrical motors would be too difficult to implement subsea. ROV insurance covers these specialized machines. Most ROVs are equipped with at least a video camera and lights. Additional equipment is commonly added to expand the vehicle’s capabilities. These may include sonars, magnetometers, a still camera, a manipulator or cutting arm, water samplers, and instruments that measure water clarity, light penetration and temperature. It is critical to partner with a marine insurance agent who has the experience and ROV insurance coverage to protect your expensive investment.
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is a robot which travels underwater without requiring input from an operator. AUVs constitute part of a larger group of undersea systems known as unmanned underwater vehicles, a classification that includes non-autonomous remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) – controlled and powered from the surface by an operator/pilot via an umbilical or using remote control. In military applications AUVs are more often referred to simply as unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs).
Until relatively recently, AUVs have been used for a limited number of tasks dictated by the technology available. With the development of more advanced processing capabilities and high yield power supplies, AUVs are now being used for more and more tasks with roles and missions constantly evolving.
Scientific Research:
The use of ROVs in the science community has been around for years. One critical aspect of scientific research is budget. With the high level of capability and quality of video produced, ROV’s offers scientists a tool that before was much larger, more expensive and very intimidating to use. ROVs are simple to operate allowing scientists to focus on research and not on piloting
Potable Water Inspections:
Water municipality inspections are perfect uses for ROVs. Conditions often don’t get much better than no current and clear water. The need is the ability to closely inspect conditions such as corrosion, sediment or potential sabotage. ROVs are widely used around the world to monitor the conditions of various potable water sources like tanks and reservoirs.
Hydro Industry:
Across the world there are numerous hydro applications for the ROV. Structures themselves require inspections to ensure proper operating conditions are met as well as any maintenance that might need carried out. Adding to the structures are the mechanics of the various types of power hydro plants. Internal pipeline inspections are just one example.
Inshore Industry:
The inshore market offers a broad range of applications for ROVs. Demanding conditions require the use of a capable and rugged small ROV. There is often remarks made from the commercial diving industry that express concerns regarding the use of small ROV systems and that they take away work from divers or can’t do the work of divers. ROVs on the contrary are highly praised by divers and used to enhance the capability of a dive team. Many divers would rather perform an inspection from the surface rather than suit up. A valuable resource is the ROV’s ability to quickly identify the work and enable a diver to determine exactly what to do.
Maritime Security:
In today’s world there is a growing requirement to protect our home ports, waterways and vessels. The use of an ROV offers many benefits to many different organizations within the government. The ROV offers an excellent platform to inspect hulls for objects or contraband, search home ports and waterways for potential danger and even locate mines. Using the ROV takes away the need to put human divers at risk. Additionally, the ROV has a reduced manpower requirement and can often accomplish the task in a shorter time frame. ROVs provide the ability to identify and evaluate the course of action. This will aid dive teams when required.
Oil & Gas Industry:
The oil and gas industry uses AUVs to make detailed maps of the seafloor before they start building subsea infrastructure; pipelines and sub sea completions can be installed in the most cost effective manner with minimum disruption to the environment. The AUV allows survey companies to conduct precise surveys of areas where traditional bathymetric surveys would be less effective or too costly. Also, post-lay pipe surveys are now possible.
Contact Accessible Marine Insurance today for additional information on various coverages for your ROV or AUV needs. We have the ability to insure your ROV or AUV equipment practically anyplace in the world.
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