Technical Survey and Evaluation of Underwater Sensors and Remotely Operated Vehicles

Accurate on-site assessment of vessel hull damage in the event of grounding, collision, structural failure, or other accident is required to make timely and informed decisions relating to vessel disposition (i.e., lightering, towing, sinking.) The capabilities of underwater vehicles and sensors as they relate to the performance of damage assessment are analyzed in this report. The vehicle types analyzed include free-swimming remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), autonomous undersea vehicles (AUVs), towed vehicles, crawling vehicles, and composite vehicles. The sensor types analyzed include photographic, video, laser, and acoustic imaging systems, oil/water interface sensors, oil concentration monitors, and non-destructive test methods. A conceptual inspection vehicle system is presented based on an evaluation of the damage assessment mission. Marine inspection, Vessel inspection, Remotely operated vehicles, Imaging sensors