VideoRay strongly recommends proper post-dive care of the ROV. Here are a few general steps to ensure reliability and prolong the life of your system*.
First, thoroughly rinse the ROV and subsea components with fresh water; wipe or scrub clean as necessary. High-pressure water is NOT recommended or necessary.
Next, use the same pre-dive inspection procedures during post-dive care:
- Thrusters:
- Ensure mounting hardware is snug and thruster does not vibrate or wobble – use CAUTION to avoid overtightening and shearing the nylon bolts.
- Ensure thruster nozzle is mounted securely and does not contact the propeller.
- Check status of telltales; they should be fully and equally protruding from the thruster housings.
- Check propellers for damage or debris; propeller removal is often necessary to thoroughly clear debris.
- LEDs:
- Inspect for damage.
- Ensure mounting hardware is tight and LED does not move unintendedly.
- Camera:
- Inspect dome for scratches and cracks.
- Ensure camera mounting hardware is tight.
- Manipulator:
- Ensure mounting hardware is tight and manipulator does not wobble or move unintendedly.
- Check jaw and mounting that it is free of grit and debris.
- Subsea Batteries:
- Inspect camlocks for debris and that they are securely mounted to the battery module.
- Check openings in front of battery module for debris.
- General:
- Ensure ROV assembly and other component mounting hardware is tight.
- Confirm proper mating of ROV and components’ connectors.
- Check ROV and component connectors and cables for damage.
- Inspect float block for gouges or other damage.
For saltwater deployments, it is easiest to complete the following steps at the ROV deployment site. If a fresh water source is not available there, choose another outdoor location with an available power source or an indoor area suitable for splashing.
- Completely submerge the ROV in a large tub filled with fresh, clean water.
- Clear persons or objects from the area of the ROV.
- Power on the system and launch Greensea.
- Enable both Heading and Depth auto controls.
- Use the yaw input to slowly adjust the heading setpoint until ROV movement is obstructed against the tub or by tension at the tether.
- Use the vertical dive input to slowly adjust the depth setpoint until ROV movement is obstructed against the tub or by tension at the tether.
- Monitor the ROV to confirm that slow-moderate thrust is sustained from all thrusters for at least 10 minutes. Heading and depth values may be adjusted during this time to allow for variable/alternating thrust.
- Add water to the tub as needed until the ROV is completely flushed with fresh water.
Power off the system and allow ROV to air dry completely before storage. With a slightly damp cloth, wipe down the console and controller surfaces and allow to dry. Also inspect tether connectors for debris and use the threaded caps to protect them. Clean, dry, and neatly store deployed tether. If applicable, fully charge and properly store the subsea batteries.
Your system is now ready for storage and its next deployment!
*Not all system configurations are covered; refer to 3rd party manufacturer recommendations for proper care.
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