Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office Division of US Department of Defense explains VideoRay’s role in protecting ports, and recent funded improvements.
“Enhanced Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle Securing ports and harbors remains a key mission in defending against terrorist acts. The U.S. Coast Guard(USCG) requires the capability to conduct timely and effective hull searches/inspections of vessels, piers, the seafloor and/or anomalous events(parasitic attachments, drifting or moored mines, and improvised explosive devices). The Coast Guard currently maintains Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems devoted to the port security mission. Current system performance is limited in certain capacities. This project aims to enhance the USCG’s current ROV systems with an improved sonar, manipulator, image enhancement system, hull crawler, and an improved non-acoustic navigation system. These upgraded ROVs will provide better search capabilities in all water clarities and in very strong currents, keeping divers out of dangerous waters while searching for hazardous devices.”
VideoRay systems have been employed by the Department of Homeland Security at various ports since 2003, inspecting ships and harbor infrastructure. The ROVs have been used for both routine and emergency responders to inspect ship hulls and individual pilings of piers and bridges for explosive devices, to help direct divers to an area of interest, to search for, and recover, evidence which has been discarded in a body of water, and to inspect an object or area of interest before deploying divers.
About VideoRay:
With more than 1,950 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , January 19, 2012; Image: VideoRay