Advanced ROV Technology Drives Pacific Northwest Shipwreck Exploration
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By Norris Comer, Published in best4boats.com.
The SS Pacific salvage operation demonstrates how modern maritime technology enables complex Deepwater recovery missions previously impossible for independent operators. The integration of custom ROV systems with specialized detection equipment illustrates the evolving capabilities available to smaller-scale maritime exploration ventures.
A key part of exploring the SS Pacific wreck are the capabilities of Rockfish’s two remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) Falcor and Draco. The two intrepid robots, made in-house, have been workhorses for the mission for years but are past their original operational lifespan. The new generation of ROVs is in the works in the shop, but for now, the Donald Rumsfeld quote about going to war with the army you have, not the one you wish you had comes to mind.
“We have kind of scoured the world for equipment that we can add to our existing ROVs to give us the ability to detect gold on the bottom,” explains Hummel. “Detected gold really means you’re detecting something nonferrous; the metal detector we selected has the ability to discriminate between iron objects and non-iron objects.” Hummel and his team recently tested the new detectors at the University of Washington.
“We’re really happy that a recreational scuba diver underwater metal detector that coils has been designed to go to 2,000 feet,” says Hummel. “Who knew? Probably the manufacturer doesn’t even know.”
Finding and testing the ideal metal detector for the job is only the beginning. Now the team must integrate it into the ROVs both mechanically and electronically. They’ve already developed a necessary circuit board in-house that should allow pilots to run controls to the metal detector from the surface.
The adaptation of recreational diving equipment for deep-sea ROV operations represents a pragmatic approach to maritime technology that could inform other harbor-based salvage and inspection operations seeking cost-effective solutions.
Read the Full Article Here: SS Pacific Wreck Exploration Ramps Up
