Shared use of ROV sensors guidelines

Available on the Association’s website, the document provides technical guidance and an overview of some of the factors to consider when sharing ROV-mounted positioning, surveying and imaging sensors that may be used for more than one specific purpose. IMCA stated that while the sharing of sensors may be desirable to improve efficiency and reduce costs, there are certain technical factors that need to be managed to maintain the quality of data.

Nick Hough, IMCA’s technical advisor – offshore survey, said: “Provided a risk assessment is undertaken, and measures are in place to mitigate them, the shared use of sensors for ROV positioning and for surveying applications need not present any operational issues and can offer a cost saving.”

The guidelines provide a glossary of terminology and look at the differences in requirements for ROV positioning and survey operations, the risks associated with shared use of sensors, operational configuration and documentation and considerations for installing shared sensors.

By Rebecca Jeffrey