Advantages of Underwater Drones Over Traditional Diving for Inspection

Divers are essential in many underwater inspection tasks, but they come with considerable costs and safety risks. In contrast, underwater drones (ROVs) offer numerous advantages, making them a preferred choice for regular evaluations, safety, and efficiency. This article discusses why underwater drones are a game-changer in the field of underwater inspection.

Time Costs and Safety

The process of using divers for underwater inspections is both costly and risky. To keep a diver alive under water, especially at depths exceeding 100 feet or 30 meters, requires significant logistical support on the surface. Divers have limited time to conduct inspections at the required depth, while underwater drones can operate for longer periods, as long as they have power from the tether or batteries.

Another critical advantage of underwater drones is safety. Divers face numerous risks, including decompression sickness, exposure to dangerous chemicals, and the need for specialized equipment to manage their breathing. In contrast, ROVs do not need to worry about decompression time, mixed gases, or chemical exposure. Furthermore, if an underwater drone malfunctions, it can typically be recovered and repaired at a fraction of the cost of dealing with a decompression incident involving human divers.

One of the most significant risks associated with diving is the possibility of a diver going missing or an accident occurring. With underwater drones, if a unit goes missing, there is no need to notify next of kin or send additional divers to retrieve a body. This eliminates the risk of further injury or loss of life.

Length of Underwater Time and Reachable Depths

Underwater drones can provide longer inspection times compared to human divers. Divers must manage their air supply and have limited time to perform tasks at depth, often measured in minutes. At 100 feet (30 meters) of depth, a single air tank provides only around 20 minutes of breathing time. In contrast, underwater drones can operate for extended periods, enabling comprehensive and detailed inspections.

Another significant advantage of underwater drones is their ability to reach far greater depths. While human divers have physical limitations, drones can operate at much deeper depths, potentially reaching areas that are inaccessible to divers. This capability is particularly important in environments like oil rigs, where the depth and complexity of the inspection tasks require a more versatile and resilient inspection tool.

Real-Life Examples and Applications

The recent PB oil platform disaster is a prime example of why underwater drones are becoming increasingly necessary. At such a depth, no human diver could reach the site. Additionally, the disturbance created by the volcano of oil and other debris would be hazardous for any human diver. In such scenarios, underwater drones can perform critical inspection and repair tasks, ensuring that the site is safely evaluated and maintained.

For oil rigs, the traditional practice of having divers perform repairs or inspections often involves a safety diver or two watching the back of each diver. However, this poses a significant safety risk, as the divers may be so focused on their tasks that they neglect their surroundings and critical safety procedures. Underwater drones can operate without the need for constant supervision, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting overall safety.

Conclusion

Underwater drones are revolutionizing the field of underwater inspections. They offer significant advantages over traditional diving methods, including reduced costs, improved safety, and increased efficiency. As technology continues to advance, the use of underwater drones will likely become even more widespread, ensuring that our underwater worlds are inspected and maintained more effectively and safely.