ROV Inspection

ROV inspection – underwater inspection with a remotely operated vehicle – is today the most widely used method for documenting the condition of structures, vessels and infrastructure underwater. Instead of mobilising divers for every check, an ROV can be in the water within minutes, inspect safely and as often as operations and regulations require, and deliver time-stamped video every time. For industries with recurring inspection needs, that means closer follow-up at a lower cost.

SeaSpection is the Norwegian distributor of MarineNav Oceanus ROV systems and the only MarineNav dealer in Norway with a certified service workshop. We sell and configure the equipment so that inspection capacity becomes your own, and back the delivery with training, service and technical support from a single supplier.

What is ROV inspection?

An ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is a remotely operated underwater vehicle with a camera, lights and sensors, connected to the surface via a tether. The operator sees real-time video on a control station and steers the vehicle precisely to the points to be checked – without putting a diver in the water. The result is time-stamped video documentation and measurement data that can be used internally and shared with third parties.

The method is used both for routine condition control and to detect damage, wear, corrosion and fouling before they develop into costly problems. ROV is one of several methods for underwater inspection, alongside diving and specialised NDT – the advantage of an ROV is reach, safety, and that the threshold for inspecting often becomes low.

Advantages over traditional diving

Where diving requires personnel, planning and good weather windows, an ROV can be deployed quickly from an existing vessel or a quay. The main advantages:

• Safety. The ROV removes the need to put personnel into potentially dangerous underwater environments – strong current, poor visibility, great depths or confined spaces.
• Cost. Inspections are carried out quickly and with little crew, without a dive team and heavy logistics. That lowers the cost per inspection significantly over time.
• Frequency. When inspecting is easy and cheap, you do it more often. Deviations are detected earlier, and small faults are repaired before they grow large and costly.
• Documentation. Each inspection produces time-stamped video and measurement data that can be attached to reporting and shared with authorities, class societies or insurers.

The technology that makes the difference

This is where a professional ROV system differs from a simple underwater drone. The Oceanus series is built for industrial use, and the difference shows especially in demanding conditions.

Topside control station. The Oceanus is operated from a dedicated control station in an IP-rated case – an 18.5" daylight-readable display (1600 nits), a secondary touchscreen, an industrial i7 computer and a physical hall-effect joystick. You get a readable screen in sunlight on deck, and stable, precise control in weather and light that make tablet and mobile solutions impractical.

Position Hold via DVL. On the Oceanus Pro and Ultimate, DVL holds the vehicle stable against the current, so the operator can focus on the inspection itself rather than compensating manually. That gives sharper images and more precise documentation at high-current sites.

USBL positioning. With USBL you know where a recording was made, and the video is time-stamped for verifiable documentation. USBL connects via RS232/RS485 and lets you tie each finding to a position.

Sensors for condition control. Sonar gives an overview in poor visibility, a thickness gauge documents wall thickness in metal, and a CP probe measures cathodic protection on anodes. The system can also be extended with a multiprobe and the Voyis Discovery Vision System for advanced visual data capture.

Applications

ROV inspection is used across industries. Below are the main ones, several of which we have covered in dedicated in-depth articles.

Aquaculture. Daily net and pen inspection in aquaculture, control during handling operations such as delousing, and monitoring of fish welfare. Frequent control detects holes and wear in the net early and prevents escapes.

Offshore and subsea. In deep water you inspect pipelines, platform structures and anodes for offshore and subsea, as well as cables and subsea installations. DVL and depth capability make the ROV suited where diving is costly or impractical.

Ports and infrastructure. Condition control of quays, breakwaters, bridges and moorings – structures in and above water that require regular, documented control.

Maritime. Hull and propeller inspection without taking the vessel out of service, for example in connection with routine checks and class-society requirements.

Power plants and dams. Inspection of intakes, underwater parts and structures in hydropower installations – often in places that are difficult or dangerous for divers to reach.

How to choose the right ROV

The choice is driven by depth, tasks and how much sensing you need:

• Oceanus Mini (10.8 kg) is light and compact for visual inspection in confined areas and shallow water.
• Oceanus Pro (17.9 kg) is the workhorse – 400 m depth, Position Hold via DVL and support for sonar, USBL and measurement sensors.
• Oceanus Ultimate (30.25 kg) carries more and more advanced sensors at once, with an upgrade to 500 m depth.

If you are unsure, we help you match need to model. You will find a full comparison in the overview of the complete MarineNav Oceanus range.

Own an ROV or rent

For recurring inspection needs, owning an ROV pays off quickly: you inspect when it suits operations, without mobilisation time or waiting for a third party, and you build competence in-house. For one-off projects, rental may be available on request, and many use a rental period to test the system in real operation before any purchase.

Documentation and reporting

A large part of the value in ROV inspection lies in the documentation. Time-stamped video, still images and measurement data can be collected in a report per inspection, used in maintenance planning and shared with the owner, class society, authority or insurer. Combined with position data, each finding is tied to the right place and moment, so the condition can be followed from inspection to inspection and form the basis for maintenance decisions.

Training, service and support

An ROV system is an investment meant to last many seasons. As the only MarineNav dealer in Norway with a certified service workshop, we handle service and repair locally, and training and technical support come with the delivery. If the need arises, we will find a solution together.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ROV inspection?

An underwater inspection carried out with a remotely operated vehicle with a camera and sensors, controlled from the surface. It provides time-stamped video documentation without putting a diver in the water.

Does ROV inspection replace divers?

It removes the need for diving on most inspection tasks and lets you check more often and more safely. Diving is reserved for tasks that genuinely require physical intervention.

How deep can an ROV inspect?

The Oceanus series operates to 400 m as standard; the Oceanus Ultimate can be upgraded to 500 m.

How often should you inspect?

It depends on the industry, regulations and risk. The advantage of owning an ROV is that more frequent inspection becomes practical and affordable, so deviations are caught early rather than at the next scheduled dive.

Should we buy or rent?

For recurring needs, owning an ROV pays off quickly. Rental may be available on request for one-off projects, or to test the system before a purchase.

Request a quote

Do you need an ROV for inspection? We provide a professional assessment based on tasks, depth and conditions, and help you choose the right model. We respond within one working day. Request a quote.