DiveTracker: characteristics and applications of an advanced dive mission control system

Until very recently, the implementation of complex diver, ROV or AUV based dive missions was impeded by the lack of comprehensive mission supervision and control system. Instead, operators had to rely on a collection of non-integrated tools and methods such as underwater telephones, pingers and transponders, diver bubble tracking, mechanical measuring techniques etc. to coordinate and execute dive missions. This has changed with the introduction of DiveTracker DTX, a highly versatile dive mission control system. DiveTracker offers an integrated solution for tasks ranging from diver, ROV and AUV tracking and navigation to communication, telemetry, observation recording, sensor data acquisition, precision surveying and underwater computing tasks. Available components are a rugged, compact diver station, a bare module for mounting inside ROVs and AUVs, a submersible remote station and a personal computer based surface station. DiveTracker is a wireless system, relying on sonar for navigation and communication functions. The system is fully software programmable and is easily adapted to suit specialized requirements. This paper explores the DiveTracker architecture and characteristics. Performance parameters are reviewed. The paper concludes with a look at current DiveTracker installations and applications.