IRL: an Interactive Real-Time, Logging system for ROVs

The role of the scientific submersible operator has evolved from the simple provision of a vehicle for visual observations to the management of a multi-sensor platform that also performs complex manipulative tasks. This increasing degree of vehicle sophistication is obliging ROV operators to provide shipboard data management and archiving support for scientific users, in order to cope with the high volume information stream produced during dive operations. This paper describes a real-time dive logging and archiving system developed by the Canadian Scientific Submersible Facility (CSSF) in collaboration with scientific users. The CSSF operates the ROPOS remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) through an agreement with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.