ROVs are around the size of a small suitcase and have a camera, claw, four lights and a long tether cable that connects it to a computer on land or boat. Our crews ROVs to inspect underwater structures at dams, power stations and other infrastructure, making it safer and easier for everyone involved. If further work is required after the initial inspection, then we work with divers who can use the footage to plan and undertake a safe dive near our assets. 

The most frequent uses of ROVs for inspections are at the upstream face of our dams, intake screens at power stations, and condition assessments of concrete and pipelines.

“Thanks to the ROVs and modern technology, we can inspect our underwater infrastructure from the safety of the shore, before deploying our specialised divers," said Emma Birch, Head of Civil Assets.

Associate Professor Vanessa Lucieer, Centre Head of Ecology and Biodiversity at IMAS, said Hydro Tasmania’s donation of ROVs would help the university gain more data about our oceans. “ROVs are equipped with monitoring devices that enable scientists to explore the ocean by going into spaces that are hard to access and staying underwater for longer than would be humanly possible,” said Associate Professor Lucieer.

The ROVs will be used in university courses to teach students how to use modern underwater observation technology. “We are extremely grateful that Hydro Tasmania has passed this specialised equipment onto us,” said IMAS Executive Director Professor Nicole Webster.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience using the ROVs right here in Hobart – learning skills they can use in their future work, wherever they are in the world.”