The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences diver education got it's first Blueye Pioneer ROV in 2018, and it was upgraded with an adjustable lens to Blueye Pro. The primary application of the Blueye ROV is to monitor and observe their students underwater.
ROV to monitor students underwater
The diving school uses the ROV to monitor and observe it's students underwater. Even though divers have cameras on their helmets, the comprehensive visual overview provided by the ROV proves invaluable. The ability to keep a watchful eye on the students without an instructor physically in the water enhances safety and supervision.
The best advantages of the Blueye drones are that it is extremely easy to set up and dive with an Ipad or iPhone and transfer images/video to a phone or PC. For our use, the battery time is good.
- Kjartan Lerøen, Instructor at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
In scenarios where students engage in activities such as welding or burning, the ROV provides instructors with a clear view, enabling them to identify errors promptly and make necessary corrections. This real-time feedback loop contributes to enhanced learning outcomes and reduces the time spent rectifying mistakes.
We have been able to make even better videos with the drone. Both for teaching and advertising.
- Kjartan Lerøen, Instructor of Diver education at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences.
The value of underwater ROVs in Commercial diving
Based on their experience, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences diver education firmly believes that underwater ROVs are highly valuable tools that positively impact the work of commercial divers. The ROVs act as an additional safety measure, providing divers with an extra set of eyes underwater. Moreover, the ability of dive leaders to gain a comprehensive overview of the diving operation significantly enhances safety protocols and improves overall outcomes.
The experience of the diving school serves as a testament to the fact that while ROVs are not intended to replace commercial divers, they play a vital role in complementing their skills and capabilities.
In our view, it is not underwater drones vs. humans. There are pros and cons with both divers and underwater drones, but we need them both to complete different tasks. Underwater drones will NEVER replace humans, but the commercial divers who adopt drone technology will be more efficient and more flexible than those who choose not to adapt to the changing inspection environment.
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