Erik Johansen, the second engineer on KV Bjørnøya, has played a key role in integrating the Blueye ROV into daily operations. In addition to his engineering duties, Johansen is one of the drone pilots responsible for operating the Blueye ROV, underscoring the versatile roles undertaken by Coast Guard personnel. His responsibilities also extend to training new crew members in fire safety, casualty response, and external casualty procedures, making him a key figure in ensuring the vessel’s operational readiness.
Although the Blueye ROV is a recent addition to KV Bjørnøya’s toolkit, it has already proven invaluable.
We’ve only had it for a few months, but we’ve used it for significant tasks, including inspecting damage on our own ship. The ROV has helped us identify issues and get them fixed quickly.
- Erik Johansen, Engineer at KV Bjørnøya
This ability to conduct underwater inspections has reduced the need for divers, improving safety and efficiency in hazardous situations.
The Coast Guard has trained multiple pilots to operate the ROV, ensuring its availability at all times. On Johansen’s shift alone, four to five pilots are qualified, and the other shift has its own team of operators. This ensures that the drone can be deployed at a moment’s notice, whether the ship is docked or at sea.
The Coast Guard recovers a person from a vessel at 100m depth
Johansen recounts some of the more impressive tasks completed with the ROV, including a deep dive to 100 meters to assist in retrieving an individual from a fishing vessel. “That was pretty spectacular,” he notes, highlighting the drone’s potential for recovery operations. The ROV is also utilized for hull inspections in collaboration with the Norwegian Customs and to examine ships with propellers entangled in fishing nets.
One of the key advantages of using the Blueye ROV is its ability to spare human divers from dangerous underwater missions. The drone's versatility and ease of use make it a vital asset for both routine inspections and emergency operations.
The introduction of the Blueye ROV represents a significant leap forward for the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities. Johansen and his team are eager to continue exploring the potential of the Blueye X3 ROV, which can be used for a wide array of applications — both for their own vessel's maintenance and for aiding others in maritime distress.
We are very pleased to have the Blueye on board. It’s a fantastic tool, and we are excited to have it as part of our kit.
- Erik Johansen, Engineer at KV Bjørnøya
The integration of this cutting-edge technology reflects the Norwegian Coast Guard's commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence in protecting the nation's waters.
