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This table illustrates summary information on undersea systems and capabilities available through NURC-NA&GL: ROV = remotely operated vehicles (see footnote 1), SWS=shallow water submersibles (<330m), DWS=deep water submersible (>330m), NIT=NITROX scuba. This table lists general characteristics of each type of system.
SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS AND EQUIPMENT ROV SWS DWS NIT
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS/LIMITATIONS        
Depth, Maximum (meters) 1000 330 4000 40
Occupants, Scientists NA 1-2 1-2 NA
Dive Time Per Dive (hours;depth/task dependent) NA 1-4 2-4 ½ -2
Total Dive Time Per Day (depth and task dependent) 8 8 8 1½ -3
Current, Maximum Velocity (cm/s) 100 75 75 50
Visibility, Minimum (meters) 0.5 2 3 1
Night Diving Operations X X X X
         
IMAGING SYSTEMS        
Intervalometer for 35 mm Still Camera X X X  
Still Camera, Bulk Loaded 35 mm Film (250 exposures) X X X  
Still Camera, 35 mm Film, (28 exposures) X      
Still Camera, digital (exposures based on resolution) X X X  
Video Camera, Color, NTSC X X X  
Time/Date/Sensor Data Overlay On Video X X X  
Video Recording (VHS,Hi-8, DVCam) X X X  
Laser Scaling (10 or 20 cm spacing, 1 or 2 pairs) X X X  
Active Sonar (with data or image file recording) X X X  
         
DATA ACQUISITION        
Conductivity, Temperature, Depth (CTD) X X X X
Transmissometer   X X  
Dissolved Oxygen X      
PAR Sensor     X  
PH X      
         
SAMPLING SYSTEMS        
Manipulator, Variable Degrees Of Freedom X X X  
Suction Sampler, Variable Number Samples, Variable Types Of Collection Devices (e.g. for nepheloid material, plankton) X X X  
Scoop Grab X X X  
Water Samples X X X  
Fluid Dispensing Capability X X X  
Sample Storage X X X  
Tube Cores X X X  
Box Cores X X X  
         
NAVIGATION/COMMUNICATIONS        
USBL with DGPS Integrated Navigation System X X X  
Underwater Communications NA X X  
         
WET DIVING EQUIPMENT        
Gas mixing equipment (for NITROX)       X
NITROX scuba cylinders       X
Oxygen analyzers       X
Recompression chamber       X
         

1 - The list of system characteristics and equipment for ROVs is a combination of the capabilities of the four ROV systems that we operate. Specific sampling subsystems are often transferable between ROVs hence use of a specific sampling hardware may be schedule dependent. Dive platforms can be configured to support scientist supplied equipment. Principal Investigators are encouraged to discuss project requirements with NURC-NA&GL in order to match specific needs to specific systems.


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