c o r p o r a t e b r o c h u r e

w w w . v i d e o r a y . c o m
 Welcome to VideoRay
VideoRay® was founded in 1999. Our concept was a simple one – build a remotely operated
vehicle (ROV) that could be sent into underwater locations that its owners could not reach, or where it
might be unnecessary, or even dangerous, for them to do so. The challenge was to make this relatively
new technology more accessible to potential users, which meant it had to be portable, reliable,
affordable and easy to use. The first systems had shallow depth ratings, included short tethers and basic
thrusters, and were used in nuclear power plants, aquaculture sites, educational ships, and yachts.

Since then, users have tried VideoRays in increasingly challenging situations and environments. Today,
VideoRays can be found on every continent, and owners have learned to trust them to perform in a
wider range of uses and growing number of industries. Hundreds of VideoRays are deployed in
homeland security applications to keep the United States and other countries safe. Science museums
and public aquariums use them to demonstrate how ROVs work – and how fish see their world. Law
Enforcement agencies use VideoRays to locate and retrieve drowning victims and investigate
underwater crime scenes. Television shows use VideoRays to investigate underwater wrecks and
disasters to separate facts from fiction, and every week another application for VideoRays is discovered
somewhere in the world.

VideoRays initially delivered just a video camera to the underwater location. However, VideoRay has
established itself as the worldwide leader in observation-class ROVs, and underwater accessory
manufacturers now develop their sensors around the size and payload capacity of VideoRays. When
you purchase a VideoRay Pro model, you have a choice of the best scanning and multi-beam sonars,
positioning systems, metal thickness, cathodic protection, water quality and radiation measuring devices,
and many other underwater tools and sensors.
PROVEN
Welcome

VideoRays start at under $6000 USD, and there is sure to be a model that is right for your
PHOTO CREDIT: Becky Kagan
underwater challenges.

VideoRay® is a registered trademark of VideoRay LLC.

 Our Promise
Our promise to you is simple – VideoRay is committed to your success with our products and services.

What does that mean?

1. We’ll recommend the best solution that works for your underwater tasks – no less, and no more!
If your challenge exceeds our current capabilities, we’ll tell you that.
2. We’ll make sure our product is rugged, reliable, and complete with easy-to-understand labeling
and documentation.
3. If a VideoRay product fails and it is our fault, we’ll make it right as best we can. That makes it easy
and fair to determine warranty coverage. It also means we’ll pay shipping for warranty repairs in
both directions so there is absolutely no cost to you.
4. We’ll charge a reasonable amount for repairs and spare parts, and post the prices on our web site so
there are no hidden or unexpected costs.
5. When you call or email us, we’ll get back with a full, accurate answer as fast as we can.
6. We’ll treat you the same way we expect to be treated by people selling us similar products.

VideoRay sells more ROVs than anyone else. Most likely we have users who are doing what you want
to do with your VideoRay. Ask us about VideoRay users who are doing what you want to do
underwater, so you can ask them what they think of their VideoRay. We’re sure you’ll be pleased with
their answer.

Our Promise
LOYAL
Scott Bentley
President and Founder
VideoRay LLC
 VideoRay is...
The world’s most widely used underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV).

The smallest, lightest, and best performing ROV capable of open-water tasks.

The standard observation-class ROV for the United States Coast Guard.

The most efficient ROV – with minimal power requirements that can be met by using the smallest
generator, or an inverter that you can connect to your boat’s or vehicle’s battery.

By far the most reliable ROV, capable of operating for hundreds of hours of continuous use.

Extremely easy to maintain – light bulbs, propellers, thruster guards and seals can all be changed in less
than five minutes with few or no tools.

Proven in the world’s coldest and hottest climates and waters.

A company that works hard every day to ensure that you can be successful with our products.

About This Brochure

This brochure will explain our products, showcase some of our users and what they do with their
VideoRays, and explain what we feel you should know as you decide how to increase your
TRUSTWORTHY
VideoRay

underwater capabilities.
 Table of Contents
About VideoRay
Why VideoRay
VideoRay Users
Port Security
Law Enforcement
Archaeology – Wreck Survey
Ship Hull Inspections
Potable Water Inspection Services
Hydroelectric Inspection
Inland Infrastructure Inspection
Salvage
Offshore Oil & Gas
Surveying
Broadcasting
Science & Research
Aquaculture

COOL Rental Services

Consulting Services
PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Winters Aquariums
Sport
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
 Why VideoRay?
VideoRay – Tools to get the job done
We work with people every day who are in the
process of purchasing ROVs.when purchasing a
new ROV you should examine four general
categories:
Capability
VideoRay’s capabilities, in general, involve
investigating underwater targets anywhere within
the depth ratings of each individual models. Some
models can be equipped with a manipulator, and
can recover objects up to about 40 kilograms of
weight in water. When serious underwater
intervention work is required, a VideoRay
submersible’s role is most often to accompany a
diver or much larger ROV.
The challenges of investigating an underwater
target most often involve finding the object,
maneuvering to the object, capturing sonar
Why VideoRay?
images, video images, or still images, then
returning to the operator. In some cases other
sensor readings – cathodic protection, metal
thickness, water quality, radiation, etc. are also
required. Each accessory – sonar, positioning
system, or sensor – can be mounted or removed
in minutes in the field as you develop a plan to
solve developing challenges.
VideoRay systems have been developed for years
to meet the needs of owners and operators that
conduct missions for companies and
governments throughout the world, and new
features and improvements are added based on
requests and feedback from companies like those
highlighted in this brochure. We hope you’ll
recognize an organization like yours and a mission
similar to what you’d like to do with your
VideoRay. We’re proud to play a role in each
organization’s success, and we will continue to
improve VideoRay products to widen the roles
we can play – such as longer tethers, deeper depth
ratings, and even more thrust to pull them.
AMAZING
PHOTO CREDIT: Steve Van Meter
 Why VideoRay?
Cost
VideoRay’s solutions are extremely cost
competitive with divers and other submersibles.
We put all of our current prices on our web site,
and sell at the same prices (plus shipping costs
and any taxes) to the entire world. Our repair and
spare part prices are also listed – we know you
want to understand the cost of acquisition,
training, and ownership of this invaluable tool.
Reliability
In rapidly developing technology such as
underwater ROVs, reliability can be a real
challenge for some companies. We encourage
you to learn from others’ experiences, and make
certain you can rely on your submersible system
when you need it. We’re confident that VideoRay
is superior here.
AGILE
Experience
There are two kinds of experience that you
should look for. The first is the experience of the
companies you are considering. How long have
they been in business? Are they experienced in
the challenges of your industry, and the tasks you
are planning? Do they have the tools you need,
and are they knowledgeable in what generally
works and doesn’t in your underwater
environment?
The second – and arguably more important – is
the availability of existing users in your area, and
in your industry. Does the vendor have successful
users? Can you talk to them? You should, if at all
possible, talk to people who have no stake in
your purchase.
Why VideoRay?
 United States Coast Guard
Waterways and ports throughout the United States
www.uscg.mil particularly valuable when navigating in murky
port waters or inspecting ships for contraband or
In the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, the explosive devices. They also find that VideoRay’s
job of preventing underwater terrorist attacks was extreme portability gives them the ability to
added to the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) deploy from docks, small boats, or trailers and
responsibilities. After a comprehensive evaluation enables them to respond rapidly to a wide range
of available technology in 2002, VideoRay was of missions. See www.videoray.com for more
selected as the standard for USCG observation- information on how the USCG uses their
class ROVs. Currently, all Tier 1 ports are VideoRay systems.
protected by USCG units equipped with
VideoRays. All Maritime Safety and Security
Teams (MSST) have VideoRay equipment, as do
multiple Tactical Law Enforcement Teams
(TACLET) and Port Security Units (PSU).

VideoRay, working with USCG units, has

developed extensive mission-oriented training
with realistic exercises involving port security anti-
terrorist scenarios. These training exercises are
used with other law enforcement agencies in both
the US and NATO countries, as well as to train
new personnel assigned to ROV detachments.
Port Security

USCG units have upgraded their VideoRay

systems to higher power thrusters, and added the
latest sonar technology. They find that multi-beam
SWIFT
sonars such as the BlueView ProViewer are
 United States Customs and Border Protection
Undisclosed throughout the world
www.cbp.gov
United States Customs and Border Protection
(CBP) is one of the Department of Homeland
Security’s largest components, with a priority
mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons
out of the U.S. It also has complex and diverse
responsibilities for securing and facilitating trade
and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S.
regulations, including immigration and drug laws.
In recent years, much of the smuggling at ports
VISION
involves the use of containers that are attached to
ship hulls – either with or without the complicity
of the vessels’ operators.
The challenge for CBP officers is to search these
hulls rapidly and effectively without slowing the
rapid pace of commerce that is the lifeblood of a
commercial port. No other technique or
technology can come close to the effectiveness of
a VideoRay system – particularly one equipped
with a multi-beam sonar such as the BlueView
ProViewer. Using the camera alone, an operator
can approach a vessel on the surface near the
location of bow thrusters, rudders, sea chests, or
other areas where contraband is regularly hidden.
He can then follow the seams of the ship to these
locations to explore them – even with visibility in
the range of one foot (30 centimeters) or less.
However, with a BlueView ProViewer, the entire
ship can be scanned and cleared in one operation
from as far away as 60 feet (18 meters).
The CBP is so impressed with VideoRay
Port Security
technology that they have purchased systems on
behalf of other countries that export to the US,
so US-bound shipments can be scanned before
they leave foreign ports.
 New York Police Department
New York City, New York, USA
www.nyc.gov/nypd saves time and makes for a much more thorough
search. “It enables us to get a virtual image of any
The Counter Terrorism Division (CTD) of the devices before we send a diver down,” says
New York City Police Department (NYPD) has NYPD Sergeant John Harkins.
the job of protecting New York from terrorism.
New York is threatened on several fronts,
including underwater. The New York Harbor is a
key concern, and no expense or effort is spared in
keeping it safe. The world's largest municipal
ROV fleet for port and waterway security is
located in New York City.

The NYPD CTD selected VideoRay and several

sensors and accessories after years of rigorous
testing and evaluation of available underwater
solutions. This equipment is now part of the
NYPDs fleet, and each day VideoRay technology
is used somewhere in the harbor.

Among the accessories used to protect New York

City is the BlueView ProViewer multi-beam
imaging sonar, which allows the VideoRay to
“see” through the murky waters when searching
Port Security

ship hulls or piers for attachments or explosives.

This cutting edge technology makes it possible to
scan a vessel or pier in a small fraction of the time
STRONG
required to do so visually, and therefore both
 Taiwan Coast Guard
30 locations throughout Taiwan
www.cga.gov.tw/EN
Taiwan’s President Chen’s vision is to pursue the
goal of a "maritime state". With that goal in mind
the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) is
dedicated to protect open access to the ocean,
patrol the coast and territorial waters, apprehend
smugglers, carry out rescue operations and
preserve natural resources.
EFFICIENT
In 2003 the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration
purchased 30 VideoRay Pro II systems, facilitating
their ability to carry out their mission. The
systems are deployed throughout the country at
every Coast Guard base. The VideoRay fleet is
used to search ship hulls for drugs or weapons
that can be attached to the hulls – typically in
thrusters, the rudder, or in sea chests. This kind of
smuggling can be done by the vessel’s owner
and/or crew, or by criminals or terrorists without
the knowledge of the crew.
The ROV fleet is also used to search for and
recover drowning victims. This is a major use of
VideoRay worldwide, and a particularly well suited
task for VideoRay, since it can search tirelessly and
without concern for the risks associated with
polluted water, temperature, depth, or other
restrictions that limit divers.
VideoRay also plays a role in forensic
investigations. VideoRay is an excellent way to
search, image, and document the condition and
Port Security
appearance of underwater accident or
crime scenes.
 Port of Long Beach
Long Beach, California, USA
www.polb.com by the POLB’s own employees resulting in a
significant savings to the taxpayers, but it is done
Trade valued annually at more than $100 billion more rapidly, thoroughly, and safely. This “dual
moves through the Port of Long Beach (POLB); use” of VideoRay technology is something that is
it is one of the United State’s premier seaports very common among municipal, state, and federal
and a trailblazer in port security. VideoRay agencies when their users discover the capabilities
systems were incorporated directly into their array and ease of use of their new VideoRay systems.
of port security technology in 2007, though the
Long Beach Fire Department and local US Coast
Guard MSSTs had deployed VideoRay
technology much earlier.

The POLB fleet includes four VideoRay Pro 3

XE GTO systems with manipulators, BlueView
ProViewer high definition multi-beam sonars,
SeaSprite scanning sonars, Desert Star positioning
and ship hull inspection systems, and underwater
radiation detectors. Included with the initial
delivery were two weeks of comprehensive
VideoRay certified training. Training exercises
included simulated terrorist attacks, and using
VideoRay to locate artificial “dirty bombs”.
Port Security

A somewhat unplanned use of the VideoRay fleet

is underwater inspection and documentation that
had previously been done by contractors to the
SMART
port using divers. Not only is the work now done
 Jamaica Port Authority
Kingston, Jamaica
www.kingstonwharves.com.jm
Security Administrators Limited (SAL), a
subsidiary of Kingston Wharves Limited, is the
leading provider of maritime security and related
services in Jamaica, West Indies. The Company
manages security on Port Bustamante for
Kingston Wharves Limited, and the trans-
shipment port operated by APM Terminals
(Jamaica) Limited. This work encompasses several
areas and levels of security throughout the port,
EFFECTIVE
including underwater security for vessels that call
there. For several years drug smugglers have used
commercial freighters as unwitting accomplices by
attaching canisters of compressed marijuana to
them below the waterline, typically to the grates
on bow thrusters.
Initially, divers were used to inspect ships for these
canisters. However, when several of SAL’s divers
were murdered by drug smugglers, SAL
investigated alternative technologies. After
acquiring and testing VideoRay systems, SAL
found the submersibles to be faster, more
effective and much safer. Since purchasing their
first systems in 2002, SAL has increased its
VideoRay fleet and detected drugs on several
vessels prior to shipment. As of the end of 2007,
over 1000 vessels had been searched, and drugs
were found 12 separate times – in one case on the
same vessel in two separate instances.
SAL and their use of VideoRay technology has
significantly impacted drug smuggling in the
Port Security
Caribbean. As a result SAL has expanded their
business throughout the region and they are now
a VideoRay dealer.
 United States Navy
Locations throughout the world
www.navy.mil
The US Navy is one of VideoRay’s largest
customers. They have purchased VideoRay
technology for many uses ranging from criminal
investigation (following the USS Cole incident,) to
explosive ordnance disposal, to routine ships
husbandry.
either of these restrictions, so inspections can be
done much safer and more rapidly.
The US Navy has installed VideoRay systems all
over the world, from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to
Groton, Connecticut and from Norfolk, Virginia
to Yokosuka, Japan.

In-port ship hull inspection is a top priority of the

US Navy. Port security configurations include the
BlueView ProViewer multi-beam sonar, and the
Desert Star ship hull inspection positioning
system, both of which were developed with
funding from the Navy.

VideoRay hull inspections address two major

concerns for Navy ships, whose underwater
inspections would otherwise have to be
accomplished through the use of divers. For
safety purposes, all shipboard systems which
involve water intakes or outflows have to be shut
down and tagged out before divers can begin – an
Port Security

extremely labor and time intensive process. Also,

harbor waters are often polluted, requiring divers
to wear protective suits which are difficult to wear
TACTICAL
and maintain. VideoRays are not constrained by
 University of Zagreb
Zagreb, Croatia
www.fer.hr/en
The University of Zagreb-Faculty of Electrical
Engineering and Computing, Department of
Control and Computer Engineering-Laboratory
for Underwater Systems and Technologies
(LabUST) in Croatia has been a major user and
innovator with VideoRays since 2002. In addition
to research into command and control of
VideoRays, they have used them for several
regional commercial, educational, and research
INTEGRITY
missions throughout Croatia, including
inspections of hydroelectric power plants and
marine biology. One of the most interesting
projects involved explosives search &
neutralization in the Port of Dubrovnik in 2006.
In this mission, the University of Zagreb was a
subcontractor to a specialist mine disposal firm.
Dubrovnik is a UNESCO Heritage site, and one
of the most heavily visited tourist attractions.
Many come on cruise ships. However, an area of
some 25,000 square meters in the cruise ship
berthing area also contained thousands of kilos of
unexploded ordnance from World War II, along
with even more trash. This job was a typical
collaboration between VideoRay, other
technology, and divers – each doing what they
do best.
First the area was scanned with magnetometers,
and targets mapped. Then the area was covered in
a rope grid for navigation. A VideoRay was then
flown throughout the entire 25,000+ square
Port Security
meter area, and the video was reviewed to see
where suspected ordnance was located. Then the
VideoRay returned to these areas with divers for
the process of neutralization and disposal. In
total, 1.5 tonnes of explosives were located.
 St. Louis County Sheriff
Duluth, Minnesota, USA
www.stlouiscounty.org Their fleet now includes multiple VideoRay Pro
3XE GTO systems, BlueView ProViewer
St. Louis County, Minnesota is the largest county multi-beam sonar, SeaSprite scanning sonar and
in the United States. It is known for its Marine Sonic Technology side scan sonar.
spectacular natural beauty, including a national
forest and a national park, the Boundary Waters
Canoe Area, four state parks and 500 lakes.
Unfortunately, given the number of lakes and the
prevalence of snowmobilers on frozen lakes in
the winter as well as many boaters in the summer,
Law Enforcement - Search & Recovery

it suffers from an average of more than seven

drowning victims each year.

In late 2004, The Sheriff’s Department Volunteer

Rescue squad attended the VIPS micro-ROV
conference sponsored by VideoRay, then
purchased a VideoRay Pro 3 system with a
SeaSprite sonar. They have since located and
recovered several drowning victims in their county
and many neighboring counties. They have
learned what works through a close cooperation
with VideoRay and experts in underwater
forensics, and frequent missions and training
exercises. The rescue squad is a valuable resource
that is often tapped throughout the US – and the
world – to consult and train on underwater search
EXTREME
and inspection techniques, particularly under ice.
 Grampian Police
DEPENDABLE Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
http://www.grampian.police.uk
There are eight Police Forces in Scotland, three of
whom have underwater Search Units. These three
units are responsible for specific areas, however all
can be called on by each other to assist if
required.
A VideoRay has been an integral part of the
Grampian Underwater Search unit since 2007. It
replaced a slightly larger system that was donated
by another underwater company in 2003, but
proved unreliable, repeatedly letting the unit
down. Since Grampian purchased their VideoRay,
they have used it extensively in several public
safety missions involving underwater disasters.
A key factor in the success of VideoRay at
Grampian has been the local representative,
Buccaneer Limited in Aberdeen. Buccaneer
provides a wide range of underwater sensors, in
addition to expertise and regional repair facilities
for VideoRay.
Law Enforcement - Search & Recovery
Grampian’s territory includes the Scapa Flow in
Orkney, with several wrecks from the German
fleet that were sunk during the First World War.
This makes the Scapa Flow one of the most
popular wreck diving areas in the World, and as
an unfortunate result, numerous diving fatalities
have occurred. VideoRay has been involved in
recovering victims far more rapidly and safely
than relying solely on divers.
With its extensive experience and understanding
of underwater search technologies – including
VideoRays and divers, as well as side scan and
scanning sonar techniques, Grampian Police are
often called to advise and lecture at conferences
and symposia.
 ATF and the FBI
Washington, DC USA
Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms
www.atf.gov
Federal Bureau of Investigation
www.fbi.gov
One of the first uses of VideoRay in Underwater
Crime Scene Investigation was in February of
2001. A VideoRay Pro searched an underwater
area at the Yacht Harbor Marina in Austin, Texas,
where a fire on December 16, 2000 damaged
boats belonging to President George W. Bush and
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans.
small thrusters located away from the bottom, it
did not stir up sediment that would have made
locating items difficult.
"Divers may have never found the items we
located with VideoRay," says Steve Van Meter, a
Hazardous Duty Robotics Specialist from
NASA/Kennedy Space Center who participated
in the search. Van Meter at the time used a
VideoRay at NASA/Kennedy Space Center to
inspect tanks, culverts, and hazardous submerged
areas.

The search was conducted by the Bureau of

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) Recovery
Team to locate, image, and retrieve items of
possible value to the investigation. Sending the
VideoRay into the target area avoided exposing
divers to unnecessary risks, and allowed the search
in the cold and moderately deep waters to go
Law Enforcement

nonstop until the investigation was completed.

Within five minutes from deployment, the

VideoRay located the first items of possible value
to the investigation. VideoRay's manipulator arm
was able to retrieve all of the items located, and
DYNAMIC
divers did not have to go into the water at all
during the daylong search. Since VideoRay uses
 National Park Service
Locations throughout the United States
home.nps.gov/applications/submerged
The United States National Park Service is one of
the earliest and most innovative users of
VideoRays. The first major deployment was to
explore the interior of the sunken battleship USS
ARIZONA in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii.
This unique project was initiated in September
2000, though VideoRays have entered this historic
landmark and war grave several times since then
PROUD
PHOTO CREDIT: National Park Service
to document its interior and monitor its
deterioration. The use of a YSI water quality
sonde and a Cygnus Instruments ultrasonic metal
thickness gauge on a VideoRay were both
pioneered during these missions to develop
improved methods of preserving this World War
II icon for future generations.
The Submerged Resource Center of the National
Park Service is tasked with managing numerous
culturally significant and environmentally sensitive
underwater sites like the USS ARIZONA, and a
B-29 bomber that sits at the bottom of Lake
Mead, Nevada. They continue to innovate new
techniques to catalog these resources and enhance
Wreck Survey – Archaeology
the public's awareness and understanding of
them. In conjunction with the Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute, they used a VideoRay to
image the interior of the B-29 in high definition
3-D. This was the first time – anywhere in the
world – that this kind of imaging was done with a
remotely operated vehicle, and the results are
being used to create high fidelity computer
models of the site.
 Edison Chouest Offshore
Galliano, Louisiana, USA
with the VideoRay operators allowed more
STABLE
/www.chouest.com
interaction during the inspection. ECO
Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) is the most workboats now regularly receive UWILD
technologically advanced and fastest-growing inspections with a VideoRay system.
Ship Hull Inspection - ABS USCG UWILD Inspections

offshore vessel service company in the world. As

with all offshore workboat service companies,
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and US
Coast Guard requires two hull inspections every
five years for each of their vessels.

Underwater Inspection In Lieu of Dry docking

(UWILD) surveys satisfy one of the inspections
over the 5 year period. Until recently UWILD
inspections were performed exclusively by divers.

Based on extensive field tests performed by Steve

Van Meter of Van Meter consulting, the US
Coast Guard and ABS have granted Edison
Chouest permission to use VideoRay ROVs to
perform the UWILD inspections.

During the hull inspection trials, Edison Chouest

learned the inspections could be performed faster,
and in sea states too dangerous for diving, and the
ABS and US Coast Guard determined the video
quality sent back from the ROV was of better
quality, and speaking with the VideoRay speaking
 USCG - MSST 91101
Seattle, Washington, USA
www.msstseattle.com
One mission from the US Coast Guard Maritime
Safety and Security Team (MSST) unit 91101 in
Seattle, Washington illustrates the exclusive
capabilities for VideoRay ship hull inspection
The ferry “Empress of the North” ran aground
March 24, 2006 on the Columbia River, near
Washougal, Washington. When the USCG MSST
91101, responded, their VideoRay was the perfect
tool to investigate the conditions under the hull.
There was no other way the salvage team could
safely discover the environment and conditions
underneath the hull.
Shortly after deploying VideoRay, the MSST saw
dramatic images as the robot swam under the
vessel and revealed that a large boulder had
actually punctured the hull. Although the salvage
team had thought the vessel was on smooth sand;
the video footage from the VideoRay ROV
DETERMINATION
showed that the original flotation plan could be
catastrophic. The team immediately worked out a
new refloating plan, which was ultimately
successful.
An official commendation by Captain Patrick G.
Garrity, Commanding Officer of Sector Portland,
included “The underwater video provided by the
USCG team proved very helpful in planning the
salvage operation.”
During the process of investigating the hull, the
VideoRay was tossed about “as if we were in a
ship hull Inspection - Emergency
washing machine on the super spin cycle”
according to the MSST operating team. This was
due to the swift currents – over 4 knots at times –
in the very tight space under the hull. However,
this system had been upgraded with GTO
(Greater Thrust Option) propulsion and, along
with expert operators, accomplished its mission.
 J&S Utility
Pleasant Shade, Tennessee, USA
J&S Utility Consultants inspects a wide variety of Another feature that is critical is VideoRay’s
water tanks. The tank inspection business in reliability. VideoRays routinely do hundreds of
Tennessee expanded significantly after state consecutive tank inspections without more than
legislation mandated periodic inspections of routine service that can be done in the field.
municipal water tanks. As a result J&S has
developed considerable expertise in inspection Since 2001, J&S have upgraded their VideoRay to
techniques, the interpretation of potential a Pro 3 model and have put many hundreds of
problems and analysis of failures. hours on their systems. J&S is also branching out,
offering specialized training on inspection
In 2001 they purchased a VideoRay submersible techniques using VideoRays.
and quickly learned that it was the right tool to
inspect the interiors of tanks while the tank
remained in service, saving clients the cost and
Potable Water Inspection Services

disruption of dewatering, and the danger and

sanitation problems of human divers.

Among the features of VideoRay that J&S

appreciate is its light weight and portability. The
submersible weighs about 8 pounds (4 kilos), and
can easily be carried to the top of the tank in a
backpack, or pulled up by a worker at the top
with a rope. This makes a big difference when
some tanks involve hundreds of feet of climbing.

EASY
 MBA Tanks
Wilmington, Delaware, USA
www.mbatanks.com
MBA specializes in Water Storage Tanks,
Underwater Inspections, and Protective Coatings
Inspection. They purchased their VideoRay Pro 2
in 2001, and have done over 100 inspections with
it. They appreciate the reliability and robustness of
the system, and the fact that they can easily
perform simple repairs and modifications to it.
CLEAN
For a job in 2007, they modified the skid so their
VideoRay would pass through a butterfly valve on
a 24 inch (61 centimeter) pipe. A typical
inspection often involves solving problems that
would be very difficult or impossible to overcome
without this technology.
A reservoir client was finding that their pumps,
which drew from three different intakes, were
failing prematurely. They suspected that the
intakes were ingesting foreign material, but were
not sure. A VideoRay inspection – through over
200 feet (61 meter) in each intake and past two
Potable Water Inspection Services
elbows – showed that only one of the three
intakes had a problem, and the client was able to
solve their issue economically and effectively.
 US Army Corp of Engineers
Locations throughout the United States
www.usace.army.mil
The United States Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE) is made up of approximately 34,600
Civilian and 650 military members. Its
responsibilities include planning, designing,
building and operating water resources and other
civil works projects (Navigation, Flood Control,
Environmental Protection, Disaster Response,
etc.) throughout the United States.
Several additional Corps districts have purchased
VideoRays since this report was issued. Since
VideoRay systems are available on the US
Government’s General Services Administration
(GSA) schedule, the purchase of a system is far
easier for US Government agencies. Recent rule
changes allow purchases by state and local
agencies at GSA prices as well.

USACE units began purchasing VideoRay

systems in 2000, and they are implementing these
micro-ROVs at an increasing rate. A recent
report, entitled “Benefits of Using Remotely
Operated Vehicles to Inspect USACE Navigation
Structures”, concluded:
Hydroelectric Inspection

“High-quality cameras (video and pictures)

and easy-to-maneuver platforms are essential
technologies. Small, so-called “micro” ROVs
satisfy these needs. Compared with larger
platforms, they also have the advantages of
low capital cost, rapid deployment, and two-
person teams.… Most Corps navigation
facilities should own a micro ROV to
POWERFUL
conduct routine inspections …”
 Three Gorges Dam
Yichang, Hubei Province, China
www.ctgpc.com
Beijing Ocean Seeker Technical Co. Ltd, a
VideoRay representative in China, has specialized
in VideoRay inspections for hydroelectric plants
for several years. In addition to the VideoRay Pro
series submersibles, they sell and support
positioning systems and multi-beam sonars.
Multi-beam sonars, such as the ProViewer from
BlueView Technologies, are particularly suited to
the environments encountered in hydroelectric
ESSENTIAL
dams, where small features must be identified
from a distance through murky waters with high
currents, navigated to, then visually inspected.
Items located with VideoRay are often trash that
can interfere with the operation of gates and
valves. VideoRays are also often used to inspect
the condition of underwater infrastructure to
make sure it is operating properly. Using a
VideoRay is much easier, less expensive, faster,
and most important, safer than using divers for
inspection tasks.
Among the sites where VideoRay is used regularly
for inspections is the 3 Gorges Dam. China
Yangtze Three Gorges Project (TGP), is the
largest hydropower-complex project in the world.
Hydroelectric Inspection
The Three Gorges Hydropower Plant (TGHP)
contains twenty-six turbine-generator units, each
with installed capacity of 700 MW, not including
the six more 700 MW units in the Right Bank
Underground Powerhouse under construction. Its
total installed capacity amounts to 18,200 MW,
and its expected annual average power generation
accounts up to 84.7 TWH, so the TGHP ranks as
the biggest one in the world, with remarkable
power generation capabilities.
 Buckinghamshire County Council
Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
www.buckscc.gov.uk Tim Rackham, Senior Bridge Inspector, has been
expanding his VideoRay projects and now uses it
Buckinghamshire, like many inland local for clearing blocked tunnels & retrieving river bed
authorities, has a large number of long, low and samples. He is currently experimenting with sonar
submerged culverts and bridge piers to inspect. techniques to detect movement in irregularly
Previously the county council employed divers to shaped culverts and pipes. He hopes that the data
undertake these inspections, which is very collected with this method will detect early signs
expensive and dangerous. of structural distress on some sites whilst
confirming stability and extending the life
In association with Atlantas Marine Ltd., the of others.
bridges section of the county council modified a
VideoRay so it can also cruise at surface level and
inspect the underside of a bridge deck. The
VideoRay is equipped with a third camera and
Inland Infrastructure Inspection

two pairs of parallel laser pointers to enable

accurate measurements of any defects.

Inspecting with the VideoRay is quicker, cheaper

and more accurate than undertaking a manned
inspection. In fact, the submarine paid for itself
within the first 4 weeks of operation – it can
inspect about 40 sites in one week. If the council
needed to construct dams and dewater the sites, it
would typically take about a week and cost about
£2,500 per site. VERSATILE
 South Florida Water Management
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA
www.sfwmd.gov
The South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) manages and protects regional water
resources throughout central Florida and the
Kissimmee River region as well as Lake
Okeechobee. It manages vital water management
structures with a replacement value of over USD
$12,000,000,000. These assets assure regional
flood control, water supply and water quality
protection, and ecosystem restoration.
SAFE
SFWMD’s fleet of several VideoRay systems are
used to enter confined spaces throughout the vast
SFWMD territory. With extremely tight budgets,
SFWMD is constantly innovating. The agency
must use the most cost-effective methods
available to inspect these structures, scheduling
maintenance and repairs to maximize value and
minimize downtime.
Divers have conducted inspections for years.
While this technique is often needed - particularly
when repairs are required - it is inefficient in the
majority of cases when inspection is the only
requirement. In addition, human divers risk
Inland Infrastructure Inspection
attack by the alligators that live near structures,
and cannot enter some water pumping equipment
enclosures safely. The process of diving often
stirs up sediment, making already challenging
visibility situations much worse.
 Titan Marine
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA
www.titansalvage.com
Titan Maritime, one of the world's leading
maritime salvage companies, needed to assess the
underwater condition of the 900 foot container
ship MSC NAPOLI that was grounded off the
southeast coast of the UK. Their consultant,
Steve Van Meter, of Cocoa, Florida had been
using his VideoRay micro-ROV on challenging
jobs throughout the world for years. His
VideoRay system is light and portable, so it can be
taken along as checked luggage on airlines. The
power consumption, operating space, and simple
deployment techniques are all such that it can be
operated onboard almost any vessel from small
inflatables to large offshore support vessels.
Another wreck were VideoRay was used by Titan
was the NEW FLAME, which ran aground in
Gibraltar. In this case the first ROV that
attempted to inspect the wreck - a large ROV -
was unable to complete the mission in the six
knot currents at the site. Using special
deployment techniques, the VideoRay was
successful. The video from VideoRay indicated
that the hull was damaged through the keel, and
the ship could not be able to be refloated. This
information enabled Titan to properly prepare
and bid for the salvage of the NEW FLAME.

Van Meter was able to image the entire hull in

two days with a very high level of detail. The
operating conditions made this a hazardous
environment dive, controlled by extensive UK
Health and Safety regulations. If human divers
had been deployed, it would have been dangerous
and expensive to get the same results - and likely
this would not have been possible in the short HARDY
Salvage

time allotted.
 UMC
Hants, United Kingdom
www.umc.co.uk
UMC International PLC , located in Plymouth,
UK, contracted with Atlantas Marine, an
underwater technology firm representing
VideoRay based in Somerset, UK, to image
containers and debris on the seafloor surrounding
the MSC NAPOLI wreck. A side scan sonar
survey of the immediate area around the MSC
Napoli and the surrounding area of West Bay had
PORTABLE
identified numerous unidentified targets. Paul
Summers of UMC commented that “this
provided an ideal task to test the capabilities of
the VideoRay ROV and BlueView Sonar.” UMC
contracted Atlantas Marine to supply the
equipment and an operator to train UMC staff.
Sonar targets were quickly located and classified,
and the serial numbers and general condition of
containers and other cargo which had fallen off
the MSC NAPOLI during the unfortunate
incident were captured with the video camera on
the submersible. Location of the targets and
navigation to them was accomplished
through a BlueView ProViewer P450-15 multi-
beam sonar. The ProViewer’s long range proved
invaluable in guiding the VideoRay to each target
Salvage
 Maersk Oil
North Sea
http://www.maerskoil.com
Maersk Oil is an international oil and gas
company operating an oil production output of
more than 600,000 barrels per day. Attention to
health and safety, a strong respect for the
environment and a cost conscious approach has
helped Maersk Oil grow to become one of the
world's top 25 independent oil and gas producing
companies. When they faced the challenge of
inspecting areas of their Gryphon FPSO in the
North Sea, they agreed to trial a VideoRay
provided by Buccaneer Ltd, the local Aberdeen
VideoRay representative.
Offshore Oil & Gas
The resulting inspection was a great success –
excellent images were obtained of areas beyond
the range of larger ROVs or divers, and in sea
conditions too rough for either.
In order to mobilize for the inspection, a single
pilot and two pelican cases (carried as normal
luggage) were all that was needed to be flown
offshore. The inspection was conducted with the
pilot and one helper, and did not interfere with
any FPSO operations- no valves or thrusters had
to be isolated, and there was no impact on normal
oil production. The VideoRay was simply lowered
down into the turret moonpool area, and from
there, swam throughout the mooring system.
CRITICAL
 Conoco Phillips
South China Sea
Managers aboard Conoco Phillips' FPSO vessel in
the South China Sea needed a way to inspect the
anchor system. Engineers determined the easiest
and safest way to accomplish this was by
descending through a 50 cm diameter turret riser
tube. After an exhaustive evaluation period which
included discussions with several manufacturers
and consultants, Conoco Phillips purchased a
VideoRay Pro 3XE GTO system with VideoRay
certified implementation consulting, training, and
maintenance instruction. During installation and
training Conoco Phillips saw other valuable uses
INNOVATIVE
for the VideoRay system including inspections of
hull, anchors, and ballast tanks.
During the delivery and training process, it was
clear that the VideoRay's capabilities were an
exceptionally good fit with their requirements.
The VideoRay's small size, low power
consumption, intuitive and easily-mastered
controls, and strong "GTO" thrusters allowed
many potential operators - including the FPSO
captain - to have a chance to conduct inspections.
VideoRay's proven field serviceability was
demonstrated with maintenance operations, such
as lamp, camera dome, thruster seal and circuit
board replacements, and other procedures
demonstrated and practiced by staff based on
the vessel.
The role of VideoRay technology in ongoing
Offshore Oil & Gas
inspection and maintenance of this FPSO and
other similar structures around the world is
increasing rapidly. VideoRays have been proven in
other challenging offshore roles, from the
installation of natural gas production facilities in
Turkey and Bulgaria to the inspection of ship
hulls of offshore service vessels in the Gulf
of Mexico.
 British Petroleum, and Oceaneering
Gulf of Mexico
British Petroleum
www.bp.com
Oceaneering
www.oceaneering.com
One of the British Petroleum (BP) oil rigs in the
Gulf of Mexico off Grand Isle, LA, broken off
and flattened by hurricane Katrina, began to leak
oil and gas in August of 2005. BP contracted with
Oceaneering, an Oil Field support contractor, to
locate and stop the leaks.
Oceaneering responded with a support ship,
equipped with a large Maximum ROV system.
This ROV was able to get onto the collapsed rig
wreckage lying on the bottom at a depth of 90
feet (27 meters). However, its size precluded the
ROV from getting into the wreckage to locate the
source of the leak.
Offshore Oil & Gas
Van Meter Consulting was contracted to support
the emergency operation with a VideoRay Pro 3
GTO system from the deck of the Oceaneering
ship. All of the necessary equipment fit in
RUGGED
checked airline luggage, allowing the operator to
leave on the next scheduled flight.
Once on site, the VideoRay provided video
images of the leak from deep within the
wreckage. With its small size, the operator was
able to penetrate the wreckage and locate the leak.
The high quality video captured by the VideoRay
was sent, live via satellite from the support ship, to
BP’s engineering group in Houston for review.
The operator flew the ROV to various positions
as requested by the group in Texas, allowing the
experts to make a positive ID of the leaking
flange and prepare a repair kit to stop the leak.
 Momentum Engineering
Black Sea
momentumdubai.com
Momentum Engineering is headquartered in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates. They have been
actively involved in drilling, engineering, offshore
construction and port management services
throughout most areas of the world for the past
22 years. In 2006, they were awarded the contract
to place tripods on several wells in a very short
timeframe. These tripods, the smallest weighing
over 450 tons, are being placed to extract gas
from wells drilled earlier in 2006. There are three
wellheads for most locations, and the tripods have
to be carefully lowered onto the wellheads, in a
complex process. When investigating ROV
resources to work with divers, cranes, rigs,
hammers, and other tools needed for the system
they put together, they considered both traditional
ROVs and the new, small, inspection class ROVs
that have become available in the last few years.
Of these, the VideoRay is actually the smallest, as
BALANCED
well as the most popular and fastest. There were
three primary advantages of using VideoRays
over larger, traditional observation class units:
• The smaller size and power consumption meant
they were far easier to transport, deploy, and
share as needed between different locations,
vessels and rigs.
• The smaller size of the VideoRay enabled it to
go places that larger vehicles would
not be able to penetrate.
• The lower cost allowed them to consider them
to be “disposable” when absolutely necessary.
If operations demanded that the ROV be put
into high-risk situations, Momentum would push
forward with relatively few hesitations.. This has
Offshore Oil & Gas
been important more than once.
 Fugro
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
www.fugrosurvey.co.uk VideoRay is a vital part of a large number of

Fugro’s Environmental Division is based in Great

Yarmouth in the UK and comprises graduates
technology tools used by Fugro and others in
environmental research. NECESSARY
from various disciplines including Oceanography,
Marie Biology and Marine Chemistry. They
perform specialized marine environmental
surveys, specifically environmental baseline
surveys, monitoring surveys, biotope (or habitat)
mapping, marine mammal observation and desk
study EIAs.

Fugro Environmental has used VideoRays in two

ways. First, they deployed the VideoRay from a
RIB, and attached it to a fixed deployment system
that was used in ‘towed’ mode. This also allowed
up and down movement of the camera to view
different aspects.

Their second method includes deploying

VideoRay from a subsea garage, with a
positioning beacon attached. The VideoRay was
flown from the garage and attached to it by a 10-
15 meter umbilical. The VideoRay was used for
Surveying

fish counts and detailed observations of

macroalgae.
 Deakin University
Victoria, Australia
www.deakin.edu.au
PRECISE Established in the 1970s as one of the new
generation of Australian universities, Deakin
University in Victoria, Australia, combines a
university's traditional focus on excellent teaching
and research with a desire to seek new ways of
developing and delivering courses. They have
been among the most innovative institutions
doing benthic mapping, using several technologies
to deploy and adapt VideoRays for surveying the
marine environment.
The key to the successful mapping of benthic
marine habitats lies in the translation of physical
data into quantitative and qualitative characteristics
of benthic communities. To achieve this, seafloor
imagery such as data from hydroacoustic surveys
needs to be integrated with ground-truthed
observations for predictive model development.
The ability to integrate data collected at these
varying spatial scales and differing formats, as well
as relating these data to future studies is a critical
aspect of marine mapping studies.
A recent extensive mapping project of an area
was conducted in order to discover:
• All the different types of habitats in Victoria’s
coastal waters.
• The location, distribution and geographic
extent of specific marine habitats
• The critical habitat requirements for key
marine species
This survey used fish observation data from ROV
video and sonar data to predict fish habitat, using
fish presence data integrated with sonar data.
During the survey Deakin also imaged a number
of sites of cultural significance. Of particular note
is the City of Rayville, the first US casualty of
WWII. The City of Rayville hit a German mine
whilst navigating around Cape Otway in 1940.
Surveying
The wreck currently lies in 70-80 metres of water.
Deakin used multi-beam sonar and VideoRay
ROVs to assess the status of the wreck site in
collaboration with the Maritime Archaeological
Division.
 Discovery Channel
Gulf of Mexico
In August 2006, the producers wanted shots of
the Harbor Branch submarine descending as the
mother ship moved away. The problem with
shooting with divers was the vortex created by the
moving tender would suck anything or anyone
into its props. So VideoRay was called out,
and used to capture the video.
The VideoRay was deployed by being thrown by
hand (like a football) as the tender departed the
area. The strong thrusters of the VideoRay Pro
3 GTO were able to counteract the 3 to 4 knots
that the tender was moving, keeping the
VideoRay within range of the sub as it descended
to the deep. The challenge was to keep playing
out tether fast enough to keep up with the rapidly
disappearing sub.
Broadcasting
Deep Sea Detectives
Various Locations
Show host, John Chatterton, explains the role of
VideoRay: “On the Deep Sea Detectives series for
the History Channel, our job was exploring
shipwrecks to unlock their mysteries for our
audience. For roughly 10% of our 57 episodes, we
used the VideoRay micro-ROV to penetrate inside
spaces within these shipwrecks that were simply
too small for divers to enter. The Video Ray
worked very well with divers and was a valuable
production tool retrieving the information and
video we needed. We found it easy to operate,
easy to transport, and reliable. In the television
industry, you are always working under budget
restrictions. The VideoRay always provided us
with great production value, and never once let us
down. I wish everything worked as well for us as
the VideoRay.”
UNPARALLELED
 National Geographic
Yucatán, Mexico
www.nationalgeographic.com
VideoRay was a critical component on a scientific
mission featured in the October 2003 issue of
National Geographic magazine and on
nationalgeographic.com. The expedition explored
sacred sinkholes, called Cenotes, in the Yucatán. A
VideoRay submersible entered several Cenotes in
search of Maya artifacts and cave biology and
found skeletons of victims who had been
sacrificed in ancient times.
Marcus Kolb, Director of Research and
Development, spent two weeks in the jungle
accompanying photographers and scientists. The
VideoRay reached depths and captured
underwater photographs that might not be
possible by divers; identified water conditions;
observed isopods and other cave life; and
explored tiny passages too small and dangerous
for divers. Equipped with a Sony 5 mega pixel
camera with a wide-angle adapter, the VideoRay
took high-resolution photos of the sacred
INVESTIGATE underwater caves.
Kolb and the VideoRay team would lug the 70-
pound (30 kilo) VideoRay equipment into the
jungle each day, thankful it was much lighter than
the SCUBA equipment the divers required. They
would then lower the VideoRay to a Cenote, start
up the tiny generator, and stay for hours
measuring water parameters and looking for cave
biology. In Cenote Sabak Ha, Kolb recalls tying a
chicken foot to the YSI sonde on the VideoRay,
taking it to 450 feet (137 meter), and waiting to
see what marine life would appear. The YSI
Sonde measured depth and thickness of the
halocline, where fresh water meets salt water.
Live video from the VideoRay was sent to the
dive supervisor at the surface. The VideoRay
scoped out Cenotes before divers entered and
provided a precautionary glimpse of underwater
conditions. While divers were in more than 200-
foot (61 meter) depths of the Cenote, the tiny
yellow submersible accompanied them as a dive
buddy would, capturing live video and
Broadcasting
documenting the exploration.
 Monsterquest - The History Channel
Himalayan River System, India
Monsterquest is a television series that runs on
the History channel in the United States, and on
various other networks around the world.
Monsterquest aims to reveal the truth of
legendary monster sightings around the world
by deploying the latest high-tech equipment.
Icon Films is an award winning UK
documentary production company hired by The
History Channel to create a Monsterquest
episode on the Goonch, or “Giant Devil”
Catfish.
For this episode the crew embarked on a 5 week
trip throughout the Himalayan river system in
India. Most of the mission gear and the ROV
were carried or put in canoes to be moved up
river. Jeremy Wade, the narrator and adventurer
was tasked with finding the elusive Goonch.
Goonch tolerated the intrusion into its lair
without complaint.
Most of the fish bolted from a looming diver,
which was possibly a good thing, in one respect,
given their fearsome dentition and dark
reputation. Between these brief personal
encounters it made a pleasant change to hunt
them from the security and relative comfort of
the riverbank. Using the ROV was a great
success”. This episode is the first time VideoRay
was used on the series; it has since been used on
four other episodes.

Recalling the mission, Jeremy stated “At one

point I maneuvered the VideoRay right
alongside one of these elusive Goonch, and was
Broadcasting

able to observe it for several minutes —

something I could never have done in person
with just one lungful of air. I’ve no idea what
the fish thought it was (a strange new species? a
FLEXIBLE
would-be mate?), but probably because of the
ROV’s small size and controlled approach, the
 Treasure Divers HD
Atlantic Beach, Florida, USA
When Gary Mace got together with his partners
to produce a new High Definition TV series on
diving for treasure, he wanted to do everything he
could to separate “Treasure Divers” from other
diving shows. One of his first calls was to John
Chatterton, the producer of the most popular
diving show ever – “Deep Sea Detectives”.
John recommended that Gary use VideoRay
technology in at least one episode. Deep Sea
Detectives had used different ROVs, and
discovered that VideoRay was by far the most
reliable, portable, and easy to use among them.
TREASURED
According to Chatterton “This technology is
amazing – it saves time, it makes diving safer, and
its just plain fun”
During filming, the VideoRay worked flawlessly,
providing the team with images of interesting
artifacts in some sites – and showing that others
were not worth diving on. At one point it found
and filmed a Goliath Grouper hiding in a section
of a wreck where the divers could not go –
providing some of the most dramatic footage in
the series.
Broadcasting
 Strikezone
Sydney, Australia
www..strikezonemedia.com.au

Strikezone is a different type of fishing show.

The production company is based in Australia,
but it produces shows around the world.
All fishing shows concentrate on the action above
the water, but Strikezone revolutionized the
industry by introducing the Strikecam, which gave
viewers a bait’s eye view of fishing. This allowed
them to show the behavior of a fish or school of
fish as they moved around the hook, and this
drop camera was either towed behind the boat or
positioned near the bait.
was in the Yellowtail Kingfish video, which for the
first time takes you right into the reef revealing a
whole new view of the fish in their natural
HOOKED
habitat.
Strikezone, like others using VideoRay to film fish
in their normal environment, has found that it
does not “spook” fish. Since the fish have no
experience with a vehicle this size, and since the
VideoRay does not emit bubbles or move fins or
flippers, they are not afraid of it. In fact, most
fish simply ignore its presence.

Their introduction of VideoRay in 2006 moved

their underwater video to a whole new level.
Now they can explore the world of their prey in a
large radius from their boat – and from whatever
perspective they like. This allows great shots of
fish in their natural habitat, and allows them to
spy on the behavior of fish as they explore for the
Broadcasting

perfect underwater fishing location.

Now, principals Allister McGlashan and Ron

Croft have integrated VideoRay into their
production portfolio. Their first use of VideoRay

CUTTING-EDGE
PHOTO CREDIT: Carol Yin, Yinsight, Inc
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI)
Hollywood, California, USA
CBS's hit show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
relies on, as part of its success formula, the use of
high-tech devices to gather evidence and help
solve crimes. When they came across VideoRay,
they decided to write it into an episode requiring
the search of a large lake for murder victims.
The propmaster contacted VideoRay, and
requested a system. However, upon its arrival, the
control panel looked a bit daunting and the
producer was having second thoughts about
being able to incorporate it into the script. The
propmaster visited www.videoray.com and
downloaded a picture of pre-schoolers operating
a VideoRay. He emailed this to the producer with
the playful suggestion that the kids could be called
in as consultants.
As it turned out, no outside help was required to
use the VideoRay in the episode, proving the
reliability and intuitive controls. Video from the
VideoRay was even incorporated into in the final
production, and a clip can be seen on VideoRay’s
website.
Broadcasting
 Moss Landing Marine Laboratories
McMurdo Station, Antarctica
www.mlml.calstate.edu
Since establishment in 1966, Moss Landing
Marine Laboratories (MLML) has cultivated an
international reputation for excellence in marine
science research and education. Their
collaboration with VideoRay began when nearby
Monterey Bay Aquarium purchased a VideoRay,
and they learned about VideoRay’s small ROV
technology experience and excellent results in
extremely cold water.
no problems that could not be fixed in minutes
with the standard tool kit – a testament to
VideoRay's reliability. Additionally, the use of
sonar and extended dive times allowed the
researchers to locate experimental apparatus on
the sea floor that divers had been unable to find
for over 40 years. See scini.robocracy.org/blog/ for
a full account of the 2007 mission and the
extremely unusual animal and plant life seen
through the VideoRay.

The relationship grew to the point where Marcus

Kolb, VideoRay’s director of Research and
Development, was invited to join in the S.C.I.N.I.
project (Submersible Capable of under Ice
Navigation and Imaging) project in and around
McMurdo Station in Antarctica for seven weeks
in October and November of 2007. Most of the
Science & Research

fascinating images taken during this trip were

captured by a standard VideoRay Pro 3 GTO
system.

The VideoRay, often equipped with a Tritech

SeaSprite sonar, was used for well over 200 hours
by several operators, in water that was 28.5
COLD-BLOODED
degrees Fahrenheit (-1.5 Centigrade). With
surface temperatures much colder, it experienced
 Marine Resources Development Foundation
Key Largo, Florida, USA
www.mrdf.org
The Marine Resources Development Foundation
(MRDF) is a non-profit foundation dedicated to
bringing to the world innovative programs and
technology that stimulate ocean awareness and
promote responsible development of earth’s
precious resources. Its MarineLab program offers
dormitory accommodations, cafeteria service, labs
and equipment in addition to snorkeling field trips
EDUCATIONAL
for visitors. But how can you deliver an
underwater experience to classrooms or
individuals in landlocked locations far away?
VideoRay and MRDF collaborated, beginning in
2005, on techniques to allow internet users in far-
flung locations to drive the VideoRay located at
MRDF. Using a computer game controller, a
large display (typically a projector,) and an internet
connection, students – or even adults – can drive
a VideoRay around MRDF’s underwater habitat
to experience the underwater world. Since it
allows students to actually interact with
underwater creatures, plants, and structures, it is
often the most popular activity of the school year.
Science & Research
 Darwinvest
Guayaquill, Ecuador
www.darwinvest.com.ec
The Charles Darwin Foundation for the
Galapagos Islands (CDF) is an international non-
profit research organization dedicated to
providing scientific research, technical assistance
and information to ensure conservation success in
Galapagos. Their VideoRay is changing the way
that CDF marine staff carry out marine ecological
monitoring. It allows researchers, who were
previously restricted to safe diving depths of
around 100ft (30 m), to access depths to 500ft
(152 m), to take video footage and collect marine
samples in previously uncharted habitats.
VideoRay hardware and expertise were provided
to CDF by Darwinvest, one of VideoRays most
impressive dealers. Using VideoRay, and many
hard working divers and scientists, Darwinvest has
discovered an entirely new fish species (Poecilia
bujardi) and evolved into Ecuador’s leading
submarine logistics organization, with assignments
ranging from ship hull inspection to submerged
archaeology in high altitude tropical lakes and
offshore pipeline construction.

The first explorations in early April 2006 revealed

an exciting rediscovery of rarely seen, deep-water
endemic octocorals known as sea pens. “These
octocorals may represent the last remaining
Science & Research

species that have survived strong climatic events

and their collection locations may be sites for
future population recovery,” says CDF
oceanographer Stuart Banks. “What we are
finding using the ROV emphasizes the need to
better understand these fascinating habitats. New
discoveries are sure to follow.”
REVEALING
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Locations throughout the United States
www.noaa.gov
United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration’s ( NOAA) mission is to
understand and predict changes in Earth’s
environment and conserve and manage coastal
and marine resources to meet the United State’s
economic, social, and environmental needs.
NOAA is a major user of VideoRay technology
in different locations across the US. NOAA’s
PRICELESS
VideoRay systems have been used for Science and
Research at the Aquarius underwater habitat, to
conduct instrument and weather buoy
inspections, and for habitat, fish counts and
specimen research.
NOAA is a pioneer in using VideoRay in ground
truthing efforts, beginning with the Chesapeake
Bay on the eastern coast of the United States. An
intensive bottom mapping effort was begun in
2005 by the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office
Benthic Mapping Team chesapeakebay.noaa.gov.
This program involves acoustic mapping of
targeted tributaries in the bay using side scan
sonar, echosounders, benthic classification tools,
and sub bottom profilers. Ground truthing by
VideoRay and benthic sampling is being
performed to validate habitat type and describe
Science & Research
the varied bottom conditions and associated
community structure. This information was
compiled into a GIS resource to assist with
fisheries management decision processes.
 Chileyue
Castro, Chiloe Island, Chile
Aquaculture is an industry where keeping your each year. Another use is finding expensive lost
assets inside your nets is absolutely critical. The equipment, and performing regulatory
cost of a four-kilogram salmon escaping through compliance work.
an undetected hole equals a $12 USD loss from
the fish farmer's bottom line. When nets are VideoRay can be used day or night. Unlike divers,
ripped, the damage needs to be discovered and VideoRay never needs a rest and never runs out
repaired as soon as possible. Traditionally, these of air. Sending live video to a monitor on the
inspections have been done by divers – a cold, deck, VideoRay moves stealthily through the
dangerous, and monotonous job where the results water like many sea creatures. Because of its
are not easily verified or recorded. small size and the fact that it does not emit
bubbles, VideoRay does not scare fish as divers
Jorge Ovalle of Chileyue, SA, a fish farming often do or create a panic that can lead to the
organization in Castro, Chiloe Island, Chile, is death of fish.
using VideoRay to inspect nets, and for other
tasks. In Chile, the salmon harvest exceeds 350
thousand tons annually. VideoRay provides a fast
return on investment, since if a net inspection
prevents the escape of 1,000 salmon, it pays for
itself. At Chileyue, VideoRay takes the place of
divers in many cases.

Using a VideoRay to do net inspections means

that this task can be accomplished from relative

TENACIOUS
Aquaculture

comfort on the surface, and inspections can be

tracked and recorded. In addition to inspecting
nets for damage, VideoRays can monitor feeding,
In the aquaculture industry, food waste of just
one percent represents $5 million in lost profit
 Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Newfoundland, Canada
The Canadian Department of Fisheries and
Oceans (DFO) use their VideoRay in many
situations where no other underwater observation
tool could possibly be used – for example, from
small boats, working in extreme depths. In one
such instance in 2002 the VideoRay was sent to
investigate a massive kill of Atlantic Cod in Smith
Sound, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. Over a period
of approximately three weeks, at least 600 metric
tons of cod were killed from exposure to super-
VALUED
cooled -1.4° to -1.7° C water. To investigate the
extent of the fish-kill, VideoRay traveled to the
extreme depth of 227 meters (745 feet) in the
frigid water.
Despite the fact that DFO’s VideoRay Pro II
model had a depth rating of 152 meters (500
feet), it did not experience a problem. Also, the
cold temperature did not affect its performance in
any way. VideoRay is proud of the fact that, to
date, not a single VideoRay submersible has
experienced a component failure due to either
water temperature or depth.
Most of the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans’ research involves pelagic species,
primarily capelin (Mallotus villosus) and Atlantic
herring (Clupea harengus). During the summer of
2002, DFO used the ROV to observe the
spawning behavior of capelin in Trinity Bay,
Newfoundland, in depths of 15 to 25 meters.
Previously, Wheeler had used a scientific echo
sounder to determine the presence of capelin and
Aquaculture
estimate their abundance. The VideoRay allowed
Wheeler to observe the fish visually during
spawning and to delineate the extent of spawning
beds. The VideoRay also observed a humpback
whale that was feeding on capelin in the survey
 Seatronics
Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
www.seatronics.co.uk Seatronics therefore have no hesitation in offering
this equipment to complete the most complex of
Seatronics Ltd, Aberdeen, UK took delivery of video tasks in which larger ROV systems are
two VideoRay PRO 3 XE GTO systems from unable to tackle.”
Atlantas Marine in March 2007. Soon thereafter
the systems were successfully utilised by a variety “More and more of our customers are working in
of different global customers. more complex areas and it is essential that we
have the equipment they require available for rent
One venture saw StatoilHydro, Norway to complete these tasks. We can provide
successfully deploy one of the systems in sub engineering solutions, integration and interfacing
zero temperatures under the Artic ice to specific to customers’ needs and have trained
investigate and record the structure and thickness engineers available to work on projects alongside
of the ice layer. Overcoming the harsh the equipment we hire.”
environmental conditions, where tether buoyancy
and electronics were affected by the extreme cold,
engineers accumulated video and depth
information and data for their environmental
survey. Seatronics have found that that the
VideoRay can adapt to a number of simple or
complex video inspection tasks which include
offshore wind turbines, fish farm moorings and
Rental Services

outfall pipeline investigation surveys.

David Currie, Managing Director of Seatronics

Ltd., states “We believe the VideoRay is
undoubtedly a very adaptable ROV inspection
DURABLE
system - having already been shown that it can
operate in the harshest of environments.
 Van Meter Consulting
Cocoa, Florida, USA
ENDURING
www.vanmeterconsulting.com
Steve Van Meter had been the Hazardous Duty
Robotics Specialist at NASA Kennedy Space
center for several years when he retired in January
of 2006. One of his responsibilities was to
inspect the waterways surrounding the space
center, as well as tanks and other confined spaces
with VideoRay Pro submersibles. It was only
natural that he would consider a part-time job
performing inspections and offering training on
VideoRays in his retirement.
“I had no idea I'd be far busier doing this in my
‘retirement’ ” says Mr. Van Meter. “I've traveled
the world, and learned a great deal about
micro-ROVs, inspection techniques and
capabilities. It’s great to be known as an expert on
the subject - and add to my expertise while having
fun. I can pick the best and most interesting jobs,
while constantly expanding the envelope of what
can be done with these great tools.”
As of October, 2008, Steve Van Meter has
personally done over 500 missions with VideoRay
systems, in 30 countries servicing 34 clients.
Underwater Consulting Services
Amazingly, Steve has never left a job undone, nor
experienced a VideoRay equipment failure he
couldn't somehow fix at the client's site. Some
have been ugly, but in each case Steve and local
helpers got the job done. Steve always travels
with all his VideoRay equipment in checked
luggage. He packs so efficiently - and the
VideoRay equipment is so compact, that Steve
very rarely needs to pay extra for the equipment.
Because of the flexibility of his VideoRay system,
he can take just what he expects to need for each
job -the tethers, sensors, tools, and a small repair
kit. Steve does not require a complete spares kit
since he knows he can count on VideoRay
reliability.
 National Marine Aquarium
Plymouth, United Kingdom
www.national-aquarium.co.uk
A key exhibit at the National Marine Aquarium
(NMA) is the AquaTheatre, a 22,000 gallon tank
where members of the public get the opportunity
to race various ROVS against each other through
an underwater assault course. As one of the
ROVs featured, the VideoRay is integral to the
Mini-SubMission shows. But its role doesn’t
stop there.
The VideoRay has even been used to explore the
aquarium’s artificial reef, and the shipwreck HMS
SUCCESS
Scylla. The NMA has also used their VideoRay
to work with groups like the National Lobster
Hatchery and Devonport Naval Dockyard.
VideoRay’s UK dealer Atlantas Marine supplied
the VideoRays to the NMA, together with
operational and maintenance training programs.

The VideoRay has also proved a valuable tool

elsewhere round the aquarium. For example, in
2007 the Sand Tiger sharks were exhibiting
unusual behaviour. Divers could not have been
used due to the risk of further aggravating the
sharks and so the VideoRay was deployed into the
tank, where its small size and maneuverability
allowed it to get up close to the 3-metre long
animals. Everything seen through the camera was
recorded for future reference by animal health
specialists.
Aquariums
 Liberty Science Center
INTUITIVE Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
www.lsc.org
Liberty Science Center (LSC) has many exciting
interactive experiences, with more opening all the
time. This is in keeping with the concept that LSC
is not just a science center, but as a globally
minded science resource for living, learning,
working in and caring for our region. The recent
VideoRay system in the 7,000 gallon tank in the
“Our Hudson Home” exhibit is one of the most
entertaining and educational exhibits in the center.
In most cases, when guests envision Remotely
Operated Vehicles, they think of huge machines
which dominate the fish and other aquatic life
around them.
This is reversed at the “Our Hudson Home”
exhibit, where huge fish are much larger than the
VideoRay submersible. The systems can be
operated by any visitor. And the surroundings,
with many fish that can be found just outside in
the Hudson, gives a feeling of what it is like to
live underwater in the Hudson river.
Bishop Museum
Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
www.bishopmuseum.org
The Bishop Museum’s Richard T. Mamiya Science
Adventure Center is a gathering place for island
residents and visitors to discover the natural
wonders of Hawaii and the world through science
exploration. The Center offers Hawai‘i its newest
“wow” experience. This 16,500 square foot facility
adds a new dimension to the Museum by
providing exhibits that are immersive and
interactive – with a strong emphasis on better
Aquariums
understanding Hawaii’s environment. Visitors to
the Science Adventure Center can pilot the same
VideoRay platforms used for oceanography and
shipwreck exploration. The VideoRays are a hit
with visitors.
 Bertram Yachts
Miami, Florida, USA
www.bertram.com video of any underwater excursion including an
exciting day of diving or a quick overall hull
Bertram Yachts is committed to offering its inspection that is extremely useful in checking the
customers advanced technology that is condition of a boat’s props, rudders or anchor
unprecedented in the sport-fishing industry. placement. Various models are available with
Delivering on this commitment, Bertram has depth ratings from 500 to 1,000 feet (152 to 305
partnered with VideoRay to offer a unique meters). A grabber arm is available to recover
underwater tool to their clients. items on the seafloor – dropped sunglasses, keys,
tools, or ancient treasures recently uncovered in
VideoRays are the smallest, lightest, fastest, and Caribbean ports.
most easily deployed remotely operated vehicles,
capturing the finest quality video underwater.
They are extremely
sought-after tools and
appeal to both the
cruising customer and
hard-core fisherman
alike. Weighing only
eight pounds, the
VideoRay is easily
deployed overboard and
can be operated by a
single person with a
simple remote control
from either the comfort
of their salon, the docks
BRILLIANT
Sport

or even from land. It is

designed to capture
 West Marine
www.westmarine.com
West Marine’s mission is to be the best supplier of
boating-related products and services that provide
outstanding value to every customer. Since
November, 2007 they have offered the full line of
VideoRay products.
EXPLORE
West Marine, the country's favorite retailer of
boating supplies and accessories, is now carrying
the VideoRay, an underwater robotic camera that
allows people to see and explore underwater from
the comfort of their cabin.
Randy Repass, the Founder and Chairman of
West Marine, saw the potential of using VideoRay
technology to make boating safer and more
enjoyable after a demonstration in Monterey,
California with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's
Science under Sail program. Repass noted,
"VideoRay’s underwater robots let boaters
investigate the fascinating undersea world of
coral, fish, and other underwater treasures. You
can also perform detailed inspections of the hull
and running gear of your boat, and follow the
anchor line to make certain your anchor’s securely
set. All of this can be done without getting wet!”
Visitors to the San Diego and Ft. Lauderdale
stores can experience and control the VideoRay
Explorer model in the new interactive displays –
but all models can be ordered from any store or
online at www.westmarine.com or by calling
1-800-BOATING.
Sport

VideoRay Economy Products
All of VideoRay’s submersible systems share
some common components, and our high
standards of materials, workmanship, quality
control, and customer support. Our economy
products have fewer features and less flexibility, at
the lowest price points available.
The Scout model is the most affordable and the
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
most basic. There is only one camera, and it has a
wide angle fixed focus looking directly forward.
There is no compass or depth gauge, making the
operation very simple and basic. The Scout is a
good entry level system for recreational use, since
its operation is very simple and the easiest to
learn. Thruster controls are the same as with all
VideoRay systems – the vertical thruster moves
the submersible up and down, and 50mm
horizontal thrusters move it forward and back,
and differential application of the left and right
thrusters in forward and reverse give it a wide
range of turning actions. The Scout can reach 1.9
knots of forward speed – remarkable for a
product at this price point.
The Scout model can only be used in clear water
with fairly low currents, since the only navigation
tool is the front looking camera. However, as
with all VideoRays it is very fun to use, and will
always be ready to go – year after year.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Edward Seidel, Tenji, inc (www.tenji.com)
The Explorer model adds several key capabilities
to the Scout. The camera on the Explorer tilts up
and down, making it possible to much easier to
see objects directly above the submersible, such as
ship hulls, and objects on the sea floor. Camera
focus is adjustable, allowing very detailed images
of coral – or the VIN numbers of submerged
automobiles. Navigation instrumentation includes
both a compass and depth gauge. This allows the
operator to tell which direction the submersible is
facing and how deep it is, which is critical when
the water is less clear and it is necessary to
investigate an object on the bottom in a location
which is fairly well known.
The Explorer model adds additional thruster
control options. Joystick sensitivity is adjustable,
with one setting for the entire range of the
horizontal thruster power suitable in open water,
higher current situations. Another setting for
clear water - no current situations, such as potable
water tank inspection, makes it easier to
command very fine movements of the
submersible. With the addition of a depth gauge,
internal processors can keep the submersible at
the same depth with “auto depth”, freeing the
operator to concentrate on horizontal movement,
camera tilt, and other controls and tasks.
VideoRay Professional Products
VideoRay’s Professional series is by far our most
popular; it has several capabilities not found in the
economy series, opening up a much wider range
of underwater missions.
The Pro series has different types of horizontal
thrusters, each considerably more powerful than
the economy series. All Pro models have
considerably more forward speed – see our
specification sheets for details of various options.
The depth limits of the Pro series are also much
higher. Pro models will reach deep enough to get
the job done.
Pro models support multiple cameras. This
allows you to see what you need to see – to find
out how your tether is snagged, or to look in a
custom direction for a specific inspection task.
Perhaps the most important capability of the Pro
Series is the ability to add sensors and accessories
that make impossible jobs possible. Finding a 15
cm (6 inch) target in water with even less visibility
is like looking for a needle in a haystack unless
you use a sonar. Positioning systems can give you
with GPS accuracy the location of your ROV, so
once you locate a target with the submersible, you
will know exactly where it is. Other accessories
include radiation sensors, cathodic protection
probes, ultrasonic thickness gauges, water quality
and sampling devices for engineering and
scientific assessments, and many more. This gives
you the flexibility to adapt your tactics according
to changing conditions and means you can buy a
system today and add any accessory at any time
when you're ready or have new requirements.
All Pro models are integrated with laptop
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
computers. This allows you to record still pictures
and videos of your missions in a seamless manner
onto DVDs – a critical part of inspection tasks.
Computer integration allows you to choose from
a wide range of game-style controllers, and makes
replacement and customization of VideoRay
controllers simple and very inexpensive. You can
choose a laptop from VideoRay – with all the
software preloaded and the latching to tough
Pelican cases pre-engineered at the VideoRay
factory, or you can use your own laptop for
maximum integration into other aspects of your
business.
Even with the significant increase in flexibility and
performance of the Pro series, you do not give up
portability. The VideoRay Pro series had always
set the standard in the inspection ROV world – a
standard we are proud to continue.
 Sonar
There are three kinds of sonars used in murky
water to navigate and locate targets – side scan
sonar, scanning sonar, and multi-beam sonar.
Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Side Scan Sonar
Side scan sonar consists of a “towfish” that is
towed behind a ship. The towfish is attached to a
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
computer which records continuous sonar beams
fanning out in a wide angle perpendicular to the
path of the sensor through the water. These
beams create a sonar signature map of the
bottom, and in wide area searches long
perpendicular paths are stitched together as the
towing vessel “mows the lawn.” Side scan sonars
are used to locate targets which are often then
imaged by a VideoRay submersible.
Scanning Sonar
Scanning sonars are mounted on VideoRay
submersibles, generally on the top of the float
block in the front. These paint a sonar signature
map around the vehicle, in a pattern that looks
like an aircraft radar screen. One excellent
scanning sonar is the SeaSprite model. This model
has adjustable frequency and uses advanced
CHIRP technology It is the smallest digital
CHIRP sonar in the world. CHIRP technology
dramatically improves the range resolution
compared with conventional sonars. While
scanning sonars provide excellent results, they
must be held still while compiling their maps
(though this only takes a matter of seconds.)
multi-beam Sonar
multi-beam sonars are also mounted on VideoRay
submersibles, on the bottom in place of a skid.
The BlueView ProViewer line from BlueView
Technology in Seattle, Washington are among the
best available in the exciting emerging technology,
which shows an area in front of the sonar all at
once, updating multiple times per second. The
effect is a sonar “video image”, which makes it
possible to both locate objects and navigate to
them in real time.
Positioning Systems
Two challenges that ROV pilots face routinely are
knowing precisely where the ROV is, and how to
return to a previously located point of interest.
Even in clear water, some projects require a
higher degree of precision than is available by
using only video imagery - imagine inspecting an
800 foot vessel and relaying information about the
locations of corrosion to the remediation crew.
For projects that require positional certainty,
VideoRay offers several positioning and tracking
systems. These systems can be classified as
acoustic or tether referenced and absolute or
relative. Acoustic systems use sound-based
transponders to communicate between known
locations and the ROV to fix its location. Tether
referenced systems use a tether with embedded
sensor nodes and sophisticated algorithms to
calculate the location of each successive node and
ultimately the ROV. Absolute and relative
distinguish whether the location can be tied to a
georeferenced location using GPS, or is relative to
an arbitrary point. For example when deployed
from a moving platform, relative tracking can only
give you information such as the ROV is 31
meters (102 feet) off the starboard bow, but
absolute tracking can provide that plus the GPS
coordinates of the ROV.
The following systems are available for your
VideoRay:
Aquamap SeaFloor – a sophisticated system that
includes GPS integration and can be used with
cabled or battery powered remote baseline
stations. It includes chart overlay features that
allow the position of the ROV to be observed in
real time on maps or aerial photos.
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
Aquamap ship hull – has advanced features that
plot the ROV’s location and range of visibility on
an image of a ship. This allows both precise
location of the ROV on the hull and can be used
to ensure that the desired area of inspection is
covered completely.
MicroNav – another acoustic system that includes
GPS integration, and incorporates ultra short
baseline technology that reduces the packaging to
one transponder for rapid deployment.
Smart Tether – eliminates the need to deploy
acoustic stations and can be used in relative or
absolute mode. It also provides an added benefit
of tracking the location of the tether, which could
help prevent accidental entanglement or fouling
of the tether.
 Sensors
VideoRay’s onboard and observation / inspection
cameras deliver exceptional video, but there are
times when mission requirements will demand
that more information be acquired. VideoRay’s
plug-and-play accessories expand the scope of
capabilities and project deliverables, supporting a
vast array of underwater sensors and
measurement instruments. Many of these devices
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
were designed specifically to complement
VideoRays form factor and performance
characteristics.
Industry standard connectors and easy field
installation offer you the most extensive range of
sensor support and ensure that you can get your
jobs done without having to return to the office,
or worse, send your system back to VideoRay for
factory installation and configuration.
VideoRay’s spare pair of conductors in the tether
allows virtually any device to be mounted on a
VideoRay and deployed with topside control and
sensor readings available at the surface.
In addition to sonar and positioning systems,
which have been described previously, VideoRay’s
standard sensor and measurement devices include
the following:
Radiation Detector – allows spot measurements
of radiation levels
Laser Scaler – equipped with parallel lasers, this
device can be used to gauge the size of objects
within the camera’s field of view
Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge – can be used to
measure metal thickness – even through coatings
and corrosion
Cathodic Protection Probe – available in contact
or non-contact probes, these devices can be used
to evaluate cathodic protection systems for short
or long term monitoring.
Chemical and Physical Property Sonde –
temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and
turbidity are just a few properties that can be
measured with various sonde packages that are
available.
Whether your job is port security, forensic
investigation, commercial inspection, science and
research or just driven by the need to know more,
VideoRay is ready to support your measurement
needs with accessories from some of the best
manufacturers in the underwater industry.
 Accessories
VideoRay can be configured with options that
further expand the possibilities for working more
efficiently underwater. These options can be
included with a new system, or added in the field
by users at any time after the initial delivery.
Manipulator
The manipulator is the most popular option and
can be used to retrieve objects, grasp something
to hold the VideoRay in place, deliver objects to
divers and for other practical piloting techniques.
Video Enhancement
VideoRay offers cutting edge video enhancement
technology that improves the video quality in real
time or on playback. The image is filtered to
remove turbidity and a much clearer and sharper
picture of the scene results.
Additional Tether
VideoRay tether comes is three types, neutrally
buoyant, negatively buoyant and Performance
tether. VideoRay's tether can be configured on-
site without requiring any calibration no matter
what combinations and lengths are used.
PHOTO CREDIT: Carol Yin, Yinsight, Inc
Tether Deployment System
Some models come equipped with a Tether
Deployment System that includes a reel to assist
with deployment and retrieval and provides neater
storage and convenient transport. This system is
also sold as an option for systems that do not
include it in their standard configuration.
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
Computer Systems
VideoRay can custom equip your system with a
completely configured computer making it easier
for you to operate sonar and other accessories
that require topside computer processing.
Computer packages vary from ultra small systems
to extremely rugged computers that meet rigid
military specifications.
Video Recording
VideoRay control panels are all equipped with
standard Video Out ports. Practically any display
or recording device can be connected to this port.
Professional Performance Battery
The Professional Performance Battery is carried
by the VideoRay and works as a local power
source to maximize power at the ROV. The
battery is automatically recharged when the thrust
is reduced.
 Customer Service
At VideoRay, this begins before you purchase a
system. We listen to you until we understand
what you want to do with your VideoRay, and
suggest systems that will accomplish your
underwater missions. We make sure you
understand what accessories or sensors will be
needed right away, and which can be added later
(all VideoRay attachments to our Pro series can
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
be added or removed in a few minutes at a
job site.)
Your system will come with comprehensive
documentation and telephone support from the
factory. If purchased through one of our
worldwide dealers, it will be delivered with basic
instruction. However, for maximum productivity
with the least investment of your time, we
recommend you invest in VideoRay Certified
Training. This will be customized for your
industry and underwater missions, and will be
delivered by a highly qualified and experienced
instructor. This is a good way to learn how to
pilot your VideoRay to accomplish your tasks as
rapidly as possible while avoiding (or recovering
from) tether entanglements and vehicle
entrapment. Other lessons included involve
preventative maintenance, and removal and
replacement of wear items such as cartridge seals,
props, light bulbs and camera domes.
VideoRays training program has delivered more
than 1,200 days of training worldwide through
October 2008, and we provide more training
every month. Before you engage a VideoRay
certified trainer, you can see (and fine tune) a
syllabus, manual, and optional tests for
participants to ensure that the lessons are learned.
Typically, beginning courses are conducted first in
a swimming pool or tank with clear water, then
progress to realistic conditions and missions.
VideoRay conducts the industry’s only annual
conference for our users, vendors, and dealers.
This “VIPS” (VideoRay International Partner
Symposium) event each October provides four
days of seminars, workshops, presentations, and
networking. Check www.videoray.com/vips to see
the results of the last event, and the plans for the
next one. VIPS allows VideoRay to connect
regularly with our power users and other partners,
and feedback we receive is invaluable for our
development plans for new and improved
VideoRay products.
Customer Service
While VideoRay systems are easily the most
reliable available, they can and will malfunction at
some point if used often. We provide assistance
three ways:
Calling or emailing our service staff is easy.
With authorized service centers in the US,
UK, and Australia, we have someone in your
time zone you can talk to for advice, and
fault (a defect in material or workmanship,) we’ll
fix it, including any shipping to or from our shop
if necessary. This is by far the most
comprehensive warranty in the industry, but we
think it’s the right thing to do.
Our Advantage! Program goes one significant
step beyond this, to cover problems caused by
user error or operational accidents. This optional

VideoRay Products, Services and Programs

someone nearby you can send your system
to if necessary
Many repairs can be done by the customer
with the included tool kit. If possible, we’ll
talk you through the steps.
investment means that you know how much
maintenance will cost regardless of what
happened (except for theft or intentional abuse,)
and will give you confidence to use your system in
more dangerous conditions than you might
without the coverage. See our web site for details.

We’ll make you as self-sufficient in VideoRay

internals as you like. Attendees of our
Advanced Maintenance classes, conducted at
VIPS and at other locations throughout the
year, can fix almost anything that goes
wrong with their system.

VideoRay systems come with a two year

comprehensive warranty. There’s no fine print, or
long lists of exclusions. If something goes wrong
in your first two years of ownership, and it’s our
 The Advantage! Program
VideoRay offers an industry leading 2 year
warranty covering manufacturer defects. The true
value of our warranty is more than what is written
on the paper. Our responsiveness to problems
and policy of, “no cost for shipping for warranty
service,” is driven by our philosophy of, “If it’s
our fault, we fix it at our cost.” Some vendors in
this industry require users to pay for shipping
VideoRay Products, Services and Programs
costs, which means warranty repairs can
unexpectedly become quite costly.
Above and beyond our warranty program, the
VideoRay Advantage! Program is available to
keep your system going regardless of what
happens to it or why, at a reasonable fixed cost.
This program, which is optional, covers damage
even if it is caused by operator error. A summary
of VideoRay Advantage! benefits includes:
Coverage of manufacturer defects for
periods beyond the standard 2 year warranty
Coverage of systems damage by users or
non-negligent causes (some exclusions apply,
such as damage caused by shipping
companies who are responsible for such
damage).
No-cost replacement of parts subject to
wear (scratched domes, worn cartridge seals)
No-cost enhancements to keep products
current with the latest specifications
No-cost annual system check-up and tune-
up (shipping costs to and from VideoRay are
covered by VideoRay)
“Anytime” check-up and tune-up as often as
you like, but you are responsible for shipping
costs. All other parts and services are
covered
Priority loaner program when your system is
in need of repair
We think you'll find that VideoRay Advantage! is
one of the most innovative programs in the
industry and represents an outstanding value.
There's no better way to get peace of mind and
keep your system performing at its best year
after year.
Trade-up Program
Do you hate your ROV? Has it let you down too
many times, and has the vendor who sold it to
you raised the cost to fix it each time? Are you
hounded to do “required updates” just to get it
working again? Or is just too big and heavy to lug
around?

You are not alone. VideoRay has worked with

several people just like you, and we have a plan

VideoRay Products, Services and Programs

that will get you into a reliable VideoRay. And – it
doesn’t matter whether your unit is currently
working or not. While several of our current
group of trade-up customers have been from
SeaBotix, we will work with any observation class
ROV from other vendors.

To find our more about our trade-up program,

contact VideoRay at +1 610 458 3000, or email
info@videoray.com. You don’t have to live with
the frustration any longer.
w w w . v i d e o r a y . c o m

VideoRay® is a registered trademark of VideoRay LLC.