CEFAS20-24 RFQ for Two Mini remote operated vehicles(1)

Requirement:

1. 2 x Mini remotely operated vehicles are required for the collection of HD videos for the monitoring of shallow water (less than 100m) habitats and species. The system should include cable, cable management system, and interface for the viewing of live footage and controlling of the ROV in real-time.

Method of deployment

The system needs to be launchable from small nearshore vessels (>5 meters) without the requirement of any additional equipment such as winches, A-frames or gantries. The complete system should be of reasonable weight in air to be able to be launched by one person by hand. For flexibility in the length of the working day the system should be equipped with interchangeable batteries (please state expected duration between battery charges).

Mobility

Within the water the system should have a minimum of 6 degrees of freedom. The system must be rated to a minimum depth 100 m. The system may be used in tidal areas so should be able to make forward headway in up to 2 knots of tidal current.

Video Camera Requirements

The systems are mainly going to be used in tropical locations where water clarity is high. Ambient sunlight is often a problem in these environments resulting in blue flooded images and video. The system should therefore have the ability to work in low light as additional lamps are often not effective in introducing more light in these environments.

Video data will need to be viewed live via the topside unit with the option to record or at a minimum output in a standard format to another device which may not be included in this tender. The video camera should be a minimum of HD (1080p) with data being recorded on the surface at a minimum of HD (1080p).

For mobility and safety the camera should have the option to tilt which can be remotely controlled from the surface.

Cable/tether requirement

The system will require a tether of 300 m. The system should have the ability to transmit a minimum of HD video across the full length of the tether. A cable management system is also required.

Additional Sensor requirements

These systems will be developed over the coming years to adapt to new projects and science. The ability to add sensors at a later date (including altimetry, temperature, pressure) is desirable.

There is also a requirement to fit additional cameras to the frame. The system frame should be adaptable and allow for modification or the addition of an external frame.

Service and Maintenance

One of the camera systems is likely to remain with a partner organisation in the South Pacific and will not have access to international shipping. The system should therefore be modular to allow for the replacement of items by a technician in location (e.g. thruster replacement).

Equipment must be provided along with all additional items, fixtures and fittings required to make the equipment fully operational for the purposes it is required, taking into consideration:

• All equipment will be supplied as new from