Location and Limit
The deployment of scientists, an engineering team, and aircraft for marine applications requires intensive efforts and operational expenses. However, the cost of implementation may not provide adequate resolution and analysis to guarantee comprehensive information accessibility for all regions and functions of recovery. Unmanned maritime vehicles (UMV) can overcome these constraints and improve search operations (Veal & Tsimplis, 2017). Thus, UMVs act as guards, allowing a more accurate method of deploying conventional resources.
Deep-water search and rescue missions have been used to collect valuable objects below sea level. The task of retrieving value objects or radioactive materials must be performed with guidance and precision. Based on the case scenario, the operator will deploy an unmanned maritime vehicle (UMV). A UMV could be remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or underwater machines (AUVs). These machines conduct search and recovery operations, collect samples and surveys (Wróbel, Montewka, & Kujala, 2017). The SuBastian UMV will be deployed to search and recover the radioactive materials in the sunk CS JUSSANK. The UMV is an efficient ROV with the capacity to function as an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The SuBastian equipment could go beyond 4500 meters with extended operating hours and 3.5 miles per hour. This feature prevents power failure and energy exhaustion (Veal, Tsimplis, & Serdy, 2019). The SuBastian UMV is designed to lower carbon footprint during search and rescue operations. The machine has a modular configuration to accommodate a wide array of equipment and tools that provide accurate analysis and recovery. The device has an umbilical cable embedded with five electrical conductors and five fiber-optic lines for power and live-feed transmission. Deep-water navigation vehicles have built-in sensor chips to prevent collision and permit acoustic response measurements (Verfuss et al., 2019). The UMV is built with a 300m sonar lens and can search a 10-mile radius in 24 hours. Given its speed, coverage area, and data link, the UMV will search the 90 square mile quadrant in nine days.
Examination
The SuBastian UMV is designed with camera systems, software systems, system sensors, sonar infrastructures, sampling devices, and science interfaces. This machine conducts seafloor mapping, survey operations, and thermal data capture. During the search and rescue operation, the ROV will deploy its CDT sensor, situational video turbidity sensor, and side-scan sonar to determine the precise location of the radioactive material. More importantly, the system will activate the live feed transmission to capture and transmit still and quality images for analysis. The UMV is wired with 24K science cameras, four HD zoom cameras, four standard cameras that permit multiple placement possibilities. Since the SuBastian operates in deep-water below 2500 meters, it has a high resolution and 400,000 Lumen light intensity. The ROV has an efficient manipulator arm that moves in seven ways. This capability allows the operator to investigate the conditions of the waterproof crates. Using live feed cameras, the operator directs the manipulator arm to collect samples.
Recovery Process
The configurable skid or adjustable trays of the UMV convey operators and scientists below 4500 meters to analyze and retrieve the waterproof crates. However, operators must approve the rescue to guarantee the conditions of the radioactive materials. The manipulator arms will be guided to retrieve and deposit sample materials in the biological boxes. The sample collection boxes are insulated to maintain water temperature. The sensors embedded in the UMV guarantee the safe recovery of the waterproof crates. The CDT sensors, oxygen sensors, sound probe, temperature sensor, and pressure sensor will facilitate the recovery operation. Upon approval from the operators and scientists, the engineering team will conduct the recovery process to retrieve the radioactive materials and other valuable objects.
References
Veal, R., & Tsimplis, M. (2017). The integration of unmanned ships into the Lex Maritima. Lloyd’s Maritime & Commercial Law Quarterly, 1(1), 303-335.
Veal, R., Tsimplis, M., & Serdy, A. (2019). The legal status and operation of unmanned maritime vehicles. Ocean Development & International Law, 50(1), 23-48.
Verfuss, U. K., Aniceto, A. S., Harris, D. V., Gillespie, D., Fielding, S., Jiménez, G., … Wyatt, R. (2019). A review of unmanned vehicles for the detection and monitoring of marine fauna. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 140, 17-29.
Wróbel, K., Montewka, J., & Kujala, P. (2017). Towards the assessment of potential impact of unmanned vessels on maritime transportation safety. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 165, 155-169.