Redefining Underwater Inspections with UAI, Voyis, and SEAMOR Marine
When it comes to underwater inspections, clarity is everything. After all, you can’t protect what you can’t see. That’s why Underwater Acoustics International (UAI), in seeking to solve perennial subaquatic scanning issues faced by all industry operators, turned to a powerful pairing: the unmatched imaging of Voyis Discovery Stereo Camera and the proven stability, reliability, and serviceability of the SEAMOR Chinook ROV.
Their integrated solution for a structural inspection at a dam in the United States delivered high-resolution inspections even in challenging, debris-filled freshwater conditions—enabling UAI to produce a detailed, 3D model that exceeded expectations. More than a technical success, it was a proof of collaboration for a smarter, more sustainable way to see beneath the surface.
The Data Tells the Story
Driven by innovation, backed by responsive support, and built for long-term performance, SEAMOR Marine ROVs help responsible marine professionals do more, see more, and protect more—with every dive. Of course, we live in an era abounding with data: information flows from our fingertips and literally pours out of devices in an endless cascade of binary code. In that sense, more isn’t necessarily ‘more’ if it only produces a murky haze of static overload. Until you can cut through the noise, you are in the dark as to what lies below that murky surface.
When data starts telling a compelling story, clients listen. The extrapolations can be extraordinary; the applications, potentially endless. A centered sense of purpose, a touch of innovation, and a willingness to think beyond the conventional limits of industry standards will take you to a whole new depth of understanding. Mike Holloway, ROV Operations Manager of Underwater Acoustics International, tapped into that potential when he combined the inspection power of Voyis’ Discovery Stereo Camera with the unparalleled stability and maneuverability of SEAMOR Marine Chinook ROV.
Performance Through Partnership
Attached via a custom skid designed and manufactured by the SEAMOR Marine team, Holloway pioneered a stunning new approach to subaquatic inspections. Though debris and silt in freshwater rivers can make it practically impossible to get a solid visual scan of submerged structures. The high-resolution visual data provided by the Voyis Discovery Stereo Camera allowed UAI to build photogrammetric models of the inspected structure. The stability and maneuverability of the Chinook ROV, powered by six of SEAMOR Marine’s thrusters, allowed him to practically eliminate underwater inspection distortions. Moreover, he could confidently pilot his unit close to rocky outcrops which are notorious for appearing as false bottoms or even as potential traps for the ROV units themselves. All in all, Holloway succeeded in honing in on exactly what he was trying to accomplish: in short, an innovative new blended system for underwater inspections that would amaze both his team and his clients because of the clarity and completeness of visual models it produced.
“We were thrilled with the final deliverable,” Holloway said in a joint interview with SEAMOR Marine and Voyis. The data set was complete, and to add to it all, Holloway’s client immediately booked two more inspections after viewing the extraordinary visual projections synthesized through Voyis VSLAM Powered by EIVA NaviSuite from aggregated data collected by the Discovery Stereo Camera mounted on the Chinook ROV.
Serviceability in Action
Issues inevitably arise in such complex and challenging environments. During the inspection, Holloway nearly needed to abort his inspection part way through due to a water sensor warning. However, after a quick call to the team at SEAMOR Marine, he was able to troubleshoot the problem on site and complete the inspection as planned. This is the kind of responsive and adaptable support that sets us apart from a quick-use industry that views technology as disposable rather than as a long-term investment. The quality of the underwater inspection, the power of the ROV, and the responsiveness of the support team were the triple threat advantage that Holloway and the team at UAI needed to accomplish this notable feat.
Purpose-Driven Technology
The old adage what you see is what you get may be true, particularly when it comes to underwater inspections. Our purpose and mission in bringing clients the clearest view on the most maneuverable and reliable ROV possible is perfectly captured by the innovative work done by the UAI team. Capture this same advantage for your team with the combined stability of SEAMOR Marine’s Chinook ROVs and the unparalleled quality of Voyis’ Discovery Stereo Camera. You will believe it when you see it and your clients will too. See more. Do More. Upgrade your fleet by choosing SEAMOR Marine and Voyis for your underwater dam inspections.