The next generation of scientists at the University of Tasmania will have real-world experience exploring the ocean using specialised underwater robots, thanks to a donation from Hydro Tasmania.

The University’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) will receive five remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) after Hydro Tasmania upgraded its fleet.

Now the old fleet of ROVs has found a new home with IMAS, where they’ll be used for research and in classes.

Hydro Tasmania’s Head of Civil Assets and Infrastructure Emma Birch said the company uses ROVs to inspect underwater structures at dams, power stations and other infrastructure.

“Thanks to the ROVs and modern technology, we can inspect our underwater infrastructure from the safety of the shore, before deploying our specialised divers,” Ms Birch said.

“We’re thrilled that this valuable equipment will help current and future scientists explore coastal waters and develop new knowledge to keep our waterways healthy.”

Each ROV is about the size of a small suitcase and has a camera, claw, four lights and a long tether cable that connects it to a computer on land or a boat.

Associate Professor Vanessa Lucieer, Centre Head of Ecology and Biodiversity at IMAS, said Hydro Tasmania’s donation of ROVs would help the university gain more data about our oceans.

“ROVs are equipped with monitoring devices that enable scientists to explore the ocean by going into spaces that are hard to access and staying underwater for longer than would be humanly possible,” said Associate Professor Lucieer.

“They are unoccupied underwater machines operated by someone on the surface, usually in a ship, and they’re highly manoeuvrable.

The ROVs will be used in university courses to teach students how to use modern underwater observation technology.

“We are extremely grateful that Hydro Tasmania has passed this specialised equipment onto us,” said IMAS Executive Director Professor Nicole Webster.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain experience using the ROVs right here in Hobart – learning skills they can use in their future work, wherever they are in the world.” 

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Released for Hydro Tasmania by Louisa Wright / 0409 722 359 / media@hydro.com.au