Africa Surveyors November-December issue 2023

INNOVATION
The SRV-8 Underwater Drone: A Comprehensive
Solution that Redefines the Efficiency and
Effectiveness of Subsea Inspections
By Mira Nagle
The future of subsea pipeline
inspections lies within the advanced
technology of professional underwater
drones. In developing the SRV-8 underwater
drone, the central focus was to enhance
the operator’s experience by prioritizing
user-friendly operation and ensuring the
drone’s reliability in challenging offshore
environments. The integration of underwater
drones, as exemplified by the SRV-8, has
emerged as a transformative force in the oil
and gas industry. The SRV-8 drone presents
a user-friendly and efficient alternative to
the challenges associated with traditional
inspection methods. These challenges include
harsh underwater conditions, unsafe working
environments, unreliable equipment and
time-consuming operations, all of which
ultimately result in increased costs.
The SRV-8 underwater drone distinguishes
itself as a top-tier asset for inspection divers,
offering rapid deployment in just 3 minutes.
Operated using a standard Xbox controller
and the integrated SubNav OS software,
users benefit from a seamless experience
comparable to Apple’s user-friendly interface.
The software design allows effortless
transitions between various views, including
sonar, navigation, and high-definition video
streaming. After completing a mission,
captured data is consolidated into a single file
for convenient mission recording, playback,
and post-analysis. The SRV-8 is more than a
tool; it represents a comprehensive solution
that redefines the efficiency and effectiveness
of subsea inspections.
The SRV-8’s rugged design ensures superior
performance in adverse offshore conditions,
dominating harsh ocean currents using
eight large brushless thrusters. Boasting an
impressive battery life of up to 6 hours and
the convenience of hot-swappable batteries,
the SRV-8 extends mission duration, saving
time and enhancing the safety of inspection
divers. Offering a diverse range of tools,
including sonar, navigation systems, and
grabber arms, the SRV-8 ensures optimal
functionality. These advanced features not
only perfect operations but also contribute
to increased efficiency in subsea pipeline
inspections, creating a safer and cost-effective
solution for offshore professionals and
beyond.
SRV-8 in the offshore field Image: Oceanbotics
SRV-8 Pipeline Inspections. Image: Oceanbotics
20 November-December issue l 2023 www.africasurveyorsonline.com