SCAN underwater robot inspects supertankers

Oct. 10, 1974 - SCAN Underwater Robot For Inspecting the undersides of supertankers by remote control and without dry-docking. It was designed and constructed by Harwell scientists and engineers by a research contract by Underwater Maintenance Co Ltd of Southampton, and underwent its first sea-trials in September 1974. SCAN carries two television cameras, lighting equipment and a still camera. Underwater Maintenance Co Ltd intend to use it to replace where possible the visual inspections which are traditionally carried out in dry dock. In operation, SCAN is manoeuvred by divers to its starting position to the tanker and compressed air is forced into the central buoyancy chamber to give a strong upward thrust against the hull. The operator on a tender beside the tanker, then controls the hydraulic motor that powers SCAN's driving wheels, moving the vehicle systematically over the tanker's underside, while inspectors watch the TV monitor screens for features requiring further investigation. Videotapes and still colour photographs provide a permanent record of the inspections. SCAN being prepared for sea-trials under the BP tanker British Purpose at Loch Long (top)- and during manoeuvring tests-under platform during trials at the Royal Navy's testing tank at Haslar, near Gosport, Hants (bottom)

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Buoyancy Cameras Compressed Constructed Contract Controls Divers Forced Further Gosport Hants Harwell Haslar Hull Hydraulic Inspecting Inspections Inspectors Intend Investigation Loch Maintenance Manoeuvred Manoeuvring Monitor Operator Permanent Possible Prepared Provide Purpose Remote Replace Requiring Scan Scientists Screens Southampton Starting Systematically Tanker Tankers Tender Thrust Traditionally Underside Undersides Underwent Upward

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