Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems for transportable dive and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) stations

The Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems provided on Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of diving and ROV operations. These systems, usually installed during the construction of the vessel, provide supervisors with comprehensive surveillance capabilities, allowing them to monitor activities on deck and around the ship, thereby enhancing operational safety. Moreover, many new DSVs are equipped with built-in CCTV circuits that enable this monitoring from the bridge, offices, and the cabins of the managers in charge of operations, such as superintendents and offshore construction managers. However, installing portable diving and ROV systems on vessels of opportunity, which are not initially designed for such operations, often faces challenges in integrating these CCTV systems due to spatial constraints resulting in the dispersed placement of components of the diving and ROV systems or other technical difficulties, which can lead to not installing such surveillance systems, resulting in safety and operational inefficiencies, as the monitoring of activities on deck and around the dive station is more random and depends only on the personnel on deck that may have to focus on other tasks. Similar problems are encountered in port or inland operations, such as those performed on jetties or dams, where space may be shared with regular traffic and activities. Therefore, implementing a robust CCTV surveillance system adapted to such conditions is imperative to ensure the safe and effective management of diving and ROV operations in these environments. It is evident that because they are usually installed on the deck, portable diving and ROV systems' CCTV devices must be designed to withstand harsh conditions, provide images by day and night, and sometimes be capable of transmitting these images over long distances. Also, it must be noted that installing and securing data and supply cables on vessels of opportunity or inshore worksites may be technically challenging and time-consuming. This can be seen as an additional mobilization cost, particularly for small projects. Therefore, Wi-Fi systems that allow canceling the installation of such long- distance cables can be seen as a seducing solution that has been adopted in many plants and buildings, some manufacturers providing cameras initially designed for such systems of data transmission and others providing classical wired cameras necessitating to be connected to via a separate access point, as shown in the installation schemes examples below. However, due to advancements in the electronics industry, a more straightforward installation is possible by using cameras with built-in Wi-Fi transmission systems. 

The list below aims to provide information on manufacturers reputed to offer such products initially designed for the oil and gas industry that, in addition to being proved robust, are designed according to the European Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX directive) regarding equipment intended for operation in hazardous environments, such as those found on oil and gas exploitation platforms where fire and explosions due to gas emission are likely to occur. Therefore, the proposed manufacturers offer systems that can be used efficiently during unfavorable conditions. It must be noted that other manufacturers may exist and should be considered on the same basis.

1 - Wired camera connected to a signal converter, a video encoder, a router, and an acess point:

2 - Wired camera connected to a “Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch”, and an acess point:

3 - Cameras designed with a built-in Wi-fi system:

Cameras equipped with integrated Wi-Fi systems are typically designed to operate independently without additional devices. Their integrated wireless modules allow them to connect directly to a Wi-Fi network to transmit data without relying on wired ethernet connections. While they do not have integrated PoE switches, as PoE is specific to wired connections, they may include features such as built-in access points to facilitate direct communication with other devices or to extend the wireless network. These cameras are often powered by traditional means, such as AC adapters or batteries.

4 - Wireless reception point:

The reception of images from the camera is facilitated through an access point and transferred to the CCTV workstation and a network video recorder via a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. It should be noted that modern systems allow computers, tablets, and cell phones to connect to the reception access point through Wi-Fi. This configuration ensures a stable and reliable connection for the primary surveillance equipment while providing flexibility by allowing computers, tablets, and cell phones to connect. This dual connectivity approach enhances accessibility and convenience for monitoring and managing the surveillance system.