When commercial divers get access to simple industrial photogrammetry inspections
In shallow water and nearshore environments, diving operations are widely used. To make photogrammetry accessible to a broader range of operations, we are introducing our new product: IVM Diver Kit.
For many years now, standard off-the-shelf photogrammetry products are integrated on all types of ROVs, from observation class to work class, depending on the scope of work and the unit used. Yes, custom diving photogrammetry systems have been in use for years, each one differently designed, developped and built tediously by one company’s passionate open circuit or CCR diver, needing a high level of technicity and maintenance to be operated.
Introducing diver-based photogrammetry for commercial diving
The reality is, working in shallow water or nearshore environments often comes with the need for commercial divers – who are rarely specialized or trained in photogrammetry – due to environmental conditions or just because operators are used to work with them. Moreover, mobilizing an ROV involves logistics that some operators prefer to avoid, as well as additional CAPEX or OPEX for a diving company seeking to expand its service offerings.
To make photogrammetry accessible to commercial diving companies, whether they already use ROVs or not, we created the IVM Diver Kit.
One camera, two configurations
As we don’t like reinventing the wheel, we built on the existing Hydro 100 by developing a dedicated removable frame, including specific lighting, handles, and an adjustable built-in screen. That meant creating a solution fit for the realities of commercial diving operations, replacing strobes with continuous lighting and providing real-time visual feedback to the diver.
Because the IVM Diver Kit is based on the same core unit as the Hydro 100, it offers a high level of operational flexibility. Want to use a ROV next time ? Simply remove the diver-specific frame and bolt back the original Hydro 100 flashes. This means the same unit can be used across both diver-based and ROV-based operations. For commercial diving companies that already operate, or are considering acquiring a ROV, this translates into simplified logistics, optimized asset utilization, less CAPEX/OPEX and greater adaptability when planning inspections across different environments.
The IVM Diver Kit extends photogrammetry to diver-based missions, while maintaining continuity with existing systems. This is why we chose to introduce it as a standalone product: more than an accessory, the IVM Diver Kit is a fully adapted solution designed for a different operational context.
When a human is just a better fit
In the context of complex environment inspections such as inside jackets, areas with entanglement risks or zones with poor access, even mini ROVs can be unsuitable. Additionally, there is always a mobilization time that has to be taken into account when planning ROV-driven photogrammetry inspections. Not to mention that in some regions, diving companies are present, but ROV services are limited. For these reasons, some jobs are better done by a human in a diver suit.
Diving offers key advantages: they can physically move around constraints, easily adjust their position relative to the asset and capture angles that ROVs cannot reach. If unplanned obstacles appear, divers can assess and adapt the inspection plan on the spot.
Operational advantages of using IVM Diver Kit
Subsea inspections are expensive, and operators face pressure to keep operations costs under control by minimizing mobilization time and expenses, especially for recurring inspections. Adding another subcontractor or mobilizing a ROV for a specific inspection can be pricy and hold back from valuable data..
That is when a industrial diver-based photogrammetry solution takes on its full meaning. IVM Diver Kit can provide added flexibility and be rapidly deployed. In short, it will support you and will deliver accurate results, even under time and budget restrictions.
Pros of adding photogrammetry to diving operations
Integrating photogrammetry to your existing diving missions brings a powerful new capability. IVM Diver Kit elevates data quality captured by divers down to 100 m. It also optimizes your workflow by allowing each dive to focus on data acquisition rather than its analysis, that can be done on land, reducing inspection duration and therefore improving safety and productivity.
Real-time feedback as a game changer
Collecting usable photogrammetry data underwater remains challenging. Ensuring full coverage, maintaining consistent image acquisition and avoiding gaps all require careful execution during the dive. Without immediate feedback, sucess bears on the diving team’s shoulders, issues are often only identified after processing, leading to costly rework through additional dives.
This is where real-time guidance becomes essential. With the adjustable built-in screen of IVM Diver Kit, divers have a visual feedback on image coverage and access to IVM SLAM, generating real-time 3D point clouds of the inspection. Divers can adapt their acquisition strategy on the spot, ensuring reliable datasets from the first deployment.
When using photogrammetry in shallow water and nearshore working environments, choosing the right approach is key to maintain operations under control. with IVM Diver Kit and its 100 m depth rating, diver-based photogrammetry brings together real-time visualization, IVM SLAM, and ease of deployment to help you acquire consistent, high-quality datasets.
Talk to an expert about your setup!
Contact us today to discuss your requirements, explore our solutions, and embark on a transformative journey in underwater inspection.