We'd like to thank everyone who participated in the Wisconsin Underwater Archeology Association's ROV Certification Course yesterday. This is an annual course we offer to train WUAA members on the use of our Chasing Remote Operated Vehicles for underwater archeology surveys.
The course consisted of a morning classroom component in which we covered ROVs in depth, discussing brands, features, prices, and vendors. We then reviewed how to maintain and care for ROVs, techniques for effective field use, and we did a workshop on how to assemble, connect, use the software, disconnect and store the ROVs.
In the afternoon, we boarded a 28 foot pontoon boat and went out on Lake Michigan for some practical experience. Students practiced all the movement directions near the surface, before diving for the bottom and practicing underwater navigation, photography and videography using the ROVs.
The course received excellent reviews and we now have a new batch of WUAA members who will be able to use our ROVs in the field.