The Video Lander is an economical stationary robotic tool rated to 300 m.  It integrates stereo video cameras and lights on a rotating boom that pans 360 degrees, protected within a rugged frame.  Video recording occurs subsurface for maximum fidelity, while providing real-time viewing topside on board the ship.  Software allows sizing and range to be determined to 1-2 mm.  The Stereo Video Lander is designed to be dropped from a ship of opportunity. It requires power at 110 VAC, 5 AMP minimum.

General Specifications

• Depth rating: 1,000 ft of sea water (fsw) (300 m)

Dimensions and Weight

• Diameter: 40 inches (1 m)
• Height: 54 inches (1.4 m) 
• Weight: 250 lbs (114 kg) air weight (without removable lead ballast)

Cameras

• Primary: Stereo color, wide-angle video cameras on adjustable boom mounts
• Landing assist: Downward-facing, wide-angle, black/white camera
• Rotation: Forward cameras and 2 lights rotate 350 degrees, providing >360 degree view. ​

Instrumentation

• Control Console: A 19 inch x 3U junction box houses the surface controls; surface viewing monitor
• Video Recorders: Two rugged DVR recorders subsea, for high-resolution, time-synced recording of the stereo video cameras. Recorders have GPS time code overlaid on the video recording as well as on the recorder’s audio channel.
• Umbilicals: 2 x 1,000 ft (300 m) matatable umbilicals for a total length of 2,000’ ft (600 m)
• Lights: 3 DSPL Multi-Sealite Matrix dimmable LED lights, each providing 2600 lumens on adjustable mounts
• Depth Gauge: provides Lander depth in meters
• GPS NMEA Data Feed: provides surface location and UTC time via USB serial port

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Dr. Rick Starr, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories comments on the Video Lander:

“The Lander is greatly improving our ability to assess Rockfish Conservation Areas — places closed to fishing to protect overfished species. By providing an affordable means of getting our eyes deep in the water, it enables us to confirm habitat type, fish abundance, and the size of bottom dwelling species, all of which is helping us better understand rebuilding and healthy fish populations. Our ultimate goal is to be able to fine-tune decisions about the need for fishing closures.”