ALVIN on the Web: Designing an Interactive Mission Rehearsal and Training Interface for Distributed Team Members of a Submersible Vehicle

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) operates the ALVIN Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) for scientific research at extreme ocean depths. A key element that determinates the length of such dives is the efficiency of the energy budgeting (getting the most out of the two batteries' overall capacity). Energy consumption is mainly determined by the use of outside lights, propulsion, tasks, manipulator usage, and the use of experimental devices. Since the ALVIN submersible is a unique research tool that is completely reserved for years in advance, training has been conducted "on the job". To overcome the limited training opportunities, Fraunhofer CRCG constructed the ALVIN Web-based distributive simulator, which will allow scientist to plan and rehearse their dives more effectly.