A web-based part-task simulation and collaborative training interface for a deep submersible vehicle

This contribution describes a step into this direction that was taken for the mission rehearsal of an undersea research vessel. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) operates the "ALVIN" Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) for scientific research at extreme ocean depths [2]. A key element that determines the length of such dives is the efficiency of the energy budgeting, i.e. getting the most out of the two batteries' overall capacity. Energy consumption is mainly determined by the use of outside lights, propulsion asks, manipulator usage, and use of experimental devices. Since the ALVIN submersible is completely reserved for years in advance and represents a unique research tool, in the past training has been conducted "on the job". To overcome the limited opportunities web-based networked simulator [3] that will allow scientists to plan and rehearse their dives in an efficient way.