Image

Inside the Control Room

Korey Verhein, a pilot of the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason, controls the vehicle from a control room filled with screens that display data transmitted from the underwater vehicle, including real-time images and navigation, depth, and sensor information. Jason underwent a major upgrade funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). This 12-month project conducted by WHOI engineers increased the vehicle payload of scientific samples and instruments to two tons and streamlined the vehicle’s operations. A key reason for the upgrade is to enhance Jason’s ability to maintain seafloor infrastructure for the NSF-funded Ocean Observatories Initiative. Jason is part of the WHOI-operated National Deep Submergence Facility. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)