General Safety Precautions

Handling of Hydrus

When handling Hydrus outside of water, there are a few important considerations to ensure its safety and proper functioning:

Always maintain two points of contact: It is recommended to hold Hydrus using two points of contact. One point of contact should be made with the transponder and the other point of contact should be made with the vision end. This practice helps ensure a secure grip and reduces the risk of dropping or mishandling Hydrus.

Avoid holding from the thruster guards: The thruster guards are protective structures surrounding the thrusters of Hydrus. It is advised not to hold the device from these guards to prevent any potential damage or malfunction.

Avoid contact with eyes during LED operation: Hydrus incorporates LED lights, which may emit bright light during operation. It is important to take care and avoid direct contact with your eyes when the LED lights are in operation. The light emitted by th LEDs may cause permanent retinal damage during prolonged exposure.

Positioning on a hard surface: When placing Hydrus on a hard surface, it is recommended to position it with the non-thruster side down and the EPD screen facing up. This placement helps protect the thrusters from potential damage and keeps the EPD screen easily accessible and viewable.

Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards require careful consideration and preventive measures to ensure the safety of both the equipment and personnel involved.

Desk Charger

• Water: Ensure that the desk charger is away from areas where water may accumulate or flow, such as scupper holes, open hatches, or bilge pump outlet. Position the desk charger in an elevated area or on a platform that keeps it above potential water sources, such as deck drainage or areas prone to splashing.

• Drop Hazard: Ensure that the charging dock is securely fastened or mounted to the boat to prevent it from moving or toppling over. Use appropriate mounting hardware and techniques suitable for your boat type. Consider the position of the charging dock on the boat, placing it in a stable and secure location to minimise the effects of vessel motion.

• Drying before Charging: Before placing Hydrus on the desk charger, ensure that it is thoroughly dried to prevent any water from entering the charging dock. Use absorbent materials or towels to dry Hydrus, paying attention to areas where water may accumulate or get trapped.

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials encompasses a wide range of substances that can pose risks to human health, the environment, and the safe operation of Hydrus, emphasising the importance of proper handling, storage, and disposal protocols.

Biological and Chemical Hazards: Underwater environments may contain biological or chemical hazards that can pose risks to both Hydrus and personnel involved. Conduct appropriate assessments of the survey area, including the presence of toxic substances or harmful marine life. Implement safety protocols, such as using protective gear or employing sensor technologies to detect and monitor hazardous substances.

Identification and Classification: Thoroughly identify and classify hazardous materials that may be encountered during underwater operations. Understand their properties, potential risks, and appropriate handling procedures. Consult material safety data sheets (MSDS) and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance.

Hull Breech

If Hydrus is breached in any capacity it is important to address the potential risks associated with lithium fires or chemical burns in the event of hull puncture caused by a propeller strike or accidental drops. Proper safety measures should be implemented to mitigate these hazards. The user should adhere and be familiar with their safety procedures when dealing with lithium fires or chemical spills to ensure the well-being of individuals involved and effectively manage potentially hazardous situations.

Note: If a lithium fire occurs, immediately activate fire suppression systems or use appropriate fire extinguishing methods suitable for lithium fires, such as specialised lithium fire extinguishers or Class D fire extinguishing agents.