Deploying Hydrus
Launching Safety
Launching Hydrus into the water requires careful attention to safety protocols. Here are some suggested safety precautions to consider:
Precaution | Consideration |
---|---|
Safety Briefing | Before launching Hydrus, conduct a safety briefing with all personnel involved. Ensure everyone understands their roles, responsibilities, and the potential hazards associated with the operation. |
Protective Gear | Provide and enforce the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all involved personnel. This may include life jackets, helmets, gloves, and safety glasses. |
Check Weather and Water Conditions | Ensure the launch and recovery area is clear of any obstructions, debris, or personnel not directly involved in the operation. Maintain a safe distance from Hydrus during both launch and recovery. |
Deploying Hydrus
Use a controlled throwing technique to launch Hydrus. Ensure a smooth, level trajectory and avoid excessive force or angles that could cause Hydrus to spin or tumble in the air. The following procedure is the suggested throwing technique.
Step | Action | Description |
---|---|---|
1. | Preparing for the Throw | Secure grip of the transponder end and main body to hold onto while throwing. |
2. | Positioning and Grip | Stand facing the water with your feet shoulder-width apart, ensuring a stable stance. Hold Hydrus securely, gripping it firmly but not too tightly to allow for a controlled release. |
3 | Aiming | Select a target area in the water where you want to throw Hydrus. This could be a specific point or an open space. Visualise the trajectory you want Hydrus to follow, aiming for a smooth, level path without excessive height or angle. |
4. | Initiating the Throw | Begin the throwing motion by smoothly bringing your throwing arm back, extending it behind your body while maintaining a relaxed and fluid motion. As you swing your arm forward, transfer the energy from your body to Hydrus, gradually increasing the speed and momentum of the throw. |
5. | Releasing Hydrus | Just before your arm reaches its forward extension, release Hydrus with a controlled and fluid motion. Ensure that the release is clean and precise, avoiding any sudden jerks or excessive force that may cause Hydrus to spin or tumble. |
6. | Following Through | Allow your arm to follow through the throwing motion, extending it fully forward and then naturally swinging it downward to maintain balance. Keep your eyes on Hydrus as it travels through the air, adjusting your body posture if necessary to ensure a smooth, level trajectory. |
7. | Hydrus Landing | Observe Hydrus as it lands in the water, ensuring it enters smoothly without any abrupt impacts or collisions. |
8. | Vessel movement | When deploying Hydrus from a vessel coordinate to ensure vessel movement post deployment cannot impact Hydrus and good acoustic coverage is maintained. |

Visual Representation of suggested throwing technique