Nautile's
position is constantly monitored by electronic communications and navigational
triangulation, and the entire mission on the seabed is recorded by video cameras. Images
from Nautile's cameras can be periodically sent to Nadir via an acoustic
signal system, known as TIVA, at the rate of one frame per minute. These signals are then
converted into video images by computer equipment aboard Nadir and are
immediately available for viewing on video monitors in Nadir's communication
center.
Nautile
has two hydraulic arms that function with precision and strength. The left arm has a
dexterous "wrist" that can both pivot and turn a full 360 degrees. It can also
be fitted with a variety of devices, such as a suction tool for the recovery of fragile
artifacts and a claw for recovery of larger, less delicate objects. The right arm of Nautile
is not as adept as the left, but is considerably stronger and can be used to secure the Nautile
during heavy operations. Recovered artifacts are placed in a sample basket which can carry
several objects and is located at the front of Nautile. For larger and heavier
objects, recovery baskets are placed on the ocean floor for subsequent retrieval.
In addition to the
video and photography taken with the cameras on Nautile, the remote vehicle Robin
can be used. Housed in the same location of Nautile's sample basket, Robin
is shaped like a three foot by two foot rectangular box having a thickness of 2 1/2 feet,
and can be tucked away in the front of Nautile until it is ready to begin
filming. Robin is attached to Nautile by a 210 foot tether, and is used
to explore areas that cannot be accessed by Nautile. Footage that was taken by Robin
inside Titanic for example would otherwise be impossible by Nautile
alone.
At the end of the dive day, the crew of the Nautile releases its
ballast on to the ocean floor, returning the submersible to a state of buoyancy and thus
once again to the ocean surface. Upon its arrival, divers arrive in the Zodiacs, the small
inflatable boats, to attach support cables until Nautile reaches Nadir,
where the A-frame tether is then secured. After the Nautile is returned to its
"garage" on the deck of Nadir, the dive team emerges from the Nautile
and crew immediately commences a meticulous post-dive inspection of the submersible's
condition and systems, and begins the pre-dive work in preparation for the next day's
dive, where the proven regime begins anew.
Nautile's
position is constantly monitored by electronic communications and navigational
triangulation, and the entire mission on the seabed is recorded by video cameras. Images
from Nautile's cameras can be periodically sent to Nadir via an acoustic
signal system, known as TIVA, at the rate of one frame per minute. These signals are then
converted into video images by computer equipment aboard Nadir and are
immediately available for viewing on video monitors in Nadir's communication
center. 
Nautile
has two hydraulic arms that function with precision and strength. The left arm has a
dexterous "wrist" that can both pivot and turn a full 360 degrees. It can also
be fitted with a variety of devices, such as a suction tool for the recovery of fragile
artifacts and a claw for recovery of larger, less delicate objects. The right arm of Nautile
is not as adept as the left, but is considerably stronger and can be used to secure the Nautile
during heavy operations. Recovered artifacts are placed in a sample basket which can carry
several objects and is located at the front of Nautile. For larger and heavier
objects, recovery baskets are placed on the ocean floor for subsequent retrieval. 
In addition to the
video and photography taken with the cameras on Nautile, the remote vehicle Robin
can be used. Housed in the same location of Nautile's sample basket, Robin
is shaped like a three foot by two foot rectangular box having a thickness of 2 1/2 feet,
and can be tucked away in the front of Nautile until it is ready to begin
filming. Robin is attached to Nautile by a 210 foot tether, and is used
to explore areas that cannot be accessed by Nautile. Footage that was taken by Robin
inside Titanic for example would otherwise be impossible by Nautile
alone. 
At the end of the dive day, the crew of the Nautile releases its
ballast on to the ocean floor, returning the submersible to a state of buoyancy and thus
once again to the ocean surface. Upon its arrival, divers arrive in the Zodiacs, the small
inflatable boats, to attach support cables until Nautile reaches Nadir,
where the A-frame tether is then secured. After the Nautile is returned to its
"garage" on the deck of Nadir, the dive team emerges from the Nautile
and crew immediately commences a meticulous post-dive inspection of the submersible's
condition and systems, and begins the pre-dive work in preparation for the next day's
dive, where the proven regime begins anew.