South Hampshire College Acquires Advanced USV DTV1 for Maritime Training

A new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) named DTV1 was recently delivered to the South Hampshire College Group (SHCG), a merged college group comprising three further education colleges in the UK. This compact maritime training vessel was designated DTV1 and built by a partnership between local firms HydroSurv Unmanned Survey, Robosys Automation, and SeaRegs Training. The USV is designed for remote control from a shore-based mission control center or a mothership, with optional AI decision-aided support.

The DTV1 is specifically designed for use in inland and categorized waters, measuring just 2.85 meters in hull length. It features a battery-electric propulsion system for low-impact operations and is equipped with advanced technology systems similar to larger seagoing uncrewed systems. The USV aims to enhance USV operator training capabilities and is part of efforts to address the maritime sector’s skills shortage and employment challenges in the region.

With a focus on digitization and decarbonization, the UK’s marine and maritime sector is evolving to remain globally competitive. DTV1, along with similar initiatives, aims to provide practical training experiences for the next generation of skilled professionals in the industry. The USV’s integration of advanced technology systems and environmentally conscious design aligns with the essential skills needed for future maritime careers, offering students valuable learning opportunities in automated navigation, data acquisition, and maintenance of complex systems.

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