D. Elgar Desa from National Institute of Oceanography, attended 3rd SCOR Panel meeting on New technologies for Observing Marine Life at Kobe , Japan from 18 to 20 Oct 2006 in my capacity as Chair of the Panel.

Dr. Desa presented a paper “Application of AUVs with Optics to CoML projects” was presented by Dr. Desa

A significant step in developing a small AUV called MAYA was undertaken by a team of scientists and a group of young Project Assistants in the Marine Instrumentation Division of the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa

Autonomous underwater vehicles are basically robots to acquire in-situ oceanographic data with minimum disturbance to the parameter under measurement. These robots are equipped to reach difficult locations and achieve the mission tasks independent of the mother vessel. Effectively AUVs enhance the research vessels capability to spatially sample the ocean in three dimensions.

MAYA – the small AUV has been designed and tested to address the above scientific needs. MAYA’s navigation in 3D is a combination of vehicle payload data and controls designed and implemented on a mission controller. GPS sensor on surface provides the initial reference point while Doppler Velocity Log, AHRS and a pressure sensor are used for dead reckoning underwater. A UHF communication link ensures constant contact when MAYA is on surface.

AUV (MAYA) is programmed to dive and maintain control at any given depth layer in a water, measure sensor variables while in motion, do YoYo in the water column, perform mission transects below sea surface and avoid obstacles.
The Maya AUV has many applications in oceanography. She can collect standard oceanographic data in confined areas; carry out shallow water bathymetry using acoustic methods; detect blooms with the help of optical radiometers; and also work as a test platform for new sensor technologies. It can also measure Vertical dive profiles of Dissolved Oxygen, Chlorophyll, Turbidity, Temperature

Maya can be used in number of application like
• Monitoring of Coral Reefs
• Hydrothermal vents and Seamounts
• Seabed photography