Sea trials of the deep scientific system VICTOR 6000

In 1992, IFREMER decided to develop the deep teleoperated system VICTOR 6000. This system, rated to 6000 metres water depth, is dedicated to scientific research and is able to carry out a large scale optical survey and local inspection. The first at sea trials started in September 1997 for shallow tests close to the IFREMER centre. The tests were then continued on R/V Thalassa in December 1997 for a 3-week cruise where the system proved its ability to dive up to 3500 metres. This paper gives a general description of the system in terms of missions and objectives and presents the results of the trials.