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Operating Instructions

  1. Assemble the ITCH using the tools and bolts provided in the boxes marked with TOOLS and SPARES. Fit the towbar pointing upwards with the brush facing the side to be cleaned. The same outrigger can be used for both sides of the hull by unscrewing the hex nut and attaching the tow-bar to the other side. The tow line should be tied to the towbar using a bowline knot.

  2. Turn the Winch on and lead the tow line to a fairlead or otherwise. Avoid that the tow line goes over abrasive or sharp surfaces and avoid pinching. Thread a chaser ring supplied in the box marked with TOOLS and tie the ring to the railing. Limit the number of directional changes of the tow line to minimize friction. Inspect the tow line for damages and cut back excessively worn parts.

  3. Turn on the Robot. A startup sequence will activate the rudder. The light in the charger port should be green. Within the first 20 seconds after powering the unit on, orient the device with with the towbar facing up. This will tell the Robot what starting position it should use for its rudder.

  4. Turn on the camera. Set it to video mode and start recording.

  5. Verify that the vessel is doing 10-13knots, then deploy the ITCH Robot with full speed on the Winch until it reaches the surface of the water and you see the Robot diving into the water. If the vessel has a rounded and vertical bow, like typical bulkers or crude carriers, the ITCH Robot may be lowered from the fairlead. If the vessel has an elevated and protruding bow like a typical container or passenger ship, ensure that the Robot is deployed close to the hull. Avoid deployment in whitewater and waves.

  6. Once the Robot has gone into the water and you can see it going up and down, turn the Winch into Auto Mode and set the speed based on how thurough you want the cleaning to be.

  7. Keep constant watch during the operation of the Winch and the Robot and be ready to stop the operation in case of a disruptive event.

  8. When the Winch has released the full length of the Tow-Line, switch the winch to Auto In and pull the unit back.

  9. After the operation is completed, the Robot should be rinsed off in freshwater, dried then dissassembled and placed back into its storage box.

Depoyment of robot;