Getting started with a Blueye ROV
A Blueye ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) is an underwater drone designed to make professional subsea operations simple, reliable, and accessible. Blueye ROVs are built for real-world use - from aquaculture and offshore inspections to research, underwater surveys, and environmental monitoring. With intuitive controls and robust hardware, the system is easy to learn while still powerful enough for demanding fieldwork.
In this guide, we'll walk through:
What is a Blueye underwater drone (ROV)?
At its core, a Blueye underwater drone is a compact, battery-powered ROV equipped with multiple thrusters that allow it to maneuver smoothly beneath the surface. It is connected to the operator on land or onboard a vessel through a tether, which ensures a stable data connection for control commands and live video streaming.
The design focuses strongly on user-friendliness. Instead of requiring specialist training, the drone is controlled through an intuitive app and, optionally, a handheld controller. Built-in sensors help maintain depth and heading, making underwater navigation smooth and stable.
Key features include:
- Depth rating down to 305 meters (extendable to 500 meters with the Blueye Deep Kit)
- Auto-heading and auto-depth
- Rugged materials suitable for use in saltwater environments
- Support for external sensors and tools
- Hydrodynamic and self-stabilizing design
- HD tilt camera for detailed underwater inspections
- 256 GB internal storage for dive data
- Up to 3 knots forward speed
In simple terms, a Blueye underwater drone is a powerful, accessible tool that opens up the underwater world to professionals, making it possible to explore and inspect below the surface with clarity and control.
What are Blueye underwater drones used for?
Blueye ROVs are used across industries where visual access below the surface is critical. Their usability, portability, and reliability make the Blueye ROVs essential for anyone managing underwater assets or structures. They provide a safer and more cost-effective alternative to sending divers underwater, while still delivering detailed visual insight.
Because they are portable and durable, Blueye underwater drones are used in a wide range of settings, including:
- Marine research: documenting habitats, species, and environmental change
- Aquaculture: inspecting nets, moorings, fish health, and feeding systems
- Infrastructure inspection: hulls, dams, bridges, pipelines, docks, and reservoirs
- Search & rescue: visual surveys in hard-to-reach or hazardous environments
- Defense & security: underwater situational awareness and inspection
How the Blueye ROV works
The Blueye ROV features a streamlined, hydrodynamic body built to operate efficiently underwater. It is powered by multiple thrusters that allow it to move forward, backward, sideways, and vertically. This gives the operator precise control, even in challenging environments or moderate currents.
The ROV is connected to the surface via a tether. This lightweight cable transmits control signals from the operator to the drone and sends live video and sensor data back to the surface. The tether ensures a stable connection and prevents loss of signal underwater.
Setting up a Blueye ROV is designed to be quick and intuitive:
Pre-dive preparation
- Charge all batteries, including the ROV, controller and surface unit
- Inspect the tether for damage, twists, or tangles
- Check that all thrusters are clear of debris and spin freely
- Inspect the O-rings and make sure they are clean and lightly coated with the recommended silicone grease
Assembling and connecting the system
- Connect the tether to the ROV
- Power on the ROV and surface unit
- Launch the Blueye app on your phone/tablet and connect to the ROV
- Link the controller
- Install any firmware updates if prompted
- Perform optional sensor calibration if needed (IMU/compass)
Operating a Blueye ROV
One of the most user-friendly aspects of the Blueye system is its control interface. The ROV is operated using a tablet or smartphone app, often paired with a handheld controller. The app displays live video and telemetry data (such as depth, heading, and battery level), making the experience similar til piloting an aerial drone, but underwater.
Built-in sensors help the ROV maintain stability and orientation. These typically include depth sensors, heading sensors (compass), and inertial measurement systems. Together, they allow the drone to hold depth and maintain steady movement so the operator can focus on observing rather than constantly correcting motion.
Basic controls
With the Blueye Rugged Controller or another supported device:
- Left joystick: depth (up/down) and sideways movement
- Right joystick: forward/backward and turn left/right
- Auto-depth: keeps the ROV at a fixed depth
- Auto-heading: the ROV maintains a stable forward direction
What to expect as a new user
Becoming a Blueye user means getting access to a powerful tool for underwater inspection, but also discovering that it is designed to be simple and intuitive to use, even if you are new to ROVs.
Unpacking the ROV: When you first open the case, you will find that the system is built for quick setup. The ROV, tether, and surface unit are neatly packed and ready to deploy. Most new users are surprised by how little time it takes to get started, typically just connecting the tether, powering on the system, and launching the Blueye App on a phone or tablet. The app guides you through the process, so you don't need prior technical experience.
First dive: On your first dives, you can expect smooth controls that feel familiar if you have ever used a game controller or drone. Built-in depth and heading assistance help stabilize the ROV, so you can focus on observing rather than constantly correcting the controls. You will see a live video stream directly on your device, giving you a clear view of the underwater environment from the moment you start piloting.
Learning curve: There is, of course, a learning curve - especially when it comes to working with currents, judging distances, or navigating tight spaces, but most users gain confidence quickly. Early dives are often about exploration, testing how the ROV responds, and understanding what kind of footage or inspection detail you can achieve.
Help and support: You can also expect strong support resources. The Blueye Help Center provides guides, videos, and tips to help you get comfortable with everything from basic operation to more advanced use cases. And because the system is built for professional environments, reliability and durability are central, meaning you can trust it in the field.
Over time, you will likely move from curiosity, to confidence, to using the ROV as a natural extension of your toolkit. In short, as a new Blueye user, you can expect an accessible, capable, and rewarding underwater experience right from your first dive.
Common challenges
Even with an intuitive system, underwater environments can be unpredictable. The good news is that all these challenges are manageable, and Blueye provides guidance, tips, and best practices through the Help Center and training materials.
ROV drifting
Check for strong currents, recalibrate the compass, and inspect the controller for input drift. In conditions with a strong current, try to deploy the ROV with the current, rather than against it. You can read more about diving in different environments here.
Tether tangles or snags
You should always try to maintain good tether routing. If the tether becomes stuck, you should know how to turn the ROV around and follow the tether back until you are free. Check out this video on how to get your tether loose.
Low visibility
The best tip for diving under conditions with poor visibility is to try to get as close to the object as possible before you dive below the surface. Additionally, a sonar will enhance your situational awareness by providing detailed pictures of the underwater environment.
Need more help? Contact our support team here!
FAQ: Using a Blueye underwater drone
How long can I operate the ROV on a single battery charge?
A Blueye ROV typically delivers up to 2 hours of operation with the standard battery and up to 5 hours with the high-capacity battery, depending on current strength, camera use, and payloads.
Can I use a Blueye ROV in strong currents?
Yes, but performance depends on the current speed. If conditions are challenging, deploy the ROV with the current, and use auto-heading for stability.
What is the best way to dive close to underwater structures safely?
Approach slowly, use auto-depth to hold vertical position, and make small joystick inputs. Good lighting and a steady speed improve visibility and control around hulls, nets, and pipelines.
Can multiple people follow the dive in real time?
Yes. With the Blueye Observer app, team members can connect to the mission from their own devices and watch the dive live.
What accessories can I add to a Blueye ROV?
The Blueye X1 and X3 support sonars, positioning systems, grippers, UTMs, and other external sensors via guest ports. These tools expand capabilities for inspection, research, and documentation.
Can I transport a Blueye ROV on a plane?
Yes. The ROV itself can be checked in or carried onboard. Batteries must follow airline rules for lithium-ion devices, usually carried in hand luggage.
What maintenance should I perform after each dive?
Rinse the ROV and tether and inspect thrusters for debris. Regular firmware updates keep performance optimal.
Can I use a Blueye ROV in saltwater, freshwater or brackish water?
Yes. Blueye ROVs are designed for all water types. In saltwater, always rinse the ROV and tether with fresh water after the dive to prevent corrosion and salt buildup. In freshwater, the ROV operates normally, though buoyancy may feel slightly different due to lower density.
How deep can a Blueye ROV dive?
Blueye ROVs are designed for professional use and can dive to a depth of 305 meters (1000 feet). For deeper operations, the depth can be extended to 500 meters using the Blueye Deep Kit, allowing for even more advanced underwater exploration.
Try the Blueye ROV yourself
Want to learn how the Blueye ROV can enhance your work underwater? Check out when our next free online demo or digital ROV course is here, where our experts guide you through the system live and answer your questions.
If you want more hands-on experience, we offer several training options:
- Digital course: perfect for learning at your own pace, wherever you are
- In-person course: hands-on training with our instructors, giving you the opportunity to operate the ROV in real-world scenarios
- Private course: customized training for you or your team, tailored to your specific needs, workflow, and industry
Take the next step and book a demo or choose the course that suits you best here!