Abstract: A system and method for deploying and retrieving a plurality of ocean bottom seismic nodes to and from the seabed. An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is coupled to a node skid that is configured to handle the nodes. The AUV and coupled skid is lowered to and raised from the seabed and a surface vessel in a garage or basket. The skid may have a variable buoyancy system (VBS) formed of a plurality of pipes and a positive displacement pump, such that the VBS is configured to automatically control a buoyancy of the skid. The AUV and/or skid has a plurality of cameras for optical 3D stereo photogrammetry for identification, deployment, and retrieval of the nodes. Also disclosed is a method for retrieving a dead AUV from the ocean bottom by utilizing a garage and an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV).

Abstract: An autonomous seismic node is configured for free-fall from a water surface to the seabed and is capable of rising from the seabed on its own. The seismic node is positively buoyant in water and is substantially tubular in shape, with a length to a diameter ratio of 4:1 or greater. The node comprises a lower section and an upper section, each of which is inserted into an end of a tubular housing. The lower section has a lower end cap assembly with a release mechanism and the upper section has an upper end cap assembly with a plurality of electronic components and a detachable lifting cage. The seismic node may be coupled to a detachable anchor weight or seabed coupling device to assist in free fall to the seabed, and when detached after seismic recording is performed, allows the seismic node to rise to the water surface.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for individually identifying, handling, tracking, deploying, and recovering a plurality of seismic nodes by an underwater vehicle for subsea operations. The deployment and positioning and retrieval of seismic nodes to and from the seabed may be managed automatically by software and/or manually automated by an ROV operator. The disclosed system may be coupled to a ROV navigation system. The node identification system tracks the position of each seismic node (associated with a unique identification number) within each tray or other node holder at all times, whether the tray is located on board a surface vessel, within an ROV, within a subsea basket, or on the seabed. The identification system is configured to track, select, deploy, and recover a particular seismic node by its unique identification number.