Quest history

Left: In 1998, we initially sketched the idea of an independent in-situ particle sampling platform, very far from QUEST, and pretty close to the later CHEROKEE. The idea to install a ROV was born.

Right: Repeated visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, MBRAI, Monterey, CA, USA, allowed invaluable discussions, first-hand experiences and truly helped to define a realistic concept of choosing and installing a deepwater ROV at Marum. Image shows famous TIBURON aboard RV Wetsern Flyer back in 2001.

Left: A first visit to Schilling Robotics in late 2001 provided detailed informations and discussions leading to the decision to apply for a commercial, electrical QUEST type workclass ROV by Alstom Schilling Robotics - at that time the only full size electric ROV on the market. Shown is QUEST No.3, as to be delivered to an offshore company.

Right: End of 2002, the MARUM QUEST 5 core vehicle is ready for component installation. The new design of the buoancy block allow a higher lighting and camera payload in the front. Rated to 4000 m, it is the first of its kind built commercially.

Left: By January 2003, QUEST 5 was set up for a first training and participation during final integration and initial testing. Steffen Klar and Volker Ratmeyer from Marum are introduced by Greg Engemann from Schilling into the vehicle setup.

Right: Installation of the massive upper front porch members to carry the suite of lights, cameras, beacons and sonars during later operation. The vehicle becomes a very "ruggedized" appearance, which should later prove its enhanced stability during many heavy recoveries.

Left: Götz Ruhland from Marum, with Andy Houk and Greg Engemann, preparing for an evening session to check through the integrated system prior to a first water test in the pool.

Right: The basic vehicle in the water tank at Schilling Robotics, first dive test.

Left: Factory acceptance was confirmed for the completed MARUM QUEST vehicle during first week of February 2003. Here, the scientific toolskid frame is already installed.

Right: QUEST on it's first public display at OI 2003 in New Orleans, at the Schilling booth.

We will be happy to provide you with more information, higher resolution and/or further pictures. Please contact us:

Name	Telefon	Fax	E-Mail
Gerdes, Albert	0421 218 - 65540	0421 218 - 65505
Ratmeyer, Volker	0421 218 - 65604	0421 218 - 9865604