Remotely Operated Vehicle Committee
Committee Overview
The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) Committee focuses on advancing the field of ROVs, undersea robotics, and artificial intelligence through international collaboration. It brings together industry, academia, defense, and other organizations to share technical knowledge and support innovation.
The committee also plays a key role in education and workforce engagement—providing speakers to academic institutions, encouraging student participation, and supporting scholarship opportunities for MTS Student Members. As a founding partner of the MATE ROV Competition and a co-host of Underwater Intervention (UI), the committee continues to support major initiatives that shape the future of the field.
Technical Knowledge Exchange
We promote the international exchange of technical information across the ROV sector.
Technical Publications
We produce and support publications related to ROV technology and advancements.
Student & Academic Engagement
We provide speakers to academic institutions, encourage student involvement, and support scholarship opportunities in ROV and undersea technology.
Industry Leadership & Events
We support major initiatives as a founding partner of the MATE ROV Competition and co-host of UI.
Upcoming Events
Annual MTS ROV Photo Challenge
The MTS ROV Photo Challenge is a new initiative launched by the MTS ROV Committee. This challenge is open to everyone in the ROV community and is about celebrating the real-world work of ROVs—the grit, innovation, and teamwork that drive marine technology forward.
Whether your ROV is exploring offshore depths, being tested in a lab, or being built from scratch by a student team, we want to spotlight the moments that reflect the current state of ROV technology and capture the essence of this rapidly evolving industry. #MTSROVLife
The 2026 Photo Challenge is now closed
Browse the 2025 Photo Challenge Photos >
Committee Leadership
Chair
Robert 'Bob' Christ
bob.christ@seatrepid.com
Bob has a Bachelor’s Degree in both Aviation and Accounting from Louisiana Tech University. He is a FAA-licensed Airline Transport Pilot as well as a Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive). He is a co-founder of VideoRay, a micro-ROV manufacturer, and in 2003 co-founded SeaTrepid. Bob also co-authored “The ROV Manual” along with Bob Wernli (now in its second edition).
Vice Chair
Nancy Summers
NSummers@oceaneering.net
Nancy Summers is a Field Engineer with Oceaneering Int. She began her subsea career in 1997 as a Tender and then a Diver in the Gulf of Mexico. She expanded into ROVs and then AUVs before a transfer to the East coast brought her back to Hyperbarics working with the Navy’s Submarine Rescue System.
Treasurer
Susie Ward
suzique2022@gmail.com
Susie has been involved with the oil and gas industry for over 30 years. Her journey has taken her from a secretary to an international crewing manager and HR director. She has been involved with the MATE ROV program as a Runner and then Missions Judge.
Our Platinum & Gold Members
