ROV’s can reduce the risks associated with sending personnel into confined spaces. Since specific environmental conditions are not normally required for remote methods, safety protocols are not as complex as they are for manned intervention methods, providing savings in cost and time. The data is relayed to real-time observation monitors, providing the opportunity for the plant owner or representative to monitor and direct the inspection. While there may be some subjectivity in interpretation of the data, the methods can be repeated year after year to provide comparative information.