Breadcrumb Home Holding Tank http://ocean.si.edu/holding-tank/technology/rov-tethered-ship ROV Tethered to Ship photo ROV Tethered to Ship A cable connects a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to a ship at the surface, where it is operated by a pilot onboard the ship. The cable can extend for miles into the deep sea. Tags: Research vessels ROVs Scientists at work