Prior to launching the vehicle, make sure the Pilot and Tether Handler are coordinated.

The Tether Handler is responsible for the vehicle at this point.

Extend the ROV GPS mast if georeferenced navigation is required.

Deploy the vehicle and check the ballast and adjust it if necessary. The vehicle should be ballasted so that it is as close to neutral as possible. Slight positive buoyancy is preferred so that if the vehicle is separated from the tether, it will float to the surface.

Make sure all of the items in this step are completed successfully or addressed and remedied before moving on to the next step.