As stated by IMCA there a five classes of ROVs;

Class 1 this is the observation class, they are fitted with cameras, lights and Sonar
Class 2 this is the same class 1 however there are additional sensors onboard, Class 2 also
has limited manipulation ability.
Class 3 this is the Work-class ROV category. These have numerous sensors (Depth gauges,
sonar, pipetrackers, gyros, etc) and manipulators. The systems on the ROV must be able to
run without a loss of functionality
Class 4 this is the Towed and Bottom crawling ROV class. This category is fairly self-
explanatory. It is also the category the Trenching ROVs fit into.
Class 5 this is left for prototype and developmental vehicles. All ROVs that dont fit into
any of the other categories are considered a class 5 ROV. AUVs also fit into this class.

Deployment:
A Trenching ROV requires the same equipment as any normal work-class ROV. This equipment is
composed of a tether management system (TMS), a Launch and Recovery system (LARS) and of the
umbilical
TMS
The TMS on a normal work class ROV is lowered over the side of the parent vessel to the
intended depth. The TMS will reduce the motions of the vessel being transferred to the ROV
while its completing its work. There are two types of TMSs; the garage types and the top-
hat type.
The TMS for a trencher, is split into two sections; there is the small top-hat which detached
when the trencher is lowered through the splash zone and then the heave compensation
winch.
LARS
The LARS is used to deploy and retrieve the ROV.
IMCA states the LARS has to be placed so that there are no obstructions below or adjacent
to the deployment area, the LARS should also be positioned in a way that the thrusters do
no interfere with the ROV during deployment, operation and retrieval.
Due to the size of the trenching ROVs, internal launching is not practicle. Therefore side
launching is done. This is done through the use of an A-frame.