The RCV150 was designed and developed by Hydro Products Inc. during 1978 to 1980. It was a hybrid, of sorts - too small to be a work vehicle, yet too expensive to be an inspection-class. The first RCV150 was ready for delivery in 1979. The vehicle was sent to Scandive in Norway where it was lost at sea during sea trials. The RCV150 was used for a wide range of activities from pipeline and rig installations in the North Sea.

The RCV150 was also extensively used for drill support around the world. This vehicle was owned by Esso Australia (now ExxonMobil Australia) and was operated for many years in the Bass Strait. Its sister vehicle was originally owned by Woodside and carried out the bulk of ROV work for the North Rankin A platform and pipeline in the early 1980s before being sold to Esso Australia for spare parts at the end of its working life. It was operated on from MV Mangrove Creek for several years then fitted into the hangar/moonpool area of MV Shelf Supporter.