Abstract: To facilitate offshore oil and gas development in China, this paper reviews the evolution of ROV and its application in offshore oil and gas development in other countries, and presents the ROV application systems in operation and inspection of offshore oil and gas facilities, such as subsea pipelines and cables. In addition, basic capacities and major parameters of ROV monitoring devices currently available in China are described in detail. With consideration to features of offshore environments and demands for deep-water oil and gas development in China, key technologies and future development of ROV for deep water operations are highlighted. The research results can provide valuable guidance for research and development of monitoring devices and offshore facilities.