This paper mainly expounds the function and design of shallow observation ROV. It introduces the design and simulation of ROV module, principle and design of magnetic coupling waterproof propeller. The main function of ROV is image acquisition and transmission to the ground station. This scheme has changed the traditional way of analog image transmission, using digital image acquisition and TCP/IP protocol instead. In order to improve the transmission distance, it uses the optical cable. Digital image acquisition is realized by open source openwrt system. This scheme can effectively improve the efficiency of data transmission, and realize the synchronous transmission control signal.