Deep Trekker’s REVOLUTION Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is being tested by Avon Fire and Rescue Service to enhance its underwater rescue operations.
This trial, taking place at Temple Fire Station in Bristol, aims to assess how the ROV’s advanced sonar and maneuverability can improve safety and efficiency in challenging environments such as Bristol Docks.
Traditional underwater rescues present significant risks to divers, particularly in low to zero visibility conditions or in areas with strong currents. The use of ROVs offers a safer alternative to executing these missions in a variety of ways, such as conducting pre-dive surveys to identify hazards, minimizing dive times, and reducing the risk of accidents.
Equipped with advanced sonar systems, the REVOLUTION ROV can quickly locate individuals or objects underwater, providing real-time data to rescue teams. This capability is critical in murky waters where visibility is severely limited, allowing for faster and more accurate search operations without putting divers at immediate risk.
Enhancing Safety for Divers and Speed of Rescues
Deploying ROVs allows rescue teams to assess underwater conditions before sending divers into potentially dangerous situations. By identifying entanglements, sharp objects, or other hazards, the ROV enables divers to plan safer and more targeted missions. This pre-dive reconnaissance significantly reduces the time divers spend underwater, minimizing their exposure to hazards and improving overall mission efficiency.
Firefighter David Hodges, who is leading the project, commented, “This new ROV has the potential to be life-changing for water rescue operations. By allowing us to work faster and more effectively, we aim to improve public safety. Implementing equipment like this could be groundbreaking for rescue technology.”
Adapting Technology for Emergency Operations
The trial also emphasizes adapting the ROV’s capabilities to fit the unique needs of emergency services. Cody Warner, Commercial Vice President at Deep Trekker, has been working closely with Avon Fire and Rescue Service to customize the ROV’s features for rapid deployment and ease of use during emergencies. The ROV’s mechanical arm can secure individuals and assist in recovery efforts, reducing the need for prolonged and hazardous diver missions.
Warner stated, “Our current trial with Avon Fire and Rescue Service is an important test of how specialized technology can support critical emergency operations. We’re dedicated to adapting our ROV technology to meet their specific needs during this evaluation phase, exploring its potential to contribute to rescue operations.”
How to Achieve Efficiency in High-Risk Environments
In addition to low-visibility operations, the ROV’s ability to function in high-current waters adds another layer of safety and effectiveness. High currents pose a substantial risk to divers, making traditional rescue methods both dangerous and time-consuming. The ROV’s ability to maintain stability and navigate these conditions ensures that search and recovery efforts can continue safely and efficiently.
Firefighters involved in the trial are receiving comprehensive training on the ROV’s sonar systems, navigation controls, and safe retrieval techniques. The trial is focused on validating the technology’s performance in real-world scenarios, with an emphasis on speed, accuracy, and diver safety.
