Drowning is the leading cause of death from unintentional injuries and accidents after traffic incidents. According to the World Health Organization, 0.7% of all deaths worldwide (over 500,000 deaths) every year are due to unintentional drowning. Rapid response to such incidents can effectively change this situation. Given the safety and ease of use, the massive use of remotely operated underwater vehicles in rescue operations can help combat this problem.

SmartDive ROV

How ROV works

The SmartDive ROV is launched from a ship or shore near the search site. With the help of live broadcast video and powerful light, the ROV operator can find objects at great depths and in muddy waters. Also, the sonar installed on the ROV can help in searching and orienting under water. Full HD camera of the device allows the operator to study in detail all the objects found and make subsequent decisions. With the help of the manipulator arm, the ROV can also grab various objects and lift them to the surface, or clear its way.

The role of ROVs in search and rescue operations

During a natural disaster, rescue services must quickly understand who needs help, where they are, and what resources are needed to rescue them. Lack of information and lack of communication is often the cause of ineffective response, resulting in loss of life.

Since natural disasters often disable critical infrastructure, rescue services have to make their way to hard-to-reach places for a long time. Underwater drones can quickly dive in difficult and unsafe places. Due to this, the role of ROVs in search and rescue operations is constantly growing.

Underwater drones can quickly dive and rise to the surface, as well as operate indefinitely. In the past, divers had to work in difficult underwater conditions, including low visibility conditions. Divers can only be underwater for a limited time, and in case of any problems, they must be replaced by others. Now, rescuers conduct a preliminary inspection with ROVs, and divers go into the water only when it is really necessary. This significantly saves time and effort, and also increases the safety of the work of rescuers.

With the help of a Full HD camera and powerful light, SmartDive ROVs can operate in low visibility conditions. The deployment time of the device is only 5 minutes, and thanks to the quick-release batteries, the operating time of the device is not limited.