Deep Trekker ROV Transforms Fire Department SAR Operations

Search and Recovery (SAR) operations rely on speed, precision, and adaptability - conditions that demand continuous improvement in tools and procedures. As underwater searches become increasingly complex due to visibility, current, and safety factors, fire departments are integrating new technologies to strengthen their response capabilities.

The Port Vue Fire Department exemplifies this approach, incorporating the Deep Trekker PIVOT ROV into their operations to provide a dependable, risk-free set of eyes below the surface during recovery missions.

How Do Fire Departments Use ROVs for Search and Recovery?

The Port Vue Fire Department integrates the underwater ROV into their water rescue and recovery operations to increase safety, reduce diver risk, and improve the success rate of searches. Brandon Hale, Fire Chief, describes the team’s approach:

“We’re a fire rescue team, but we do a lot of water rescue because we have a dive team, a Swiftwater team, anything you can think of on the water with a boat. So, we do a lot of search and recovery missions.”

The ROV serves as a tool to scout and support divers in hazardous or murky water conditions, improving visibility and reducing risk during missions. It can be deployed rapidly from shore or a rescue boat to locate vehicles, evidence, or victims before divers enter the water, allowing the team to assess hazards, confirm targets, and plan their approach with greater precision.

Brandon explains: “Yeah, for the most part. I like to put the ROV in before I use a diver. For example, if I see something with the ROV, then I’ll throw a diver in after that. That’s my ROV-first approach.”

This approach minimizes risk to personnel and allows the team to assess underwater conditions, currents, and visibility in advance.

Frequency of ROV Deployment in SAR Operations

While the team does not use the ROV on a daily basis, it is deployed strategically when mission requirements and environmental conditions warrant:

As Brandon explains, “We take it out probably once a week, usually, sometimes once every two weeks. It all depends on the weather and what’s going on. But we try to get it out at least once a month. It's been working out really well for us.”

Over the first summer with the underwater drone, the team reported approximately ten missions for body recovery and similar operations with successful results.

Challenges Solved by the Deep Trekker ROV

The department faced limitations with previous ROVs they had used in high-current, murky rivers.

Hale notes, “We have a lot of heavily heavy-current rivers that are murky, and the previous ROV we used doesn’t handle the current too well. With the Deep Trekker, we find, with the weight and the way everything is designed, handles the rivers so much better than the other products we used previously.”

Additional advantages include local support and quick turnaround times compared to other suppliers:

“Being based out of Canada is absolutely a lot better, as well. Trust me. Makes it easier to ship than having to deal with overseas logistics. Two-week turnaround compared to six months.”

Selecting the Right ROV for SAR Missions

Choosing the right tools for the job is critical in SAR operations, as having the appropriate equipment can directly impact mission success. Brandon describes the selection process for the Deep Trekker PIVOT:

“My wife found Deep Trekker at FDIC, she liked it and pushed for it, and said it would handle the currents better… I found the funding for it and got it."

The department also plans to expand capabilities with additional funding, as Hale explains, “I'm not looking to purchase another ROV right now because this one works so well. What I did do is put in for funding for more batteries and the sonar.”

Adding sonar provides real-time detection of objects and submerged hazards, which can dramatically improve efficiency and safety, making it a game changer for SAR operations. Equipping the ROV with sonar can be the difference between searching blind and having a clear target in sight, significantly improving the success of missions.

Performance and User Experience of the PIVOT

Hale highlighted several key factors that influenced his satisfaction with the PIVOT ROV, emphasizing quality, operational performance, durability, and intuitive controls.

“I would say all of it,” Hale noted when asked what exceeded his expectations. “I mean, the performance is excellent. If I need something shipped, it’s just easier to ship to you. Yeah, it’s all user-friendly for me. That’s why I’m looking to add on to it rather than go with a different brand or ROV.”

The PIVOT’s imaging and powerful LED systems were particularly notable. Hale added, “The lights and the camera on the Deep Trekker perform so much better than everybody thought they were going to.” These features enhance visibility in low-light and turbid water conditions, improving situational awareness and reducing the need for additional external equipment.

Overall, the combination of robust construction, reliable operation, and high-quality sensor systems supports consistent performance across varied operational environments, contributing to both efficiency and safety during water rescue and recovery missions.

Training and Support for SAR ROV Operators

Deep Trekker provides comprehensive training options to ensure operators are fully proficient with their ROVs. Training can be completed online through virtual courses, in-person classroom sessions, or over the phone, allowing teams to choose the format that best fits their schedules and operational needs.

The Deep Trekker Tools Used

The PIVOT Smart Package provides public safety teams with a capable, ready-to-deploy ROV system suitable for search and recovery operations in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. The package includes:

• 4K Camera & Optimization Features – Delivers high-resolution video capture with adjustable tilt for visual inspections and recovery work.
• Laser Scaler – Enables accurate measurement of underwater objects for evidence documentation or recovery planning.
• 1 Set of Batteries – Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
• 100 m (328 ft) Tether – Neutrally buoyant and durable, ideal for controlled operations in confined or shallow environments.
• Quad LED Lights – Provide powerful illumination for turbid or night conditions.
• 97° Tilt Platform – Allows precise camera and tool positioning for object identification and navigation.
• Sensor Pod – Includes depth, heading, and temperature sensors for situational awareness.
• 1-Year Warranty – Comprehensive coverage and access to local technical support.

This setup gives departments like Port Vue a reliable and cost-effective ROV platform while maintaining expandability for future upgrades such as a grabber, sonar, DVL, GPS integration, or positioning modules.

This package can also be upgraded to include the PIVOT SAR option, providing enhanced search and recovery capabilities specifically designed for rapid deployment in challenging underwater recovery scenarios. see the link below for more information:

Industry Experts at Your Service

Our team of experienced professionals is prepared to provide customized support and answer questions on incorporating submersible robots into your operations. From search and recovery missions to dam and infrastructure inspections, water tank cleaning, salvage work, aquaculture management, environmental monitoring, and other specialized tasks, we can tailor our ROV solutions to meet the specific needs of your project.

Secure Your Deep Trekker ROV Today

When you're ready to secure your very own Deep Trekker vehicle, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to provide you with a customized quote tailored precisely to your needs. Incorporate Deep Trekker ROVs into your toolkit to achieve increased levels of safety, efficiency, and success in your underwater operations.