The Complete Underwater ROV Buying Guide 2026

When it comes to any large purchase, it’s important to weigh all the variables before deciding which option fits your needs the best. Purchasing an underwater ROV is no exception. Understanding each model’s subtle differences and how they benefit specific projects can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be.

The aim of this ROV buying guide is to provide a clear overview of each Deep Trekker ROV model and package, helping you assess their features and benefits to make an informed decision that best suits your project needs.

What Is an ROV?

Deep Trekker ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) are submersible, robotic vehicles, used to observe the depths of large bodies of water by operators from shore or a boat.

Different types of underwater ROVs are used in a variety of industries:

• Aquaculture
• Commercial Diving
• Defense
• Search and Recovery
• Marine Science
• Oil & Gas
• Nuclear & Offshore Energy
• Maritime
• Infrastructure
• Underwater Exploration & Discovery
• And more

These underwater vehicles allow operators to capture footage during port, harbor, or vessel inspections, bring innovation to pipe inspections, locate underwater targets, and conduct water sampling or physical maintenance. By utilizing ROVs, these tasks can be completed without the need for any costly divers.

How Much Should I Spend on an ROV?

ROVs can cost anywhere from a few thousand to several million dollars. It can be confusing to determine what is right for you with such a broad range of options. Spending more typically means adding capabilities, but does not mean it is necessarily a better fit for the job.

How much you should spend on an ROV is heavily dependent on the expected typical usage and core task functions. You can begin by evaluating the most integral functions for your project and choosing the most economical package to fit those requirements.

To create an ROV suited for industrial settings, different builds can accommodate add-ons like USBL, DVL, environmental sensors, and sonar. These features provide enhanced automation, tracking, vision, and depth features, but can come with a high cost ceiling and aren’t always required for the project at hand. Navigation packages utilizing DVL and USBL can cost $20,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on range and precision, while implementing sonars can range from $6,000 to $300,000.

Simple inspections in stillwater may not need these high-end features, and would better benefit from lower-cost basic packages, designed for getting underwater visuals quickly and easily.

There are different categories of Remotely Operated Vehicles:

• Mini and micro class ROVs are swimming cameras that are great options for fast and effective eyes underwater. These can range from a few thousand dollars to $40,000 depending on the sophistication of the model and add-ons.
• Inspection and Observation Class ROVs differentiate by equipping more advanced sensors, samplers, and tools, to expand into industrial applications. Their prices can range between $15,000 and $300,000.
• Light Work Class and Work Class ROVs are large, crane-deployed ROVs, typically with great depth capabilities (thousands of meters), powerful manipulator arms capable of construction, welding, and more. These ROVs are best suited for heavy industrial use, and range from $250,000 up to millions of dollars, and often require specialized operation training, heavy support equipment, and vessels.

Avoid letting a high price suggest quality, or assuming that the lowest price will get the job done. Establishing the right budget starts with clearly defining the expected outcomes for the job at hand. When it comes to underwater ROVs, price is just one of many factors to consider.

Considerations When Choosing an ROV 

ROVs are incredibly versatile tools, capable of a wide range of tasks. Because of this, there are a variety of features and add-ons that can be extremely beneficial for some industries, yet lackluster for others. The best ROV for the job is dependent on variables like the intended tasks, portability, average currents, water clarity, and depth requirements.

Intended Tasks

Evaluate what features are most important to your industry’s daily tasks. ROVs are capable of equipping add-ons such as environmental sensors, thickness gauges, positioning systems, sonar, cleaning tools, and more. Identify what is needed for your particular project, and then select the most cost-effective, appropriate model and package to fit those needs.

Portability

Depending on the amount of travel or operational maneuvering, such as carrying an ROV to the top of a water tank, it’s important to consider the form factor of an ROV. Mini ROVs can fit into a single case for air travel as a checked bag, and are light enough to be carried while climbing a ladder. Larger observation or work class ROVs may come with additional features, but could be completely unusable for remote work environments.

ROV Control Through Current

Stillwater environments like water tank inspections will have little to no current, making it ideal for mini ROVs to conduct inspections. For offshore or high-current situations, more advanced observation-class models are required for enhanced control through stronger currents.

A mini ROV like the DTG3 or PHOTON can handle currents up to 1–2 knots for general inspection tasks, providing reliable control in moderate conditions. For currents between 1–3 knots, the increased power of the PIVOT or REVOLUTION allows for effective maneuvering and stability. For higher current environments, SPECTRA is designed to maintain position in currents up to 3 knots from any direction, with a forward speed exceeding 4 knots, providing stable station-keeping and maneuverability around structures in demanding offshore or infrastructure inspections.

However, it’s not just the size or power alone of the ROV that determines its ability to work in current. An ROV that utilizes sensor fusion will maximize its positioning capabilities through its intuitive software. Just like people, ROVs can work smarter, not harder.

Water Clarity

Ideally, an imaging sonar would be on every ROV. It’s an incredibly helpful tool for most missions as it helps identify large objects from distances up to 120m (394 ft), and provides clarity on objects through murky water. The reality is that imaging sonars can cost upwards of $20,000 or more, making it a significant investment.

To make sonar more accessible, Deep Trekker recently introduced the C550, a capable and affordable sonar priced at $10,000. Of course, not every project or application needs a sonar to be effective. In clear water, or if operations are in an enclosed area where it is easy to get visual references (such as under the hull of a ship or in a water storage tank), then you can likely conduct a successful mission without sonar.

Depth Rating

Working at depths? Always check the ROV depth rating before committing to a purchase. If the main goal of an ROV is to inspect or retrieve deep sea assets like seismic nodes, ensure that the depth rating is adequate for the mission.

Deep Trekker ROVs are rated to depths of 305 meters (1,000 ft), with standard copper tethers available up to 400 meters and fiber-optic tether options extending to 2 kilometers for long-range missions. Systems such as SPECTRA, with 1,000 meter depth capability, use a fiber-optic architecture to support long-distance communication and high-bandwidth data transmission during extended inspections. Reach out to us with your specific project needs and we can help determine the appropriate tether configuration. For extreme depths, large work-class ROVs used in deep-ocean operations are capable of reaching 11,000 meters.

Choosing the Right ROV for Your Industry

Aquaculture

Typical usage within aquaculture includes net and mooring inspections, mort pushing, and environmental sampling. Simple inspections can be completed with a basic mini ROV setup, but adding USBL positioning or heading and depth sensors provides precise location data for points of interest. This allows operators to mark and revisit net breaches, damaged moorings, or fouling areas, reducing dive time and improving inspection repeatability.

A grabber arm can also be used for object retrieval or to deploy tools such as net patch kits, mort diggers, or water quality sensors to build dissolved oxygen profiles around pens. DTG3, PHOTON, and PIVOT systems are commonly used as cost-effective ROV solutions for routine aquaculture inspections.

For larger farms, deeper pens, or offshore aquaculture sites, SPECTRA provides increased thrust and station-holding capability in currents up to 3 knots, allowing stable inspections around exposed net pens and mooring systems. Its integrated stereo 4K camera system and high-output lighting support clear visual inspection, while real-time 3D sonar SLAM enables spatial awareness and repeatable survey coverage in low-visibility conditions. These capabilities support detailed inspection reporting and long-term monitoring of aquaculture infrastructure.

Infrastructure (Civil Engineering)

For dam, intake, bridge, and piling inspections, it's important to understand the typical operating water clarity. If the water is relatively calm and clear, a general visual inspection can be completed using a mini ROV such as the DTG3 or PHOTON.

If inspections require greater structural detail or are conducted in high current or low-visibility environments, a more powerful ROV equipped with sonar is recommended. The DTG3 or PHOTON Package with imaging sonar, or the PIVOT Expert with M3000 sonar, are commonly used for civil infrastructure inspections such as trash rack surveys, intake tunnel inspections, and submerged structural assessments.

For large infrastructure or complex environments, SPECTRA adds additional inspection capability with real-time 3D sonar SLAM, allowing operators to generate a live 3D point cloud of the surrounding structure while navigating. This improves spatial awareness around large assets such as dam faces, intake structures, and bridge foundations, particularly in turbid or GNSS-denied environments where traditional visual navigation is limited. Its 1,000 m depth rating, high-thrust propulsion, and precise station-keeping in currents up to 3 knots support inspections in deeper reservoirs, strong outflows, and other challenging civil infrastructure environments.

Energy

For Nuclear Power, internal tank inspections are often conducted in clear water. Because of the inherent hazards of nuclear environments, having a precise visual is critical. High-quality zoom cameras and integrated 4K imaging are key to successful inspections. Deep Trekker’s REVOLUTION ROV, equipped with a 4K camera and zoom lens, is a popular choice for these tasks, providing detailed visuals while maintaining safe standoff distances from radioactive surfaces.

For Hydroelectricity, inspections of intakes or sluice gates may only require general visual checks. Mini ROVs such as the DTG3 and PHOTON are effective for tight or confined areas. Sites with higher flow or turbid conditions benefit from the more powerful REVOLUTION or PIVOT, often equipped with M3000 imaging sonar, to provide reliable inspection data. These platforms are the most commonly selected for hydroelectric applications, enabling trash rack surveys, intake monitoring, and structural assessment with improved situational awareness.

For Offshore Wind, inspections of turbine foundations, monopiles, and subsea cables are essential for structural integrity and long-term performance. PIVOT or REVOLUTION ROVs are typically deployed to inspect monopile bases, scour protection, and cable entry points, using advanced stabilization, sonar, and 4K UHD cameras to capture detailed imagery even in strong currents.

For high-current offshore or deepwater operations, SPECTRA extends capability by maintaining station in currents up to 3 knots and forward speeds exceeding 4 knots, providing stable access to splash zones and deep turbine foundations. Its real-time 3D sonar SLAM enables operators to generate live spatial models, supporting repeatable survey coverage, precise photogrammetry, and comprehensive inspection reporting in GNSS-denied or low-visibility environments. Integrated stereo 4K cameras and high-output lighting allow detailed visualization of welds, bolts, and biofouling, supporting offshore maintenance planning and asset longevity.

Search & Recovery (SAR)

Target search and identification missions are far more effective with an imaging sonar, particularly when the sonar can be angled to optimize the field of view. Deep Trekker ROVs provide unique industry capabilities to achieve this without moving the position of the vehicle: the REVOLUTION features a rotating camera head and integrated sonar, allowing operators to scan multiple angles while remaining stationary, while the PIVOT Expert offers a tilting sonar platform to adjust the beam independently of the ROV body. These features improve coverage and reduce mission time in complex underwater environments. Even without sonar, ROVs can provide rapid deployment and visual assessment for initial searches.

Beyond locating victims or submerged evidence, ROVs assist with object recovery. Operators can use the grabber claw to latch onto and retrieve targets or attach a carabiner with a line for diver-assisted extraction. For delicate recoveries, the ROV can hold position on the target, and teams can deploy divers to follow the tether down for extraction.

The REVOLUTION or PIVOT Expert with M1200 sonar are commonly used for SAR missions. The M1200 provides high-quality imagery at ranges up to 30 m (98 ft), balancing identification clarity with practical operational range.

This vindicates the limited range of the M1200 in comparison of the M750 and M370 sonars, since the tradeoff is enhanced clarity for superior identification. The interlocking jaws (small and large) are also useful add-ons for recoveries, as they are better suited for sensitive retrievals in comparison to the teeth of the grabber claw.

For high-current, low-visibility, or complex search environments, SPECTRA enhances SAR capability with station-holding in currents up to 3 knots, forward speeds exceeding 4 knots, and highly maneuverable lateral movement for precise positioning around obstacles. Its real-time 3D sonar SLAM generates live 3D point clouds of the search area, improving coverage, repeatability, and spatial awareness. Integrated stereo 4K cameras and high-output lighting provide clear visuals for victim verification, object identification, and photogrammetric documentation, while its modular architecture supports rapid field servicing during extended SAR operations.

Maritime (Shipping, Ports & Harbours, Workboats)

ROVs are widely used for vessel inspections, ship husbandry, and workboat maintenance. The first consideration during hull inspections is current strength—mini ROVs like the DTG3 or PHOTON are suitable for calm conditions, while SPECTRA (with its high current, deep water capabilities), REVOLUTION (with its rotating camera head and integrated sonar), or PIVOT Expert (with tilting sonar platform) handle stronger currents and larger vessels more effectively. Sonar is valuable in murky water or for detecting welded foreign objects and structural defects.

ROVs also expand a commercial diving company’s service offerings by providing pre-inspections, bid surveys, and dive monitoring, enhancing safety and efficiency. Mini ROVs are sufficient for basic visual surveys, while SPECTRA, REVOLUTION NAV, or PIVOT NAV support longer-distance inspections and precise positioning using 3D Sonar, Dead Reckoning, USBL, and ROV GPS functions.

For high-current or more complex inspections, SPECTRA delivers superior performance with station-holding in currents up to 3 knots, forward speeds over 4 knots, and real-time 3D sonar SLAM for live spatial mapping of ship hulls or offshore assets. Its integrated stereo 4K cameras and high-output lighting provide clear, scalable visuals for reporting, photogrammetry, and structural analysis.

Common packages differ depending on the desired scenario of the inspection:

• For quick, easy inspections: DTG3, PHOTON, or PIVOT Smart.
• For thorough inspections: REVOLUTION with M3000 Imaging Sonar, Cygnus Thickness Gauge, CP Probe.
• Bonus tool: MAG Crawler with M3000 Imaging Sonar is an excellent tool for hull inspections, since it is attached to the surface it is inspecting, it remains unaffected by strong currents, making it an ideal complement to an ROV.

Deep Trekker offers a comprehensive lineup of ROVs to suit all of the above industry tasks on nearly any budget. With predesigned packages plus customizable add-ons, it’s easy to build the perfect ROV to fit your specific needs.

Defense

ROVs are effective tools for underwater security, EOD, and pre-dive reconnaissance. Imaging sonar is essential for identifying submerged objects such as unexploded ordnance or mines, with tilt-capable sonar platforms (REVOLUTION or PIVOT) providing a unique advantage by scanning targets without repositioning the vehicle.

For longer missions or complex navigation in GNSS-denied environments, REVOLUTION NAV and PIVOT NAV with M750 imaging sonar offer enhanced positioning and autopilot capabilities. ROVs allow operators to survey large areas safely, reduce diver exposure, and capture detailed visual and sonar data for mission documentation.

SPECTRA further enhances defense operations by combining high thrust, precise lateral maneuvering, and station-holding in currents up to 3 knots with integrated 3D Sonar SLAM and stereo 4K cameras. This enables repeatable survey paths, live 3D mapping, and actionable inspection data, all while supporting rapid deployment and modular field servicing.

Deep Trekker offers a comprehensive lineup of ROVs to suit all of the above industry tasks on nearly any budget. With predesigned packages plus customizable add-ons, it’s easy to build the perfect ROV to fit your specific needs.

What's the Difference Between Deep Trekker ROVs?

Deep Trekker's ROV lineup includes the DTG3, PHOTON, PIVOT, REVOLUTION, and SPECTRA.

The DTG3 is a mini observation-class ROV built for rapid deployment and simple visual inspections. Its lightweight design provides exceptional portability but limits power and feature capabilities, such as DVL sensor upgrades or integrated tool platforms. Using a three-thruster design, the operator must manipulate pitch and yaw for vertical and lateral movements. The DTG3 is an excellent, affordable option for basic underwater inspections.

The PHOTON is a small micro-ROV with the same six-thruster stability of the larger ROVs. While it cannot support many add-ons or rotate sonar or grabbers like the PIVOT or REVOLUTION, it delivers a capable inspection experience in a compact, lower-cost package.

The PIVOT and REVOLUTION are true observation-class ROVs. Constructed from carbon fiber and stainless steel, REVOLUTION offers high power, advanced capabilities, and stable performance in harsh environments, with a rotating camera head for inspecting from multiple angles without repositioning the vehicle. PIVOT provides similar capabilities in a smaller form factor, with a tilting tool platform for precise inspection in confined spaces. Both use six vectored thrusters for vertical, lateral, and complex maneuvering tasks.

SPECTRA represents the next-generation high-performance inspection ROV. Designed for high-current and deepwater operations, it features seven vectored thrusters, station-holding in currents up to 3 knots, and forward speeds exceeding 4 knots. Integrated real-time 3D sonar SLAM and a stereo 4K camera allow operators to generate live spatial maps, perform repeatable surveys, and conduct precise inspections in low-visibility or GNSS-denied environments, all while maintaining the familiar, intuitive piloting experience of Deep Trekker systems.

SPECTRA

SPECTRA ROV is Deep Trekker’s next-generation high-performance inspection platform, engineered for high-current, deep water, and complex subsea operations. Its seven vectored thrusters provide exceptional control, enabling station-holding in currents up to 3 knots and precise lateral, vertical, and forward maneuvers, while maintaining forward speeds exceeding 4 knots. Rated to 1,000 meters, SPECTRA is ideal for demanding offshore, defense, and industrial inspections where stability and control are critical.

Like REVOLUTION, SPECTRA allows rotational adjustments of its camera and sonar without repositioning the vehicle, giving pilots full control over inspection angles, object manipulation, or scanning structures efficiently. SPECTRA’s rotating stereo 4K camera system captures 4K video and 12 MP images, while a 300,000-lumen LED array beam tracks camera orientation to provide clear visuals in low-visibility environments. For enhanced inspection capability, the ROV integrates real-time 3D Sonar SLAM (with optional 3D-15 sonar), generating live point clouds and spatial maps to monitor coverage, track assets, and enable repeatable survey operations.

The ROV’s modular design allows rapid field serviceability, with thrusters, camera head, sensor pods, LED arrays, and power modules replaceable in under 30 minutes. Its construction combines HDPE, stainless steel, carbon fiber, and buoyancy foam, creating a durable, lightweight frame suitable for demanding subsea environments.

“The biggest thing for a vehicle of this size is the ability to operate effectively in strong currents. It's going to be deployed into some really tough environments. So, you need something that's going to be able to not only move fast forwards, but also hold up in current from all directions. So, lateral movement is key here.” - Cody Warner, Commercial Vice President, Deep Trekker

SPECTRA Base Package

The SPECTRA Base Package includes:

• BRIDGE integrated tablet controller with SD card storage
• Rotating stereo 4K camera with high-output LED lighting
• Optional 3D Sonar SLAM (with 3D-15 sonar)
• Direct-power operation via tether for continuous inspections
• SensorPod X – measures water temperature, depth, heading, and turn counter
• Ballast Tool Kit for adjusting buoyancy and trim
• Standard 300 m fiber tether, upgradeable to multiple kilometers
• Rugged SKB iSeries transport cases for deployment

The system is engineered for high-current waters, precise maneuverability, real-time 3D mapping, and extended operational periods, making it an elite tool for detailed subsea inspections and survey projects. Optional add-ons, like 3D-15 sonar for real-time 3D Sonar SLAM, extend situational awareness and survey capabilities further in low-visibility or high-current environments.

REVOLUTION

The REVOLUTION ROV is the most powerful, intelligent, and stable ROV in the Deep Trekker lineup. Its six vectored thrusters provide unmatched control in harsh underwater conditions, and when combined with its 305m-depth rating, makes it ideal for complex deep ocean missions.

The integrated camera and grabber arm can rotate up to 260 degrees. This wide range of view means seamless transitions of focus points. The pilot can look up during a hull inspection, rotate to scan a wall, pan along the seafloor, or get the best angle to manipulate an object, all without changing the ROV's position.

A favorite feature of many operators is the rotating capability when adding an imaging sonar. With this ROV add-on, you can adjust the angle to sweep targets and get precise viewing angles. Because of its stable design and vertical thrusters which enable lateral movements, the REVOLUTION provides excellent performance with USBL and sonar.

You can also rely on extended battery operating time from a full charge. Thanks to the quick-change battery system, it's also extremely easy to perform field battery changes in well under a minute.

"When everything was said and done, all three forebay inspections were completed 100% satisfactory, were done safer and faster, and with the innovation of using the REVOLUTION ROV vs. divers, has the ability to save my company millions for the investment of a few thousand into an ROV." - Thomas Griner, Operations Officer, Nuclear Power Facility, Midwest USA

REVOLUTION BASE PACKAGE

The REVOLUTION Base package includes the BRIDGE integrated controller + SD Card. The ROV comes equipped with the 260 degree rotating camera head and grabber, LED floodlights, and a 10cm laser scaler for accurate estimations of object sizes. The base package includes a battery set as well as a spare set to efficiently swap for extended missions.

The batteries take just 30 seconds to change and one and a half to three hours to recharge, meaning virtually endless power if you ladder charging between uses. If you prefer constant direct power, there is a direct power option for the REVOLUTION as well as the PIVOT ROVs.

The REVOLUTION Base package also includes a 300m tether on a tether reel but can be upgraded to 1 kilometer or more. To bring it all together, two rugged pelican carrying cases are included to house the whole system, providing excellent portability for such an advanced system.

REVOLUTION NAV PACKAGE

The REVOLUTION NAV package takes everything in the base package and adds advanced piloting capabilities with USBL and DVL sensors. These sensors enable the ability to track the ROV on a map, log points of interest, draw a trail, plan missions, and even deploy autonomous routes with the Mission Planner feature.

This means, with the NAV package, operators can navigate to set targets and perform pre-programmed routes, allowing the pilot to focus on the camera and sonar feeds instead of operation.

On top of this, these sensors have the capability to enable ‘auto-depth’ from the seafloor, as well as produce GPX and CSV files to house location data during operation. The NAV package also includes a service parts kit and an extended two-year warranty for a complete, comprehensive experience.

REVOLUTION RECON PACKAGE

The REVOLUTION RECON package takes the NAV package to the next level. This package enhances shallow water inspections with dead reckoning, automatic station holding, and advanced navigation tools like the 2-jaw manipulator, SensorPod+, A50 DVL, and ROV GPS for precise underwater operations.

The RECON package allows pilots to track the ROV’s position, leaving trails and marking points of interest, which is especially beneficial in murky waters or strong currents.

The RECON package also includes a service parts kit and an extended two-year warranty like the NAV package.

REVOLUTION SAR PACKAGE

The REVOLUTION SAR Package is a fully equipped ROV solution offering police, fire departments, and other emergency services advanced sonar, rotating grabber, and superior stabilization for efficient and precise underwater search and recovery operations.

This fully loaded ROV setup is the ultimate choice for marine units, offering unmatched power, precision, and versatility for search and recovery missions. Equipped with advanced 260 degree rotating sonar and grabber head, Mission Planner software, and superior stabilization features, it delivers reliable performance in the most challenging underwater environments.

The SAR package also includes an extended two-year warranty.

PIVOT

The perfect balance between size and power. The PIVOT maintains an impressive six thruster design powered by swappable lithium ion batteries, and 305m depth rating just like the REVOLUTION. Unlike the REVOLUTION, the PIVOT’s overall body size is 13.4% smaller, and cuts its weight down to 37lbs, compared to the REVOLUTION’s 57lbs.

The camera and tool platform on the PIVOT operate on separate rotating fields, with the camera able to rotate up to 220 degrees for a wide viewing range to complete a multitude of tasks. The 97-degree rotating tool platform gives pilots the advantage of flexible imaging options and convenient tool manipulation from a stable position. Due to its similarities in control and stability to the REVOLUTION, the PIVOT also provides excellent performance with USBLs, DVLs and Imaging Sonars.

"After tracking the first year of ROV use, Foss realized an astounding actual and measurable impact of saving/earnings of a total of $135,650, which was DOUBLE original predictions." - Amanda Dayton, Shipyard Manager, Foss Maritime Company

PIVOT Smart Package

The PIVOT Smart package includes the BRIDGE integrated controller + SD Card. The ROV comes equipped with the 220 degree rotating camera head, six precision thrusters, and LED floodlights to illuminate your targets.

The Smart package comes with a 100m tether on a reel and one battery for immediate operation. You will also receive two rugged Pelican carrying cases to house the entire system for enhanced portability. The Smart package is the ideal basic setup for visual inspections in higher current conditions while maintaining a lower total cost.

PIVOT Expert Package

The PIVOT Expert package includes everything listed in the Smart package, and adds the 97-degree tilting tool platform. The tool platform is capable of housing a variety of add-ons, and comes included with a grabber claw as part of the package. Upgrading to the Expert package provides a 150m tether instead of the standard 100m and includes a spare battery set for quick swaps to maintain power on extended missions.

PIVOT NAV Package

The PIVOT NAV Package is the most comprehensive package offered for the PIVOT. On top of everything included in the Expert package, it adds the same USBL and DVL sensors that enable the advanced navigation features of the REVOLUTION NAV.

USBL and DVL sensors enable you to track the ROV on a map, log points of interest and a trail, plan missions, and deploy autonomous routes via mission planner. These sensors also have the ability to produce comprehensive GPX and CSV data for reports. With the NAV package, you will also receive a service kit, 300m tether and two-year extended warranty for peace of mind.

PIVOT RECON PACKAGE

The PIVOT RECON Package, similar to the REVOLUTION RECON package, provides dead reckoning technology, automatic station holding, and the easiest position tracking for precise underwater tasks. Complete with SensorPod+, A50 DVL, ROV GPS, and spare batteries, it's designed to deliver maximum control and efficiency for demanding operations.

To support ongoing operations, the RECON Package also comes with a service parts kit and an extended two-year warranty, providing peace of mind and reliable support for your underwater missions.

PIVOT SAR PACKAGE

The PIVOT SAR Package provides an all-in-one ROV solution tailored for police, fire departments, and emergency response teams. With its state-of-the-art sonar technology, tilting grabber arm, and exceptional stability, this package ensures efficient and accurate underwater search and recovery operations.

This package offers advanced capabilities with a 97-degree rotating grabber, sonar tilt platform, and DVL for automatic station keeping, allowing you to perform stable and accurate operations even in strong currents. Designed for search-and-rescue teams requiring enhanced control and efficiency, this complete solution enables seamless underwater victim recovery and precise sonar scanning in challenging conditions.

Additionally, the SAR Package is backed by an extended two-year warranty, offering assurance and reliability for your emergency response needs.

Common REVOLUTION, PIVOT, and PHOTON Add-ons

The most common add-ons for the PHOTON, PIVOT, and REVOLUTION are:

• Imaging Sonar Systems: With over half a dozen options available, these aid in navigation and target identification through murky conditions.
• Manipulator and Water Sampler Bundles: Grabber claws, water/sediment samplers, cutters, and mort pushers ensure readiness for a range of physical tasks.
• Thickness Gauges: The Cygnus Thickness Gauge Integration allows the operator to evaluate the thickness of steel on tanks, hulls, or other metal surfaces.
• Environmental Sensors: Water quality sondes and dissolved oxygen sensors provide insights to key parameters like Temperature/Conductivity, pH/ORP, or Chlorophyll A.
• Extended Tethers: With upgrades available up to 1 kilometer or more, extended tethers are optimal for longer-range projects.

PHOTON

The PHOTON is a powerful blend of compact design and robust reliability. The small but mighty underwater survey sidekick. Built with the same Deep Trekker family standard of industrial-grade materials like carbon fiber and anodized aluminum, paired with magnetically coupled drives, stainless steel components, and acrylic lens cover ensure durability in the harshest conditions. Simply put, the PHOTON is the toughest micro ROV on the market.

With Deep Trekker’s BRIDGE technology to power it, the PHOTON offers users a lightweight option with advanced survey capabilities. The rotating enhanced 4K camera, six thruster design, and ability to expand with additional tools and sensors, such as sonar, DVL, and USBL, make this an ideal option for a broad range of ROV inspection operations, including aquaculture, tank inspections, confined space inspections, underwater research, and much more.

"Deep Trekker, and all their support and sales staff, always immediately address our questions, issues, and any concerns. They immediately answer phone calls and immediately respond to email inquiries. They bend over backwards to assist with anything we have needed or ideas on training and troubleshooting. I would have to say that Deep Trekker has consistently provided the best customer support of literally any professional organization I have ever worked or communicated with in over 23 years of military service and 15 years of commercial diving experience." - Doug Noyes, Dive Project Manager / Dive Safety Manager at Peraton Inc.

PHOTON Expert Package

The PHOTON Expert package includes everything in the Base package, and it adds the grabber claw manipulator tool and more. With the grabber tool, operators can perform precise retrievals, sampling, and deploy tools efficiently, making it ideal for advanced inspections.

Upgrading to the Expert means you will receive the grabber claw add-on, skid, service kit, and a spare battery for quick swaps to maintain power on extended missions.

PHOTON SAR PACKAGE

Want a complete underwater SAR solution at a low cost? This package offers fire departments, police units, and search-and-rescue teams an affordable ROV solution with grabber and sonar capabilities for efficient underwater victim recovery and search operations.

The PHOTON SAR Package provides an affordable ROV solution for SAR missions, featuring state-of-the-art capabilities for effective underwater search-and-recovery operations.

DTG3

The DTG3 is the ultimate in ROV portability. For a cost effective alternative to the PIVOT or REVOLUTION, the DTG3 provides the same exceptional Full HD (4K upgradable) camera in a durable yet lightweight 18lbs vehicle. Coming expedition-ready right out of the box, you can deploy in under 30 seconds. With operating battery life of up to eight hours, you can maintain operation for the whole workday.

The DTG3 comes equipped with three thrusters and a patented pitch system that allows for flexible operations and rapid descent capabilities. The DTG3’s 270-degree rotating camera offers a massive range of view for ship hulls, sea floors, and everything in between, without any need to maneuver thrusters.

The whole system fits into a single rugged Pelican case which can be taken as checked luggage during travel, making its portability unparalleled. At a price tag of $8,500, the DTG3 offers industrial quality accompanied by 5-star customer service at an aggressively competitive price.

“In the past 10 years, we’ve had 0 incidents, 0 accidents, 0 near-misses and it’s because we have a Deep Trekker ROV with us on every diving operation that we do.” - Dewald Venter, Operations Manager, Ven-Tech Subsea

DTG3 Package

The DTG3 package includes the intuitive BRIDGE integrated controller, 64GB SD Card, and an entire ROV system all out of a single case. This single-case design allows you to take your commercial-grade inspection system anywhere.

The DTG3 package comes standard with a 75m tether and tether reel. However, you can upgrade up to 200m on the included reel and can be increased up to 700m on a larger reel. The DTG3 also comes with three sets of LED floodlights to illuminate your focus point during complex or dark inspection scenarios.

Common DTG3 Add-Ons

The most common add-ons for the DTG3 include:

• The Grabber: A grabber arm enables the DTG3 to carry out a variety of tasks such as retrieving objects, holding tools, or deploying equipment.
• Laser Scaler: Two lasers separated by one inch instantly offer a size estimation during visual inspections.
• USBL Positioning: The SeaTrac Ultra Short Baseline Locating system allows you to gain awareness of the relative position of your ROV, as well as set waypoints along your dive.
• Thickness Gauge: To evaluate the thickness of steel on tanks, hulls, or other metal surfaces.
• Environmental Sensors: Water quality sondes and dissolved oxygen sensors provide insights to key parameters like Temperature/Conductivity, pH/ORP, or Chlorophyll A.

Deep Trekker Universal Product Features

BRIDGE Technology

All DTG3, PHOTON, PIVOT, and REVOLUTION packages include a splash-proof handheld controller running BRIDGE software, with a 64 GB SD Card included. BRIDGE Technology consists of Deep Trekker's custom hardware, software, and integration capabilities. It leverages the processing power of a multi-core processor to provide an intuitive graphical interface. It does this alongside an impressive integration of Oculus sonars, USBL positioning, and other advanced sensors for improved control.

BRIDGE enables capabilities such as sensor fusion, optimizing positioning sensors, and camera enhancements such as underwater image optimization, auto-stabilization, and zero latency. Zero latency allows for easy control without the lag seen on mobile device-operated drones.

Enhanced 4K UHD Camera

Capture finer details during inspections with Deep Trekker’s high-performance 4K camera systems. The Enhanced 4K UHD Camera comes standard on all Deep Trekker ROVs. These systems deliver superior clarity both at a distance and up close.

On SPECTRA, the rotating stereo 4K camera captures 4K video and 12 MP images, paired with a high-output 300,000-lumen LED array that dynamically tracks camera orientation. This allows pilots to inspect structures from multiple angles without repositioning the vehicle, and supports photogrammetry, metrology, and 3D modeling for detailed inspection reporting.

Navigate to targets and capture high-quality images for your inspections and surveys with performance that significantly surpasses traditional off-the-shelf high-definition cameras. Featuring a turbidity filter, auto white balance, digital zoom, and automatic image enhancement, BRIDGE's advanced image processing algorithms ensure optimal underwater imaging across diverse conditions and water qualities.

The 1080p camera included in the Base package of the DTG3 is a low-cost, off-the-shelf camera option used by many underwater drone and ROV manufacturers. It provides good-quality imagery, but is limited in its focal range and effectiveness in turbid or dark environments.

The enhanced 4K camera delivers incredibly sharp videos to distinguish any fine details or irregularities during underwater inspections. The ultrawide lens on the 4K upgrade also allows for more content to fit on screen, and provides superior detail at shorter focal lengths. It also has a far greater range capability, allowing you to see detail further than with standard off-the-shelf 1080p cameras.

See a comparison between the 1080p and 4K here:

Intuitive Controller With Multi-Feed Display

Full integration with imaging sonars and positioning systems allow you to view your underwater sonar, map positioning, and video feed all on one easy-to-read screen. If you prefer to extend your displays to larger screens, you can quickly connect a laptop or monitor via HDMI from the controller.

Every package also includes the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor package, which provides depth, heading, pitch, roll, turns count, and water temperature displays. The IMUs, pressure sensors, and magnetic compass combined with BRIDGE technology allow for stabilization features such as auto depth, auto heading, and active yaw stabilization. Active yaw stabilization helps the ROV pilot drive straight through the water to a target even through strong current.

BRIDGE Box and BRIDGE App

The BRIDGE Box enhances the flexibility of Deep Trekker ROV operations, enabling control and monitoring from virtually any location via the BRIDGE app on a Windows device. Supporting remote operation over the internet, it allows teams to manage missions from varied environments, including offices, field sites, or command trucks, with ease.

Want to use a gamepad-style controller? No problem. Want six monitors in a shipping container? You got it. Set up your dream office while using a flexible software platform that will grow with your needs.

BRIDGE Console

The Deep Trekker BRIDGE Console is a high-performance control station designed for precision in complex ROV operations, featuring an 18.5-inch HD capacitive touch panel that enhances the operator’s visual interface. Its IP65 rating ensures durability in industrial and marine settings, and the display can either mirror or extend across multiple screens, facilitating access to alternate views like sonar, telemetry, and positioning data.

With a modern graphical interface and embedded operating system, the BRIDGE Console seamlessly integrates with third-party tools, supporting organized, multisource data visualization essential for effective, streamlined control in demanding environments.

ROV GPS

The ROV GPS system provides precise surface-based navigation for Deep Trekker's SPECTRA, REVOLUTION, and PIVOT models, allowing real-time positional tracking without the need for a USBL system.

This GPS system continuously recalibrates in real time, maintaining stable position updates when the ROV surfaces. Paired with Deep Trekker's Dead Reckoning, it ensures accurate tracking throughout missions.

With Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS) support, the system achieves positioning accuracy up to 2.5 cm. It's compatible with major satellite constellations, including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo, for enhanced accuracy in surveys and inspections.

The ROV GPS system logs waypoints and tracks surface positions via Mission Planner, offering a full history of movements to aid post-mission analysis and refine underwater navigation strategies, particularly valuable in environments where USBL is impractical.

Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning provides an effective navigation solution in GPS-denied underwater environments, where satellite signals are inaccessible. By using inertial sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and advanced algorithms, Dead Reckoning allows Deep Trekker ROVs to maintain accurate positioning, guiding ROVs along predetermined routes without GPS or optics.

Integrated into SPECTRA, PIVOT, and REVOLUTION ROVs via upgraded IMU and DVL sensors with BRIDGE software, Dead Reckoning allows operators to begin navigation from a known starting position, simplifying complex underwater inspections. The system continuously updates the vehicle’s position based on course and speed changes, enhancing spatial accuracy even in challenging conditions. When combined with acoustic positioning systems, Dead Reckoning provides reliable, repeatable navigation in complex underwater terrains, supporting precise inspection, survey, and monitoring operations.

Which ROV Is Right for Me?

Choosing the right ROV can be overwhelming with so many models and features available. In this section, we’ll walk you through a five-step process to help you identify the best underwater ROV for your unique applications so you get the performance, reliability, and value you need to succeed.

1. Define Your Application and Industry Needs

Start by identifying your primary use case, for example:

• Aquaculture: Net inspection, fish health monitoring
• Infrastructure: Bridge, dam, or pipe inspection
• Energy: Offshore wind, hydropower asset inspection
• Military/security/police: Search and rescue, surveillance
• Shipping and salvage: Hull inspection, cargo recovery
• Commercial diving: Diver support, hazardous environment inspection
• Underwater discovery: Research, archaeology, or exploration

Now, consider your environment:

• Freshwater vs. saltwater
• Depth requirements
• Water clarity and current conditions

2. Determine Key Performance Requirements

Before narrowing down the types of underwater ROVs for your project, identify the core requirements they will need to handle your typical tasks and environments effectively.

The first of three critical criteria is depth rating:

• How deep do you need to operate?
• Match the ROV depth rating to your typical and maximum operational needs.

Next is portability:

• Do you need a lightweight, easily deployable ROV for remote locations?
• Will you operate from a vessel, dock, or shore?

Finally, battery life and endurance:

• How long will typical missions last?
• Consider battery swap options or tethered power for extended operations.

3. Prioritize Essential Features

The right camera can make a significant difference in capturing the information you need. Consider whether your operations require high-definition video for detailed inspections or if basic visuals for navigation are enough.

If you'll be working in tight spaces like pipes or tanks, a compact and agile ROV is essential. For open water environments or inspecting large structures, a larger and more stable model may offer better control and performance.

Think about any additional tools you might need, like grabber arms, sonar, or water sampling equipment. Choosing the best underwater ROV with modular capabilities allows you to upgrade or customize your system as your needs evolve.

4. Match ROV Models to Your Needs

Once you've outlined your requirements, it's time to match them with the right model in our ROV buying guide. Here's how Deep Trekker's lineup deals with a variety of industry needs:

DTG3:

• Best for general inspections, aquaculture, and research
• Compact, lightweight, and hand-deployable
• Suitable for operators who need versatility and ease of use in calm or low-current conditions

PHOTON:

• Ideal for tight spaces or smaller-scale inspections
• Six-thruster stability in a compact form factor
• Suitable for users needing portability with improved maneuverability

PIVOT:

• Well suited for energy, infrastructure, and professional inspection work
• Six vectored thrusters and optional tilting platform
• Strong maneuverability for confined spaces and moderate-current environments

REVOLUTION:

• Designed for demanding inspections in energy, infrastructure, and maritime environments
• Six vectored thrusters with rotating camera head and sonar for multi-angle inspection without repositioning the vehicle
• Excellent stability and compatibility with advanced inspection tools

SPECTRA:

• Built for high-current and deepwater inspections up to 1,000 m
• Seven thrusters (4 vectored, 3 vertical) delivering 4-knot forward speed and 3-knot lateral movement
• Rotating stereo 4K camera, 300,000-lumen lighting, and optional 3D Sonar SLAM for mapping and inspection in low visibility
• Direct-power system with fiber tether options for extended offshore and survey operations

A-200 Pipe Crawler:

• Designed for large-diameter pipe inspections in municipal and industrial infrastructure
• High-traction crawler platform for long-distance pipe surveys

A-150 Pipe Crawler:

• Compact crawler for smaller diameter pipe inspections
• Suitable for municipal sewer and stormwater systems

MAG/VAC Utility Crawlers:

• Designed for tank, hull, and submerged surface cleaning or inspection
• Magnetic wheels and vacuum attachment options for specialized industrial applications

5. Consider Support

It's important to understand the after-sales service you can expect from the manufacturer. Do they offer onboarding, tutorials, and ongoing support? Is there a global support network for service and maintenance, and how easy is it to get replacement parts or repairs?

Before committing, check customer reviews, case studies, and industry testimonials for real-world insights, or ask for word-of-mouth referrals.

Example Decision Pathways

Scenario 1 — A fish farm manager needs to inspect nets and monitor stock health in saltwater pens:

• Needs: Portability, UHD camera, moderate depth
• Recommended: PHOTON ROV

Scenario 2 — A municipal engineer must inspect stormwater pipes and culverts:

• Needs: Confined space access, rugged design
• Recommended: Pipe Crawler

Scenario 3 — An offshore oil and gas operator requires regular inspections of subsea infrastructure at significant depths and in strong currents:

• Needs: High thrust, precise station-keeping, advanced navigation, and deep water capability
• Recommended: SPECTRA ROV

Final Tips

To effectively answer the question, "What type of ROV do I need?" always start with your mission requirements. Don't overbuy or under-specify. Consider your future needs. Modular ROVs can grow with your operations. Finally, leverage Deep Trekker's expertise — our team is ready to help you make the right choice.

The Deep Trekker Difference

Deep Trekker offers easy-to-use, portable, and affordable underwater ROVs, capable of handling an incredibly diverse list of tasks. Along with the ROVs, experienced senior ROV team members are only an email or phone call away. When you buy an ROV from Deep Trekker, you buy the team, the ideas, the vision, and the support.

Our ROVs are designed by listening to our customers and reinventing to meet their needs. We are a group of innovators, creators, expert engineers, technologists, and dreamers of the underwater world. Our team is committed to providing you with the best ROV to get the job done.

"Last time we looked there was not an ROV that competes at Deep Trekker's price point; considering size, function, features and customer service, two thumbs up!" - Bruce Gray, Operations Officer, Environment Canada.

As always, our team of industry professionals is here to answer any questions you may have about how submersible robots can aid in your next project. When you’re ready to get a vehicle of your own, reach out to get your customized quote.