Enhancing Dive Operation in Underwater Operations: The Role of ROVs at Stacy-Lent Fire Department

In the dynamic realm of search and recovery operations, the Stacy-Lent Fire Department found a transformative ally in Deep Trekker's ROVs. Kirk Oswell, a seasoned firefighter with a service record dating back to 1993, embarked on a mission nearly three years ago to integrate ROV technology into their dive team operations.

"I've been firefighting since about 1993. I've been working on getting an ROV for the diving team for quite some time."

Driven by a vision to elevate efficiency and safety, Kirk passionately championed the cause of introducing an ROV to their operations. Despite initial skepticism, he foresaw its potential to revolutionize their search and recovery efforts.

The turning point came tragically when the Stacy Fire Department faced a drowning incident. In response, an ROV was deployed from Duluth, yet limitations in search frequency underscored the urgency of having an in-house solution.

"We had an individual that passed away... they brought the ROV down from Duluth. They think they found the body right away, but they couldn't verify it and they could only come down once a week to search."

In a critical moment, Kirk's determination prevailed. The night he decided to move forward marked the initiation of a transformative collaboration with Deep Trekker.

"I pulled the trigger that night... and got the ball rolling with you guys."

Advancing Safety and Precision: The PIVOT's Impact on Stacy-Lent Fire Department's Mission

The PIVOT ROV, a stalwart companion to the Stacy-Lent Fire Department, has navigated the waters in various scenarios, showcasing its capabilities and transforming the landscape of search and recovery operations.

"The PIVOT we've had in the water quite a few times. We did a night dive with it, brought it out to Center City on North Center, in the dark. I was able to monitor the divers underwater while they're inside the ship and got some really good footage."

The night dive, a formidable challenge, became an opportunity to leverage the PIVOT's capabilities. Anomalies hidden in the darkness were brought to light through the use of Sonar.

"We did a night dive and were able to find an anomaly on the bottom using Sonar. I grabbed a hold of the anomaly with the Grabber claw, turns out it was just an aluminum ladder, but I was able to find it again the next day, grab ahold of the ladder, in the murk, you know, you can't see nothing, just using Sonar.

My diver was able to follow the tether and put a lift bag on it, and we were able to bring it back to shore. That was huge. "

The PIVOT's unique features, including sonar capabilities and position hold, empower divers to operate with enhanced safety, eliminating guesswork and providing a precise method to locate and recover targets. The impact of this technology on the mission of the Stacy-Lent Fire Department is indeed substantial.

“Having the ability with the sonar and the camera, having the position hold, having all these little things, we can dive safer, we’re no longer bounce diving, we're no longer guessing at where the target is. We can check it out, find our target, and then grab our target, and that is huge.”

Seamless Integration of ROVs: From Diver to ROV Pilot

Kirk Oswell's extensive background in aviation and remote control operations seamlessly positioned him to take on the role of an ROV pilot. This transition, propelled by his wealth of experience, not only proved smooth but also allowed him to actively contribute to operations despite physical limitations.

"I've been into RC vehicles since 1993, flying airplanes, so piloting an ROV is right in my wheelhouse. I eat, live, and breathe this ROV. My diving abilities aren't that great anymore. I used to dive every day. Now I have a hard time getting down to 60 ft. It's just my body is not allowing me to do it, so with the ROV, I can still be in the game, but now I can stay topside."

In the face of physical challenges, Kirk's commitment to mastering ROV operations stands as a testament to the dedication required for seamlessly integrating advanced technology into traditional workflows.

“It doesn't eliminate the divers. But just having the ROV makes it a lot safer for the team, especially now that it's getting cold, snow is on the ground, the ice is going to start forming on the lake - ice diving is a whole other realm, and to be able to throw this Deep Trekker PIVOT in the water and find our target… and if our divers don't even get wet, that's even better.” Improving SAR Response Time Cover

Looking to the Future: Advancements in Search and Recovery Operations

Kirk's anticipation for the future of search and recovery operations is palpable as he explores the possibilities of advanced features like 3D scanning, mapping, and photogrammetry, underpinned by the stability and consistency of autonomous navigation. The prospect of creating intricate 3D renderings from underwater environments holds immense promise for the evolution of search and recovery missions.

"One thing that does intrigue me is autonomous navigation and the ability to do the 3D scanning... to be able to scan the bottom and get a 3D rendering of what I've just seen is so helpful."

Kirk's endorsement not only acknowledges the transformative impact of the ROV on search and recovery operations but also commends Deep Trekker's dedication to innovation and the exceptional quality of its products.

"You guys keep doing what you're doing. It's pretty awesome. You guys built something really amazing. I've looked at a lot of other ROVs and being a drone pilot and being an RC enthusiast for as long as I have been, you guys are the top."

The ongoing partnership between the Stacy-Lent Fire Department and Deep Trekker is more than a story of equipment; it's a testament to the fusion of expertise and cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of excellence within the realm of search and recovery. This enduring collaboration showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of improvement in the face of overwhelming challenges.

The Deep Trekker Fleet: Precision Engineered for Unmatched Underwater Missions

Embark on a journey through the advanced Deep Trekker family of ROVs, each meticulously engineered to redefine the landscape of underwater operations. From the compact PHOTON to the powerful REVOLUTION, these ROVs stand out as the go-to solution for conducting efficient search and recovery operations.

Deep Trekker ROVs excel in navigating confined and hazardous spaces, transcending traditional boundaries with their enduring battery life, hybrid power options, and a range of tether options extending up to 2 kilometers. These qualities make them indispensable for exploring various depths, adapting seamlessly to the unique demands of each mission.

The BRIDGE controller, an intuitive command hub, enhances the ROVs' capabilities, facilitating seamless integration with advanced modular add-ons, such as sonar and much more. This versatility extends beyond search and recovery, making Deep Trekker ROVs indispensable across a diverse spectrum of industries and inspection needs.

From left to right: DTG3, PHOTON, PIVOT, REVOLUTION

PHOTON: Advancing Portable ROV Technology

The PHOTON takes the concept of a portable "suitcase" ROV to new heights, weighing in at under 10 kg. Crafted from industrial-grade materials like carbon fiber and anodized aluminum, and featuring magnetically coupled drives, stainless steel components, and an acrylic lens cover, this micro ROV is engineered to endure the harshest conditions.

Powered by Deep Trekker's BRIDGE technology, PHOTON offers users a lightweight option with advanced inspection capabilities. Equipped with a rotating enhanced 4K camera and a six-thruster design for precise maneuverability, PHOTON can expand its capabilities with additional tools and sensors, including sonar, DVL, and USBL, making it an ideal choice for any ROV inspection operation.

PIVOT: Stability, Speed, and Precision Control Redefined

The PIVOT ROV offers an unparalleled combination of stability, speed, and precise control with its six robust thrusters. Designed for ultimate portability and powered by lithium-ion batteries, the PIVOT can navigate anywhere your project leads.

Its enhanced 4K camera, wide 220° field of view, and a depth rating of up to 305 meters (1000 feet) ensure clear visibility even in challenging underwater environments. Constructed with durability in mind, the PIVOT is empowered by BRIDGE technology, seamlessly integrating a variety of add-ons and sensors, including sonar, USBL, and DVL systems, making it a testament to precision, durability, and versatility with underwater surveys.

REVOLUTION: Setting the Standard for Intuitive Underwater Inspections

The REVOLUTION ROV represents an advanced solution for intuitive and stable underwater inspections, built to thrive in challenging and demanding underwater environments. With field-swappable lithium-ion batteries and six powerful vectored thrusters, the REVOLUTION offers intuitive control and station-holding capabilities.

Boasting an advanced 4K camera with a 260° field of view, a 305-meter (1000-foot) depth rating, and super-bright LED floodlights, coupled with tether options extending up to 500 meters (1,640 feet), the REVOLUTION is reliable asset ensuring high performance during complex underwater missions. Its seamless integration with BRIDGE technology opens doors to a myriad of add-ons and sensors(sonar, USBL, DVL and more), redefining the benchmarks of underwater inspections.

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Our team, comprising seasoned industry experts, is ready to offer tailored guidance and address inquiries related to integrating submersible robots into your operational processes. Whether your project involves search and recovery missions, dam or infrastructure inspections, water tank inspections and cleaning, salvage operations, underwater inspections, aquaculture initiatives, environmental monitoring, or any other specialized application, we are fully equipped to align with and meet your unique requirements through t he use of our ROVs.

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