Sonardyne DiveTrack is a portable diver tracking and communication system that allows a dive supervisor to monitor the position and status of multiple divers in real time.
The system uses underwater acoustic positioning and data communication to track up to eight divers simultaneously. It is designed for rapid deployment from a vessel, RHIB, pontoon or shore-based location and does not require specialist acoustic-positioning knowledge to operate.
DiveTrack provides the dive supervisor with a clear overview of the team’s position and can exchange safety and mission information with compatible dive computers and rebreathers. The complete system is supplied in two rugged transport cases and can be connected to a suitable laptop or tablet for operation.
Key Features
- – Real-time tracking of up to eight divers simultaneously
- – Maximum published tracking range greater than 1,500 m
- – Three-second position update rate for all divers
- – Two-way acoustic communication and pre-configured diver messages
- – Recall signals and mission updates can be sent from the surface
- – Designed for reliable operation in challenging shallow-water environments
- – Portable system supplied in two rugged Pelican cases
- – Rapid deployment from shore, pontoon, RHIB or vessel
- – Integrated USBL positioning and GNSS heading
- – More than 10 hours of operational battery life
- – Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection to a laptop or tablet
- – Compatible with selected Shearwater dive computers and JFD rebreathers
- – Not subject to ITAR or UK export-licence controls
System Components
A complete DiveTrack system is built around four principal components:
- – DiveTrack command unit: portable surface unit containing the USBL transceiver, GNSS heading system, battery, Wi-Fi connection and deployment cable.
- – DiveTrack transponders: compact diver-worn acoustic units that provide positioning, depth and communication data.
- – Charging and transport case: stores and charges up to eight DiveTrack transponders and automatically places them into safe-flight mode for transport.
- – DiveTrack software: displays diver positions, provides mapping and messaging functions, and supports post-mission log export.
Systems can be configured with four or eight diver transponders, a buoy or vessel deployment kit, and a suitable rugged tablet or field computer.
Typical Applications
- – Commercial diving operations
- – Military and public-safety diving
- – Search and recovery
- – Diver training and assessment
- – Underwater inspection and maintenance
- – Scientific and archaeological diving
- – Coordinated multi-diver operations
- – Shore-based and small-vessel dive support
Compatible Diver Equipment
DiveTrack can operate as a standalone tracking system or exchange additional information with compatible diving equipment.
Integration with selected Shearwater Research Petrel 2 and DiveCAN systems can provide functions including:
- – Real-time dive parameter monitoring
- – Tank-pressure information
- – Two-way safety messages
- – Diver recall signals
- – Navigation and mission updates
Integration with compatible JFD Stealth and Shadow rebreathers can provide additional information including depth, average oxygen partial pressure, oxygen and diluent pressure, and system alerts.
Available functions depend on the connected diving equipment and the selected DiveTrack configuration.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | DiveTrack Transceiver | DiveTrack Transponder |
|---|---|---|
| Operating range | Greater than 1,500 m | Greater than 1,500 m |
| Depth rating | Surface unit | 100 m |
| Frequency band | MF, 20–28 kHz | MF, 20–28 kHz |
| Transducer beam | Omnidirectional, ±130° | Omnidirectional, ±130° |
| Range precision | Better than 15 mm | Better than 15 mm |
| Position accuracy | 3–5% of slant range | Not applicable |
| Communication interface | Ethernet and Wi-Fi | RS-232 and CANbus |
| Depth sensor | Not applicable | 10 bar absolute, ±0.7% full scale |
| Power supply | 12/24 VDC and 115/230 VAC charging | 12/24 VDC charging |
| Battery life | More than 10 hours | More than 10 hours at the DiveTrack update rate; more than 3 days in listening mode |
| Construction | Polymer and stainless steel | Polymer |
| Operating temperature | −15 to 50 °C | −30 to 50 °C |
| Dimensions | 177 × 106 × 106 mm | 192 × 55 × 55 mm |
| Weight in air | 1.84 kg | 584 g |
| Weight in water | 0.99 kg | 162 g |
Maximum range and positioning performance depend on water conditions, deployment geometry, acoustic noise, obstructions and local operating conditions.
Portable Deployment
The DiveTrack command unit is housed in an IP67-rated Peli case and includes an integrated USBL transceiver, GNSS heading system, Wi-Fi connection and 10 m deployment cable.
A second Peli case provides secure storage and charging for up to eight diver transponders. Each transport case measures approximately 524 × 428 × 206 mm and weighs approximately 13 kg when configured.
The system can be deployed from a fixed structure, buoy, RHIB or larger vessel. Integrated GNSS heading allows rapid setup without requiring a lengthy acoustic calibration procedure.
Manufacturer Resources
Discuss Your DiveTrack Configuration
DiveTrack systems can be configured for four or eight divers, with suitable deployment hardware, diver transponders, charging equipment and operator computer.
Imbros can assist with determining the appropriate system configuration and confirming compatibility with existing dive computers, rebreathers and vessel equipment.
