ROV inspection of a ship propeller.

 

By Chad Gillen

Underwater threats have long posed challenges to customs and border protection (CBP) agencies worldwide. With advancements in submersible robots such as ROVs, agencies are now better equipped to address these issues.

Maritime Border Threats

Ports and waterways serve as critical gateways for trade and transportation, but they are also vulnerable to illegal activities, including smuggling and sabotage. Traditionally, inspecting ships for contraband or security threats has been a labor-intensive process relying on divers. However, this method is limited by time, visibility and safety concerns.

Specific threats include the smuggling of narcotics, weapons and other contraband concealed in hard-to-reach areas of ships. These areas often include: propellers and propeller shafts, which are common hiding spots due to their size and accessibility; intake grates, which smugglers frequently target to secure packages out of direct sight; bow thrusters, with their intricate designs that make them challenging to inspect thoroughly using manual methods; and keels and hulls, where illicit goods can be concealed along these extensive and less visible surfaces.

Inspections often need to be completed within a 30-min. window to avoid operational delays. Divers face additional challenges in murky waters, which complicates their ability to thoroughly examine critical areas. Visibility often drops to near zero in busy ports, further increasing the risk of missed threats. By integrating underwater ROVs into their protocols, agencies can overcome these limitations, conducting underwater surveys more effectively and safely.

ROVs equipped with ultrahigh-resolution 4K cameras, sonar systems, such as the Blueprint Subsea Oculus M3000, and advanced maneuverability provide precise and efficient inspection capabilities. Their ability to navigate tight spaces and maintain stable operation in strong currents ensures a thorough evaluation of high-risk area without compromising the safety of personnel. Advanced lighting systems also allow these devices to operate effectively even in turbid conditions, ensuring no critical zone is overlooked.

 

An ROV conducts an inspection of discovered explosive ordnance.

 

Traditional Inspection vs. ROVs

Traditional inspection methods rely heavily on divers, presenting several pain points. One is time constraints, since manual inspections often require significant preparation and must be completed within narrow operational windows. Another is safety risks: Divers face hazards such as low visibility, strong currents and underwater obstructions. In addition, there can be limited reach: Certain areas, such as propeller shafts or bow thrusters, are difficult to access manually.

Underwater ROVs address these limitations by offering rapid deployment. Operators can prepare devices such as Deep Trekker’s mini-ROV PHOTON for operation within minutes, minimizing delays. ROVs drastically reduce inspection times, completing tasks in minutes instead of hours. This efficiency enables CBP agencies to inspect more vessels daily, minimizing port delays. With user-friendly controls, even non-specialist personnel can conduct effective underwater inspections. These capabilities are particularly critical during high-traffic periods when delays can have cascading effects on port schedules.

ROVs also offer enhanced visibility via integrated sonar systems, such as the M3000, which enable detection of concealed objects in turbid conditions. High-resolution imaging systems enable detailed inspections of hidden compartments and complex machinery. This precision minimizes missed threats, increasing interception success rates. Precision navigation is another advantage, as ROVs provide access to tight or intricate areas, ensuring thorough inspections without human risk. By reducing the need for diver teams and extended downtime, ROVs lower overall inspection costs, making maritime security operations more economical and sustainable.

 

ROV inspection of a ship hull using sonar in low visibility.

 

ROV Border Protection in Action

The Canadian Border Services Agency, the U.S. Embassy in Peru’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regularly utilize ROVs for inspecting vessels entering their ports. These inspections focus on submerged areas where tampering or concealment is likely, such as bow thrusters and propeller shafts.

ROVs monitor critical infrastructure, including intake grates and dock foundations, ensuring structural integrity and identifying potential threats. Regular inspections using ROVs mitigate risks associated with corrosion, biofouling and sabotage attempts. The ability to deploy ROVs frequently ensures ongoing monitoring without the logistical challenges of scheduling diver teams.

High-resolution cameras and sonar systems help locate contraband stashed in concealed compartments, such as false hulls or sealed intake grates. By providing real-time imagery and data, ROVs enable authorities to act swiftly on intelligence, increasing the success rate of interceptions. Advanced sonar systems such as the M3000 are particularly effective in detecting packages even when visibility is compromised.

With ongoing technological advancements, portable ROVs are set to further improve marine inspections, offering enhanced capabilities and broader applications in security operations. Developments in AI integration, such as anomaly detection and automated path planning, promise to make these devices even more effective in addressing emerging maritime threats.

 

The Deep Trekker family of ROVs. From left: DTG3, PHOTON, PIVOT, REVOLUTION.

 

Conclusion

The utilization of underwater ROVs in customs and border protection operations represents a major advancement in maritime security. By overcoming the limitations of traditional inspection methods, such as the safety risks and time constraints that diver-led assessments typically involve, ROVs provide efficient, precise, and real-time data. This technology enables CBP agencies to conduct thorough inspections of high-risk areas, such as propellers, intake grates, and hulls, enhancing their ability to detect illicit activities, such as smuggling and sabotage, and biofouling.

Advanced sensors, including high-resolution cameras, sonar systems, and GPS technology, ensure accurate navigation and detailed imaging even in low-visibility or confined environments. The addition of AI-powered analytics further streamlines the inspection process by enabling immediate threat detection and anomaly identification. These capabilities not only improve operational efficiency but also reduce human error, supporting faster, safer and more reliable decision making in national security efforts.

As ROV technology continues to evolve, its potential applications in defense, security and environmental monitoring will only grow. The collaboration between CBP agencies, Deep Trekker, and other industry partners highlights the importance of innovation in safeguarding maritime borders, ensuring that these tools remain at the forefront of global efforts to protect critical infrastructure and secure trade routes.

To learn more about Deep Trekker’s cutting-edge underwater ROV solutions, see the article in Sea Technology’s November 2024 issue and visit deeptrekker.com.

Chad Gillen is the content marketing strategist at Deep Trekker Inc.