RDC (Rapid Data Collection) unit

Marine biosecurity tool for seabed surveillance

Our Rapid Data Collection unit, referred to as the 'RDC', is an innovation by Commercial Dive Specialists (CDS) that launched in New Zealand in 2024. Developed in-house by the CDS team, this underwater tool allows divers to gather data quickly, accurately, and with high integrity, directly inputting it into a GIS platform while on the seabed.

Designed for efficient marine biosecurity surveys, the RDC was introduced to the market in September 2024 and has since been utilised on projects for MPI, Cawthron Institute, Northland Regional Council, and Auckland Council.

Our divers can gather up to ten times more seabed data for marine pest surveillance compared to traditional methods, significantly reducing survey time and thus cost for our customers.

With the RDC, our team can survey approximately 1-2km per day, with one diver in the water at a time, inputting data into the RDC every 10 metres.

The RDC is one of several proprietary tools developed CDS alongside Rehabitat®. Additionally, CDS is the first in the world to use the ArcGIS FieldMaps app underwater.

Watch the RDC in Action

What is the RDC?

The RDC is a GPS float which is tethered by cable to a processor with a touchscreen on the seabed. The touchscreen has a camera built into it and when the photo and information about a marine pest infestation point is recorded, the GPS float on the surface bookmarks the geolocation with an accuracy of up to 2 metres typically.

This accurate location tracking enables a team to come back to the same spot and treat an incursion immediately.

The RDC can be used between 0 and 15 metres, and can be used in large, remote areas.

It has been used successfully in the field in multiple locations across Northland and Auckland since 2024.

Key Features

Marine pest surveillance

Collects up to ten times as much seabed data as traditional methods

We can survey up to 1.5 to 2 km of seabed per day entering data into the RDC every 10 metres

Designed and built by our Commercial Dive Specialists team
Deployable in high-risk coastal zones
Suitable for rapid response

Why the RDC Matters

New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems are under increasing threat from invasive marine species which spread rapidly, displacing native biodiversity and disrupting natural habitats. Once established, they can become extremely difficult and costly to remove.

The RDC gives MPI, iwi, councils, and biosecurity agencies a deployable tool designed specifically to rapidly survey the seabed searching for marine pests and the extent of a marine biosecurity incursion to inform decision making.

With early detection and rapid response, this offers the best chance of getting an incursion under control.

Interested in the RDC?

Please email our team or contact Brook on 021 731 775.

Other Innovations

The RDC sits alongside other underwater technological innovations our team has created:

Rehabitat: Offers a breakthrough biosecurity solution built specifically for New Zealand and global marine conditions. Portable, precise, and ready to deploy, it represents the nation’s best opportunity to stamp out Caulerpa before it unleashes widespread environmental and economic damage.

Underwater Communications Hub: Enhancing connectivity beneath the waves, this hub offers reliable communication channels for divers and remote-operated vehicles, improving safety and coordination during underwater operations.

Mini Dredges: Designed for precision and efficiency, our mini dredges facilitate targeted sediment removal, supporting various marine construction and maintenance projects. Funded by NRC and deployed by CDS.