The Broads Authority is testing a submarine drone that can dive to 200 meters to inspect underwater infrastructure and wrecks, potentially saving significant costs and improving safety by reducing the need for human divers. The £10,881 device promises a high-tech upgrade for managing the 125-mile network of waterways.
Forget James Bond; the latest gadget patrolling the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads is a remotely operated submarine drone. The Broads Authority has successfully trialed this underwater technology as a new tool for monitoring lock gates, investigating wrecks, and surveying the critical infrastructure hidden beneath the surface of the popular waterways. This isn’t just a cool piece of tech—it’s a practical solution to a costly problem.
Traditionally, inspecting a lock gate or assessing a sunken vessel required hiring a team of professional divers. It’s a time-consuming, expensive, and inherently risky process. According to a report for the authority’s navigation committee, covered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the initial trial at Mutford Lock in Oulton Broad proved the drone’s worth even in challenging conditions. The report stated that “even with low visibility, they were able to survey the lock,” confirming the drone’s operational reliability.
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The financial argument is compelling. The authority’s report notes that “this type of routine survey would normally require a team of divers with their associated costs.” By using the drone, the authority saves “both time and cost for this type of survey activity, as well as lowering risk for officers and/or contractors working near or in the water.” The single Chasing M2 Pro Max drone was purchased using a grant from National Parks England, representing a strategic investment in modernizing their operations.
The capabilities of the drone are key to its success. The Chasing M2 Pro Max can dive to an impressive 200m (about 650ft), gathering high-quality footage that gives engineers and conservationists a clear view of underwater assets. This capability is becoming increasingly important as sunken vessels pose a growing problem on the Broads, creating navigation hazards and environmental concerns. Using the drone to quickly locate and assess these wrecks allows for faster, more informed decision-making.
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This trial marks a shift towards more innovative and efficient management of the Broads’ unique ecosystem. The ability to conduct rapid, low-risk surveys means the authority can monitor its infrastructure more frequently and respond to issues more proactively. It’s a forward-thinking approach that leverages technology to protect both the historic waterways and the people who maintain them.
While currently in the trial phase, the successful test suggests the submarine drone will soon become a standard piece of equipment. It represents a significant step forward, proving that sometimes the best tool for safeguarding a cherished natural landscape is a cutting-edge robot exploring the world beneath the waves.
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