The EvoLogics Diver Navigation system, launched in March 2024 at Oceanology International in London, has been a key focus for the company in recent months and is an easy-to-operate system for simplifying complex underwater tasks involving multiple team members, such as search and rescue, salvage, recovery, or cleanup operations. It facilitates map-based navigation for divers during missions, allows for waypoint setup both pre-mission and in real time, and enables two-way communication between divers and the dive supervision team, as well as among divers themselves.
INTUITIVE INTERFACING
The standard Diver Navigation System employs compact, battery-powered acoustic modems as diver trackers, positioned on the divers’ backs for unobstructed signal transmission. Divers use a wrist tablet that displays the map with all diver positions and can use a chat tool very similar to smartphone texting. Map waypoints can be added before or during the mission to coordinate the mission and mark the discovered objects in real time.
The battery-powered diver modem is acoustically compatible with all EvoLogics 18/34-series modems and USBL-Systems. The molded unibody design of the tracker ensures broad compatibility with various diving equipment and facilitates straightforward installation. It comes with mounts for an easy attachment to the diver’s scuba tank.
The diver’s display is a compact wearable tablet with a stylus. It connects to the modem tracker by cable and is detachable from its wrist strap with a quick-release lock. The display provides the diver access to the SiNAPS user interface, visualizing the map of the current operations area, the positions of all divers and the support vessel, and running the text chat tool.
ACOUSTIC NODE
At the surface, the USBL buoy acts as the acoustic node for operations: the device is a mono-unit with a USBL antenna, an integrated PC running SiNAPS positioning software, a dual-antenna GNSS receiver, and a WiFi access point. Designed for mobile scenarios, the buoy ensures rapid setup and fully supports bidirectional diver tracking and message exchange.
The USBL buoy calculates diver positions using acoustic signals and displays them in the SiNAPS interface for the support team. This capability allows the surface team to monitor diver positions, communicate messages, and adjust mission waypoints as needed.
Bidirectional acoustic links ensure that all mission divers have access to tracker positions.
The SiNAPS interface, akin to texting on a smartphone, enables divers to exchange short messages with each other and the surface team while tracking each other’s positions in real time. Mission waypoints can be added before or during the mission to coordinate operations and mark discovered objects or infrastructure for further investigation.
After its initial launch, EvoLogics embarked on the field testing and demonstration tour with the Diver Navigation System. As a result, the designs of the modem tracker and attachments were further improved to optimize usability, and the transport case was equipped with built-in charging adapters for easier maintenance between dive missions. The system is now in full-scale production at EvoLogics.
With professional technical dive missions in mind, the EvoLogics engineering team developed a modification of the Diver Navigation System, tailored for operations with underwater scooters.
DIVER PROPULSION
Underwater scooters, also known as dive propulsion vehicles (DPVs), offer several advantages for technical divers who often require enhanced mobility, range, and control in challenging underwater environments.
DPVs allow divers to cover significantly more ground without excessive effort. This is particularly useful for exploring large areas where swimming alone would be too time-consuming. By reducing exertion, DPVs help conserve gas consumption, allowing technical divers to extend their bottom time and get more out of each dive.
With a scooter, technical divers can reach sites that would otherwise be inaccessible or would take too long to reach with just fins. In scenarios requiring swift area coverage, such as search and recovery, DPVs can cover larger areas in a shorter time, increasing the chances of success in urgent situations.
The professional GAVIN NT model was selected as the system platform for the scooter version of the Diver Navigation System. The key criteria were efficiency, low weight, compact size, and reliability of the DPV. The acoustic tracker and the display mount were integrated with the scooter platform, eliminating the need for these additional wearables on a scooter-aided dive mission.
For the scooter version, the electronics of the modem tracker are fully built into the scooter body. The acoustic transducer and the display cable connector are integrated into the nose section of the vehicle, and the display mount is within comfortable reach of the diver next to the scooter controls.
The modem and display are powered from the internal battery of the scooter so that charging the whole gear package does not require any additional accessories. The system enhances coordination, improves task management, and fosters efficient information sharing, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of diver operations.
MEETING DEMAND WITH INNOVATION
EvoLogics developed the scooter version of the Diver Navigation System to specifically meet the shifting needs of the professional diving community given that DPVs are increasingly used to enhance efficiency, safety, and control under water. They have become an invaluable tool for challenging dives where extended range, lower gas consumption, and rapid mobility are crucial.
Team EvoLogics looks forward to showcasing the Diver Navigation System’s full range in 2025 at major industry events, beginning with Ocean Business in Southampton.
DIVING TEAM NAVIGATION SYSTEM

This feature appeared in ON&T Magazine’s 2025 Special Edition, The Future of Ocean Technology, Vol. 5, to read more access the magazine here.