Guardian 1.0

Search. Rescue. Recovery—For the Moments That Matter Most

Water Rescue Operations

Water Rescue Operations Launch

Water Rescue Operations

Currently in Development

Example of a traditional Search, Rescue and Recovery Scenario

Guardian 1.0 is Riparian’s dedicated search, rescue, and recovery vessel—engineered to support the critical work of finding missing persons, providing answers to families, and assisting responders in time-sensitive and uncertain situations. Built on a shore-launchable, low-draft, semi autonomous platform, Guardian extends responder capability from shore, allowing teams to access difficult or hazardous waterways without placing personnel in harm’s way.

Designed for clarity, repeatability, and controlled navigation, Guardian carries mission-focused payloads for underwater mapping, visual and thermal camera identification, nighttime visibility, and recovery support. Whether locating individuals, marking precise GPS positions, or assisting with recovery operations, Guardian provides the operational control and reliable visibility needed to bring resolution to the people and agencies who depend on it most.

Shared Platform, Mission-Specific Configuration

Search

Guardian 1.0 enhances search operations by expanding visibility and improving detection capability across a wide range of water conditions. It supports:
Underwater mapping tools for identifying submerged features or objects
Real-time visual feedback to the operator on shore
A thermal camera to assist in locating live persons in the water
Spotlight and detection lights for nighttime or low-visibility missions
Precisely repeatable GPS pathway navigation for systematic grid searches
Together, these features help search teams cover more area with greater confidence, consistency, and operational control.

Rescue

Guardian 1.0 enables responders to assist individuals while minimizing human risk:

Side-mounted handles provide flotation support for victims until manual rescue can occur
Real-time camera and thermal visibility support faster identification and response
Loudspeaker or audible alert system allows responders to communicate directly with individuals in distress
Precise waypoint return ensures the vessel can revisit designated locations reliably

By keeping responders on shore, Guardian reduces risk while supporting safer, controlled rescue assistance.

Recovery

For recovery operations, Guardian offers clear, repeatable positioning and reliable visibility:

Logs GPS coordinates of submerged objects for law enforcement or recovery teams
Returns to marked locations with accuracy for planning and retrieval
Supports a multipurpose winch system designed to lower a magnet to manually mark the locations of metal objects in the water

Guardian removes guesswork and reduces risk, allowing recovery teams to work with clarity and confidence while maintaining safe distance from hazardous water conditions.

By reducing the need for repeated manual searches and enabling precise return-to-location workflows, Guardian saves valuable time during recovery operations. Its ability to operate in shallow, obstructed, or otherwise hard-to-reach waterways improves accessibility while keeping teams safely on shore. Guardian removes guesswork and reduces risk, allowing recovery teams to work with clarity, confidence, and extended operational reach—even in challenging water conditions..

Key Features

Autonomous GPS waypoint navigation — boat follows preprogrammed waypoints
Smart Return To Launch (RTL) — boat will return to home with a push of a button
Advanced failsafe behaviors — boat will return to shore when low on battery
Lidar-based obstacle avoidance
Adjustable transom for operation in shallow water
Long-duration battery operation
Real-time camera feedback
Optional thermal camera payload
Underwater mapping capability
Multipurpose winch system for lowering marking tools
Autonomous or manual control modes

Why Guardian 1.0 Matters

Effective search, rescue, and recovery work depends on clarity, repeatability, and controlled access—especially in environments where minimizing danger and promoting safer operations is essential. Guardian 1.0 supports these missions by improving visibility, widening the search scope, enhancing positioning accuracy, and enabling responders to work from shore with fewer personnel exposed to risk.

With advanced autopilot-assisted navigation, Guardian increases the accuracy and consistency of data collection, allowing teams to record findings, mark GPS coordinates, and revisit locations with confidence. Its purpose-driven design supports every stage of the process—from initial search to final recovery—by improving operational safety, strengthening situational awareness, and reducing the need for in-water exposure. In dynamic conditions, Guardian helps bring greater predictability to the search and recovery process, enabling responders to work with more assurance and control.