Artemis IRIS: Mission Ready Technology for Blackwater Diving Operations

In challenging underwater environments where visibility is almost non-existent, seeing clearly can be the difference between success and failure; and this is exactly where Blueprint Subsea’s ArtemisIRIS excels.

This month BlueZone group had the pleasure of supporting a demonstration of Blueprint Subsea, part of the AION Group, ArtemisIRIS for the NSW Police Diving Unit. Taking place off Balmain, with known wreckages nearby, it set the perfect scene to display the benefits of the IRIS heads up display.

What is IRIS?

ArtemisIRIS is a next-generation helmet-mounted sonar imaging system engineered for divers operating in extreme underwater conditions. IRIS delivers real-time, ultra-high-resolution sonar imagery directly to a high-definition binocular display, overcoming low visibility, murky and black water environments, ensuring diver situational awareness is maximised.

Benefits of IRIS in Application

IRIS enhances diver safety and operational effectiveness by combining advanced sonar imaging with a diver-centric, mission-ready design. Its dual frequency sonar capability allows divers to seamlessly switch between wide area scanning and high-resolution close-range imaging, supporting confident navigation and rapid target identification even in zero visibility conditions. By delivering critical situational awareness directly within the diver’s field of view, IRIS reduces uncertainty, lowers cognitive load, and minimises time spent searching; key factors in improving both safety and dive efficiency.

The system’s ergonomic weight distribution and compatibility with leading helmet platforms, including and Future Safety, ensure comfort and stability during extended missions, helping divers maintain focus and performance over longer bottom times. Engineered for reliability in demanding environments, IRIS features a robust PEEK and anodised aluminium construction rated to 100 metres and extreme operating temperatures, -10°C to +45°C, while a removable lithium-ion battery provides up to two hours of operation. An intuitive three button interface enables simple, low distraction control in high stress scenarios, supporting faster decision making‑ and contributing directly to successful mission outcomes.

Enhanced Capabilities for Police

Blueprint Subsea’s Artemis range delivers significant benefits for Police Diving operations by improving safety, efficiency, and operational outcomes. The ArtemisHHS enables divers to rapidly survey large areas in zero visibility or blackwater conditions, allowing teams to locate targets faster and reduce overall dive time, while the ArtemisIRIS provides high resolution, in-water inspection for detailed identification and confirmation. This capability is particularly valuable for hull inspections to detect concealed drugs, port and harbour clearance tasks for EOD operations, and body recovery missions in challenging environments. By giving divers the ability to “see” in blackwater and maintain awareness of their surroundings, the system also enhances diver safety, including increased protection when operating in areas where hazardous wildlife such as crocodiles or sharks may be present; a huge advantage in Australian waters.

BlueZone Group in partnership with Blueprint Subsea

This demonstration would not have been possible without the expertise and support of Blueprint Subsea. We sincerely thank the Blueprint Subsea team for taking time out of their travels to be present, share their knowledge, and contribute their technical insight. The success of this demo also reflects the strong and trusted relationship between BlueZone Group and Blueprint Subsea, with BlueZone Group proudly representing Blueprint Subsea across Australia and . This partnership enables us to deliver worldclass subsea solutions locally and provide our customers with direct access to leading global technology and expertise.

For more information on Blueprint Subsea products, please Contact the BlueZone Group sales team.

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