H3 Remote Control Rescue Buoy (Vector Ark H3) – Professional Unmanned Water Rescue System

When a swimmer gets into trouble, seconds matter — and so does rescuer safety. The H3 Remote Control Rescue Board (Vector Ark H3) is a purpose-built, unmanned water rescue craft designed to deliver flotation to a casualty quickly, without forcing a lifesaver, staff member, or bystander to enter dangerous water. It is engineered for professional use by Surf Life Saving Clubs, councils, aquatic centres, marinas, ports, river patrol units, event safety teams, and emergency services who require a fast, dependable, and repeatable rescue capability.

At its core, the H3 provides a simple but powerful solution: launch the craft, remotely drive it to the casualty, stabilise them on the buoyant platform, then tow them safely back to shore or to a rescue vessel. This method dramatically reduces rescuer exposure to rip currents, breaking waves, cold water shock, and submerged hazards, while delivering immediate flotation to the person in distress.

Designed for Speed When Every Second Counts

Speed is one of the most critical factors in water rescue. The H3 Remote Control Rescue Board is capable of travelling at up to 18 km/h with no load, allowing it to reach a casualty far faster than any swimmer or paddle-based rescue device. Even when supporting and towing a person, it maintains a controlled loaded speed of approximately 7 km/h, ensuring a steady and predictable return.

This rapid response capability is particularly valuable in rip currents, fast-moving rivers, floodwaters, and open-water environments where distance increases quickly and fatigue sets in within seconds. By delivering flotation almost immediately, the H3 stabilises the casualty, reduces panic, and buys critical time for the remainder of the rescue operation.

High Buoyancy and Multi-Person Support

Unlike lightweight rescue buoys, the H3 is built as a true rescue platform with serious lifting capacity. With a 200 kg load rating, the craft provides substantial buoyancy and stability, making it suitable for supporting large adults or assisting multiple people at the same time.

The wide central body and side handles allow casualties to grip securely from either side, while the top surface can be used as a partial support platform in calmer conditions. In scenarios such as capsized boats, rock-fishing incidents, flood crossings, or multi-casualty events, the H3 provides a stable floating reference point that can prevent secondary drownings and give rescuers control over the situation.

Long-Range Remote Operation for Rescuer Safety

The H3 is operated by wireless remote control with an effective range of up to 800 metres, allowing operators to remain well clear of the water’s edge or hazardous entry points. This capability is especially important when dealing with unstable banks, contaminated floodwater, strong currents, or heavy surf.

By keeping rescuers on land or on a stable platform, the H3 significantly reduces the risk of secondary rescues, injuries, or loss of personnel. It also allows a single trained operator to initiate an immediate response while additional resources are mobilised.

Intelligent Navigation and Recovery Features

Modern rescue operations demand equipment that is reliable, recoverable, and easy to manage under pressure. The H3 integrates GPS positioning with dual-satellite navigation systems, providing accurate tracking and stable directional control.

Built-in intelligent functions such as automatic course correction, one-button return, and automatic return on signal loss ensure that the craft can be safely retrieved even in poor visibility, glare, or choppy conditions. These features reduce training burden, minimise the risk of losing equipment, and simplify post-incident recovery and redeployment.

Built to Perform in Real-World Conditions

Rescue environments are rarely calm or predictable. The H3 is engineered to operate effectively in rolling waves, surf conditions, and fast-moving currents, maintaining propulsion and directional stability even when knocked sideways by chop or turbulence.

The hull design and propulsion layout allow the craft to continue operating if overturned, ensuring that it remains functional after impacts or wave action. This durability makes the H3 suitable for coastal patrols, river rescues, flood response, and industrial waterfront applications where conditions can change rapidly.

Practical Battery Performance for Operational Use

The H3 is powered by a high-capacity lithium battery system designed for professional duty cycles. Typical operational runtime is approximately 45 minutes, providing ample time for multiple training drills or extended patrol coverage.

Recharge time is around three hours, allowing the unit to be returned to service quickly between shifts or incidents. The battery system is housed within a sealed compartment for water protection and long-term reliability, and charging procedures are straightforward for routine station or vehicle-based operation.

Simple Deployment and Consistent Rescue Workflow

One of the major strengths of the H3 is how easily it integrates into existing rescue protocols. Deployment follows a clear and repeatable process:

1. The operator launches the craft from shore, jetty, ramp, or vessel.
2. Using the remote control, the H3 is driven directly to the casualty.
3. The casualty grips the side handles or central body for flotation and stability.
4. The operator then guides the craft back to shore or to a rescue vessel, maintaining controlled speed and alignment throughout the tow.

Ideal Applications

The H3 Remote Control Rescue Board is ideally suited for:

• Surf Life Saving patrols and coastal response
• Councils managing rivers, dams, lagoons, and flood-prone waterways
• Marinas, ports, and industrial wharves
• Public events such as ocean swims, triathlons, and rowing regattas
• Emergency services and flood response units
• Aquatic centres and training organisations

Technical Specifications

• Model: Vector Ark H3
• Maximum speed (no load): 18 km/h
• Speed with load: Approximately 7 km/h
• Remote control range: Up to 800 m
• Maximum load capacity: 200 kg
• Typical runtime: 45 minutes
• Charging time: Approximately 3 hours
• Navigation: GPS-assisted positioning with intelligent return functions
• Product weight: 13.8 kg
• Dimensions: 103 × 63 × 20 cm

A Modern Standard in Unmanned Water Rescue

The H3 Remote Control Rescue Board represents a major advancement in water rescue technology. By combining high speed, substantial buoyancy, long-range remote operation, and intelligent navigation features, it gives rescue organisations a powerful new tool to improve response times and reduce risk to personnel.

For organisations committed to modern, professional water safety operations, the Vector Ark H3 delivers proven capability, dependable engineering, and a practical path to safer rescues.