Underwater search and recovery operations depend on far more than technology alone. While modern sonar systems continue to advance, their real-world effectiveness ultimately comes down to the skill and experience of the operators interpreting complex hydroacoustic images in challenging, constantly changing environments.
Currents, vegetation, uneven or rocky bottoms, poor visibility and depth all influence how a submerged target appears on sonar. In real incidents, the time taken from initial call-out to locating a casualty or body is critical – and training must reflect these operational pressures as closely as possible.
However, creating realistic underwater training scenarios is not straightforward. Using human role players is unsafe and impractical, particularly for prolonged or repetitive exercises in demanding conditions. At the same time, generic underwater targets fail to replicate how a real human body behaves once submerged.
Designed to behave like a real body underwater
The Ruth Lee Body Recovery Manikin was developed specifically to bridge this gap. Unlike basic training aids or improvised decoys, this specialist manikin is engineered to behave underwater in a way that closely mirrors a real human body after immersion.
Once submerged, the manikin settles naturally on the seabed and can be positioned in a wide range of realistic orientations. This allows teams to train for the unpredictable and often complex scenarios they may face during genuine body recovery operations.
Crucially, the Body Recovery Manikin is clearly visible to hydroacoustic systems, including both towed and omnidirectional sonar. This makes it an invaluable tool not only for divers, but also for sonar operators who must learn to identify, interpret and analyse realistic targets in real-world conditions.
Proven visibility during sonar-based training
Standing approximately 180 cm tall and weighing 50 kg, the Body Recovery Manikin closely represents the size and mass of an adult casualty. This enables realistic, end-to-end training scenarios, including sonar-based location, underwater recovery, towing and transportation to shore.
Its effectiveness during sonar exercises has been demonstrated in real training environments. As reported by specialist search and rescue teams in Poland:
“During our exercises, a clear outline of the mannequin’s silhouette, particularly the lower limbs, was visible on sonar at a range of 25 metres,” explains Paweł Chorążyczewski, President of the Świebodzin Specialist Search and Rescue Service, which uses the manikin extensively for underwater training.
“When approaching from a shorter distance – 15 and 10 metres respectively – the mannequin is even more clearly visible. From this distance, it is also possible to measure the mannequin underwater using specialised sonar software, which undoubtedly provides valuable training experience.”
This real-world feedback highlights the manikin’s ability to produce a recognisable and measurable sonar signature, allowing teams to practise not only detection but also image interpretation and target assessment — key skills in modern underwater search operations.
A full version of this operational insight was originally published by MEDline, our Polish distributor, and can be read on their website here.
Safe, repeatable and environmentally robust training
Using a dedicated body recovery manikin significantly improves training safety by removing the need for human stand-ins during demanding underwater exercises. Teams can train for longer periods, repeat scenarios as required, and operate in more challenging environments without placing people at unnecessary risk.
The Body Recovery Manikin is manufactured from durable materials designed to withstand abrasion, impact and prolonged exposure to water. It is protected by a robust outer suit and is suitable for use in a wide range of environments, including lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers and areas with rocky or uneven bottoms.
Beyond rescue training, the manikin can also support controlled studies into drowning processes and body behaviour in different hydrological conditions, offering additional value to specialist units and training organisations.
Raising the standard for underwater recovery training
The Ruth Lee Body Recovery Evacuation Manikin is one of the few training solutions available that enables truly realistic sonar-based training. By combining accurate human form, natural underwater behaviour, high visibility to hydroacoustic systems and long-term durability, it allows fire and rescue services, police dive units, SAR teams and specialist divers to train with confidence and realism.
As operational demands and technological capabilities continue to grow, realistic training tools such as the Body Recovery Manikin play a vital role in preparing teams for the complexities of real-world underwater search and recovery operations.