ZenaDrone Homepage

Get to Know More About Waterproof Drone

waterproof drone

When it comes to drone technology, the first thing that comes to mind is a technology that captures aerial images or video, a technology that flies. But have you heard the term waterproof drones, which refers to drone technology that can also handle water surfaces?

This drone innovation is a revolution, earning attention and significance, especially in industries and works that deal with aquatic and challenging environments. Its design centers on enduring water exposure and submersion, and the technology is here to serve a new perspective.

For that reason, take a glimpse and discover the concept, functionality, and application of waterproof drones, answering questions like, “Are drone waterproof options suitable for me?” or What if my drone falls into the water?

What is a Waterproof Drone?

Drone technology is continuously growing and becoming essential for modern industries. From agriculture to filmmaking, name it; it has been reshaping different work operations. For that, it is no wonder that drone companies are also upgrading their products to cater to the needs of diverse clients. One of the commendable upgrades is waterproof drones.With its waterproof capabilities, the advancement of drone technology is an excellent aid for several industries. Whether you are an avid fisherman, a marine researcher, or a drone enthusiast, the emergence of waterproof drones can serve different work operations. Fishing, search and rescue missions, and scientific explorations are just some of the works that can benefit from them. But what is a waterproof drone?

A waterproof drone is specifically designed to withstand water exposure without malfunctioning. The concept of a regular drone usually centers on its capabilities to fly above and capture high-quality footage; however, it goes beyond. No more vulnerable to rain and moisture.Waterproof drones usually have watertight casings, sealed motors, and corrosion-resistant materials as their body components. These components distinguish them from regular drones and make them suitable for aquatic environments such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and wet weather.

How are drones waterproof measured?

Knowing a drone’s waterproof capabilities will help users distinguish which suits work operations. The “Ingress Protection” or IP rating is the method that indicates how much defense a waterproof drone can withstand liquid and solid immersion. For instance:

  • IP67 is a level that shows a drone can handle temporary immersion, usually up to 1 meter, for a limited time. 
  • Meanwhile, IP68 is a level that can handle prolonged submersion in deeper water. 

Answering questions like “Are drones waterproof enough?” is advantageous for any user. It informs them if the drone can operate in a specific environment, such as whether it needs to fly over water, land on water, or even briefly be submerged. Besides, drones can be pricey; learning the essentials will help make this technological investment worthwhile.

The Functionality of a Waterproof Drone

One of the usual situational questions of some drone owners is, “What if my drone falls into the water?” A regular drone may collapse, but a waterproof drone is a different story. Therefore, it is no wonder that companies that need drone operations but deal with water surfaces take advantage of this version. 
But how does a waterproof drone work? This drone version has its specialized design elements and materials. Here are some of the main features to remember on how to distinguish a water-resistant drone and how it operations in wet conditions:

1. Waterproof Housing

Some sensitive drone components are the battery, motor, and circuit board. The housing ensures these components are protected and in place to ensure their functionality. However, water-resistant drones are encased with watertight compartments instead of standard component housing. It prevents water from entering the housing and causing damage.

2. Corrosion-Resistant Materials

What if my drone falls into the water, especially saltwater? There is no need to worry about this aspect, as waterproof drones use anti-corrosion materials. Suppose a drone does not use this material. In that case, exposing its body component to a corrosive environment, like saltwater, can react chemically with air and water, leading to rusting and eventually causing the drone to malfunction. 
Hence, water-resistant drones use anti-corrosion materials to ensure they survive different exposures, avoiding electronic damage.

3.Floating Capabilities

Another thing with waterproof drones that sets them apart is their floating features. Operations like marine research and rescue operations deal with surface water. Hence, it should float to ensure the drone does not sink if it accidentally lands in the water. That way, it comes with a floating design, whereas it will not need pontoons or inflatable rescue jackets once it drops on a wet surface.

4. Advanced Water Sensors

The best waterproof drones usually have advanced water sensors. These sensors allow the drone to detect nearby water or submerged obstacles immediately. Thus, before the drone reaches or encloses itself to the water’s surface, it can prevent crashes or even aid in navigating water bodies. 
So, for those questions like, “What if my drone falls into the water?” or “Are my drones waterproof enough?” Remember this kind of drone falling into the water is not catastrophic.

A waterproof drone is designed to recover and continue flying despite events where it gets submerged or deals with the water’s surface. However, like any other technology, remember that its recovery will also differ depending on its exposure time and depth of immersion. It is a worthwhile investment, especially for drone operations dealing with water environments or wet conditions.

Different Applications of Water-Resistant Drones

The word “waterproof” in drones is enticing, and different industries are interested in how it can alleviate their existing methods. Here are some of this drone’s known and growing applications, making it accessible in aquatic environments.

Fishing

Anyone may wonder how waterproof drones work for fishing. Is it possible? Well, it is, and waterproof drones for the fishery are now a growing trend both in recreational and professional aspects.
Drones are known for having high-resolution cameras that produce well-detailed imaging. Now that they are equipped with water resistance, drones help fish finders make their jobs efficient. They can even help their bait method, as fishermen can locate the fish precisely and drop it at the perfect spot. Often, these waterproof drones are also called “fish drones.” But there is a thin line that makes them different from one another.

The Difference of Waterproof Drone and Fish Drone

  • The term waterproof drone highlights an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that can work in wet conditions or resist water exposure. These drones sometimes submerge, making them ideal for rescue operations, filming, and environmental monitoring.
  • Meanwhile, a fish drone is specifically designed for underwater activities or fishing-related operations. A fish drone is suitable for locating fish, exploring underwater environments, or sending baits.

In short, all fish drones are considered waterproof drones. However, not all waterproof drones are customized for fishing activities.

Like any other advanced drone, waterproof drones for fishing support real-time footage. Users can ensure that they can observe the environment without disturbing marine life during their operations. On the other hand, they can also upgrade their fishing as waterproof drones can reach those inaccessible areas. Hence, users can now discover what more marine life can offer. ns

Search and Rescue Operations

Waterproof drones are more advantageous than regular ones during search and rescue missions. For instance, rescuers must ensure their equipment can withstand any challenges if the situation involves floods or is located in coastal regions. The equipment should be the last concern when dealing with wet areas; hence, it should fly over floodwaters, locate victims, and deliver essential supplies.
As mentioned earlier, the structure and functionalities of water-resistant drones can operate in adverse weather conditions, like heavy rains and strong winds. In addition, if the drone can land directly on the water, it can serve a broader range, such as in aquatic rescue scenarios. In short, it even strengthens and alleviates the search procedure, making it a life-saving equipment.

Marine and Environmental Research

The fish drone is becoming essential equipment for marine life researchers. Drone technology is an efficient tool for visual data gathering, and its waterproof design makes it suitable for aquatic environments. Researchers can use the drone to capture high-definition footage, which helps them monitor underwater ecosystems and track marine species. The sensors can also assess water quality by identifying salinity, temperature, and pollution levels.

On the other hand, waterproof drones for fishing are an excellent aid for environmental scientists who sometimes need to monitor fish populations. The technology can monitor bodies of water without disturbing marine life, which helps promote sustainable marine conservation efforts.

Recreational Use and Filming

As drones are known for recreational purposes, waterproof UAVs are also growing in popularity among the adventurer community. With these, you can capture stunning aerial footage of bodies of water like lakes, oceans, and waterfalls without worries. And for activities like kayaking and surfing, the best waterproof drone can record the moment. 
What if my drone falls into the water during the event? There is no need to worry, as this drone is designed to handle unexpected weather changes or water exposure.

Industrial and Commercial Works

Water-resistant drones are highly suitable for industrial work, especially inspection and surveillance. Industries can use them for infrastructural inspections in coastal or offshore environments. Drones are an excellent alternative for sending personnel to difficult-to-reach areas, and waterproofing is also a plus, as users will not have to worry about drones passing any surface water.

Like any other drone, waterproof ones are here to alleviate manual inspections and surveillance. Upgrade traditional methods in a much more efficient and safer way.

Tips on Getting the Best Waterproof Drone

The best drone will always suit the needs. So, purchasers must first determine whether they need this kind of drone. If yes, here is a quick rundown of some things to remember when getting the best waterproof drone.

Tip 1: Understand the Level of Waterproofing

  • IP Rating: Knowing the drone’s IP rating can help you understand its capabilities. The higher its IP level, the better its ability to resist water and dust.
  • Full Submersion vs. Splash Resistance: Knowing whether the drone can fully submerge or only resist rain and splashes is crucial. Identify the purpose of your purchase so that you can decide whether to choose the former or the latter.

Tip 2: Is it Durable Enough for Harsh Conditions?

Remember to check the components and materials. The best waterproof drone is built with corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand environments like saltwater. It should also be strong enough to handle uneven surfaces or impacts during water landing.

Tip 3: Check Flight and Buoyancy Capabilities

One of the primary ethical concerns is privacy. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras can capture images and videos of individuals without their consent. It’s essential to balance the benefits of drone technology with the right to privacy, especially when using drone services for event coverage near me.

Tip 4: Camera, Battery Life, Range, and GPS

And like any other drone, remember to check its camera capabilities. Especially if the purchase is for an aquatic environment, the drone should have a high-quality camera like 4k drone to secure clear footage regardless of the situation. As much as possible, it should have stabilization features for smooth captures.

Remember to check the battery and its capacity. It should be well-sealed to prevent water from entering and causing malfunction. Besides, the best waterproof drone can take decent flight time to avoid interrupted flights.

It is also crucial to check the range to decide whether it suits the operation place. For instance, if the operation involves large bodies of water, it should have an extended control range. Also, for successful operations, it should have advanced GPS features that can provide accurate position, open-water navigation, and, most commendable, a return-to-home feature.

Tip 5: User-friendly and Customer Support

The best waterproof drone should have user-friendly controls and apps. That way, even beginners will find it easy to pilot and control it. To fully enjoy its functionality, it is best if the drone itself has a reliable customer support system. That way, there is always a backup aid in case of concerns like a warranty for water-related issues.

Conclusion

Drone technology is continuously growing, and waterproof drones are proof of this. This innovation is one step towards giving and aiding industries in a new way, alleviating existing operations like research, rescue, and surveillance.
The potential of this kind of drone is being continuously developed, so it will undoubtedly be a passing trend. Instead, waterproof drone technology will be around long enough to support different works, especially those that deal with water-based environments.

Scroll to Top