The Right Tool for the Job

Commercial dive companies, law enforcement, Search and Rescue dive teams, and wreck hunters all rely upon a carefully chosen inventory of highly technical equipment to accomplish their goals in a safe, timely, economical and professional manner. Selecting the right tools for the job involves detailed planning and depends entirely upon what an organization is searching for. JW Fishers Mfg. specializes in the manufacture of a diverse line of underwater search equipment to provide operators with a one stop shop for all of their search needs. Over the past 45 years, JWF has worked tirelessly to develop this carefully chosen inventory so that operators can focus on what’s truly important; the mission. Operators of all backgrounds repeatedly return to JWF for assistance in complex searches so that they may have these critical tools for the job, often calling without knowing exactly what they need.

A few pieces from this purpose-based and highly technical inventory are JW Fishers’ handheld underwater metal detectors that can locate all metals. A diver who is using this equipment on their search can detect any buried object from guns, bullets, and cannons to rings, gold coins, and anchors. Boat towed metal detectors allow the operator to search large areas in a short amount of time to locate anything from pipelines to shipwrecks. Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are used to capture and record video footage underwater. These machines offer a high level of safety as it reduces the need to employ divers. It also records a search for future review or inspection. Sonar Systems such as Side Scan Sonar and Sector Scanning Sonar are very popular because they “paint” a picture of the ocean floor; even in black water! They are extremely useful in locating sunken ships, downed aircraft, and in locating a drowning victim even in the harshest of environments. When searching primarily for ferrous objects (iron and steel), the best piece of equipment is Fisher’s magnetometer. The advantage of a magnetometer is its greater detection envelope over a traditional metal detector and that it can search larger areas quickly and effectively. Pingers and receivers are also becoming a very popular tool with many teams because they provide the ability to mark and relocate underwater sites with ease.

For hundreds of years, the coastal waters of the United States have been used for trade, exploration, piracy, and naval warfare. Numerous vessels have been sunk off the U.S. coast from Maine to Florida, Alaska to Hawaii, and the Puget Sound to the Baja Peninsula. One customer from the Carolina coast has been a long-time user of JW Fishers’ inventory. His ship is outfitted with multiple pieces of JWF equipment to include four Pulse 8X handheld underwater metal detectors, two boat-towed metal detectors, a magnetometer, an ROV, and a Side Scan Sonar system. Over the years this explorer has located artifacts ranging from silver bars and cannons to old shipwrecks using JW Fishers’ “right tool for the job.” This particular customer has also been hired to perform scientific research and has been featured on popular television shows throughout the years.



Australia based Realf’s Diving & Salvage has been committed to identifying and meeting client’s expectations for over 30 years. The business continues to service an ever-expanding local and international client base. Their principle areas of activity are servicing companies in marine and construction industries as well as professional and commercial diving clients. To accomplish this vast array of jobs they utilize a JW Fishers Side Scan Sonar, a Pulse 12 boat towed metal detector, and a Pulse 8X hand held metal detector. Over the years these tools have become “the right tool for the job” and have made search and salvage faster, easier, and safer.

Location: East Taunton MA, USA