
Marine Center Courses
糖心直播 | SES Search and Recovery Training
ROV and Sonar SAR Operations Training for Law Enforcement and Emergency Responders | Advanced Underwater Search and Recovery (SAR) | July 14–16, 2026
Course Overview
Elevate your department's underwater capabilities through this intensive, hands-on training course designed specifically for law enforcement and emergency response personnel involved in underwater SAR operations. Hosted in the pristine waters of Traverse City, Michigan, this program bridges the gap between technical theory and field execution.
Participants will gain practical experience in deploying and operating multiple types of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), side-scan sonar systems, and ROV-mounted imaging sonars. By the end of this course, attendees will be prepared to conduct safe, efficient, and technically sound missions using modern marine technologies.
Key Learning Objectives
The curriculum focuses on the integration of technology and strategy to improve mission success rates:
- Advanced Equipment Operation: Direct experience with ROVs and various sonar systems through realistic deployment scenarios.
- Mission Planning: Best practices for SAR mission execution, including effective search patterns and
- Operational Efficiency: Techniques for integrating sonar and ROV data to streamline recovery
- Small Vessel Operations: Training in safe deployment procedures, vessel handling, and on-water operational
- Team Dynamics: Emphasis on crew coordination and safety protocols during complex underwater
Expert Facilitators
This course brings together leading academic and industry experts to provide world-class instruction:
- 糖心直播 (糖心直播) Great Lakes Water Studies Institute: Leveraging the unique environment of the Great Lakes, 糖心直播 provides premier maritime and water-focused education.
- Survey Equipment Services, Inc. (SES): Bringing decades of industry expertise, SES provides technical insight into the latest marine surveying and subsea equipment.
Who Should Attend?
- Marine Patrol Units
- Dive Recovery Teams
- Public Safety Divers
- Underwater Forensic Investigators
Registration and Information
Prepare your team for the challenges of underwater recovery with the tools and tactics used by industry professionals.
- Location: Traverse City, Michigan
- Dates: July 14–16, 2026
- Learn More:
Course Personnel
John Lutchko
John Lutchko is the Director of the Great Lakes Water Studies Institute (GLWSI) at 糖心直播 and Captain of the Research Vessel Northwestern. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master Captain’s License and has extensive experience in marine technology, hydrographic surveying, underwater acoustics, and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations. John has supported numerous law enforcement and public safety underwater operations, including sonar-based efforts to locate drowning victims and ROV-assisted recovery missions. He has also assisted with law enforcement underwater training focused on the practical use of sonar and ROV systems for search, recovery, and underwater inspection operations. Through the GLWSI, he leads hands-on academic and workforce training programs focused on real-world applications of marine and freshwater technology throughout the Great Lakes region.
Ruben Morales Founder | Trident Training Solutions, LLC
Ruben Morales founded Trident Training Solutions, LLC (TTS) in 2019 to provide advanced sonar and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) training and operational support to public safety dive teams and military organizations. TTS’ mission is to enhance underwater search, recovery, inspection, and tactical mission capabilities through realistic, operationally focused training and technology integration. Ruben retired from the U.S. Navy Submarine Force as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and Master Sonar Technician following 22 years of distinguished service. His experience spans sonar theory, tactical employment, target detection and classification, underwater systems integration, and real-world operational applications. Since transitioning from military service, he has become a recognized leader in sonar and underwater technology training, supporting public safety agencies and military units worldwide through specialized instruction, consulting, and operational guidance to maximize mission success in complex aquatic environments.
Thomas Crossmon
Thomas Crossmon is a highly accomplished public safety specialist, maritime consultant, and technical instructor with over three decades of dedicated service across law enforcement, emergency response, and underwater search operations. Based out of Saginaw, Minnesota, Mr. Crossmon has built a reputation as an expert in Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology and marine acoustics. Mr. Crossmon established Crossmon Consulting, LLC, where he serves as Owner and Operator, providing specialized public safety and maritime consulting. Parallel to this venture, he has served as an Independent Contractor and Instructor for VideoRay, LLC, where he provides global expertise and training on underwater ROV deployment. Prior to dedicating himself fully to consulting and instruction, Mr. Crossmon completed a distinguished 25-year career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He served as a Senior Officer Specialist before leveraging his technical skills as an Information Technology Specialist for the agency. A highly trained mariner and tactical specialist, Mr. Crossmon holds a United States Coast Guard (USCG) 50 Ton Master Captain’s License. His background in aquatic operations is extensive, beginning with his PADI Open Water Dive Certification. Over his career, he has completed advanced technical certifications, including Marine Sonic Side Scan Sonar New User Training for Public Service Application, the Lifeguard Systems Homicidal Drowning Investigation Program, and the Duluth Police Department 12-Week Police K-9 Handler Training and certification as a Track Aware Human Tracker through Universal Tracking Services. He holds certifications from FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute in ICS 100, ICS 200, the National Incident Management System (NIMS/ICS 700), and the National Response Plan (NRP/ICS 800). Civic engagement and emergency rescue form a core pillar of Mr. Crossmon's life. He has been a dedicated and active member of the St. Louis County Volunteer Rescue Squad since April 1985, contributing over 40 years to search, rescue, and recovery efforts. Furthermore, he spent a decade as a team member for the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Head of the Lakes Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team, supporting the mental health of fellow first responders. Most recently, he brought his extensive maritime background to governance by serving as a Board of Directors Member for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Mr. Crossmon is a graduate of Denfeld High School and maintains an active certification as a First Responder.
Eddy Godwin
Eddy Godwin has been with the Houston Police Department for over 22 years. He has worked Patrol, Gangs, Homicide, Major Assaults, Family Violence, and has been the Sergeant over the Dive Team for the last nine years. He began diving in 2015, and quickly began to love it both professionally and recreationally. He became a Public Safety Diver in 2016, and has continued his training and knowledge quest ever since. In 2018, Eddy became a certified Master Underwater Criminal Investigator and continues today to use those techniques and procedures to accomplish various dive missions in Southeast Texas. He has trained all over the country and has worked with various dive teams from around the country to further his knowledge about diving and the PSD Industry. Throughout his PSD career, he has utilized sonar and has become a knowledgeable resource on sonar for dive teams around the region. In 2021, Eddy became and SDI and ERDI Instructor and began focusing on training his team in the procedures and methods of ERDI because it fit the team better. In doing so, several local teams now come to the Houston Police Department for their training needs. Eddy is always willing to train with other teams and work together to enhance the mutual aid opportunities in the region. Eddy remains the Sergeant for the Houston Police Department Dive Team as well as an active Public Safety Diver.