Alaska dive rescue team on a boat at dusk
Activated through Alaska DPS SAR Coordinator

Alaska's volunteer dive search, rescue & recovery team.

Trained volunteers, specialized rescue gear, and statewide mission readiness — bringing people home to their families across Alaska's hardest water environments.

All-volunteer team
501(c)(3) nonprofit
Statewide Alaska response
Activated through DPS SAR
No charge for services

Impact since October 2016

Every mission funded by people like you.

10+
Years responding
111
Missions completed
99
People brought home

Stats current as of March 15, 2026.

Our mission

We help find, rescue, and recover the people Alaska's waters won't give back on their own.

AK Dive Rescue exists to locate and recover people, evidence, vehicles, vessels, and aircraft in Alaska's difficult water environments — while educating the public on water, ice, and boating safety. We are all volunteers, funded entirely by donations, and never charge for services.

Public safety diver surfacing

Capabilities

Four-season, day & night, 72-hour field capable.

See all capabilities
Sonar Search
ROV Operations
Ice Rescue
Swift Water
Dive Recovery
Evidence Recovery
Medical Support
Statewide Deployment

For agencies

How to activate the team.

Requests come through the Alaska Department of Public Safety Search and Rescue Coordinator. Federal, state, community, and tribal agencies may request assistance. There is never a fee for our services.

Read the activation process

For emergencies, call 911.

The public does not directly dispatch AK Dive Rescue. If you believe our team is needed, contact your local law enforcement or call 911 and they will coordinate with the Alaska DPS Search and Rescue Coordinator.

Sonar and ROV rescue gear on a boat deck

Join the team

Not every volunteer is a diver.

Missions take a full team on the surface, on the water, and in the water. We're always looking for qualified applicants across a range of roles.

Public Safety DiverTenderBoat OperatorSurface SupportMedicSonar OperatorROV Operator

Help bring closure to Alaska families

Your donation keeps the team ready for the next call.