Whitewater Rescue Institute
Swift Water Rescue & Marine Emergency Response
Swift Water Rescue & Marine Emergency Response
The Whitewater Rescue Institute (WRI), based in Missoula, Montana, is a U.S. Coast Guard–certified Oil Spill Removal Organization (OSRO). Our core specialty is swiftwater response, supported by a fleet of jet and airboats capable of accessing challenging inland waterways. With decades of experience operating in fast-moving water, WRI applies proven tactics in complex and dynamic environments.
Beyond response operations, WRI delivers comprehensive spill response training, develops Geographic Response Plans (GRPs), and provides ICS-trained Spill Management Team support for both real-world incidents and exercises.
Whitewater Rescue Institute (WRI) specializes in swiftwater and inland waterway response in complex, high-consequence environments. Our expertise centers on operating safely and effectively in fast-moving, technical waters where conventional spill response approaches are often insufficient. WRI integrates advanced boat operations, rescue techniques, and spill response tactics to access, contain, and manage incidents in rivers, flood conditions, and remote inland locations.
In addition to field operations, WRI brings deep expertise in spill preparedness and incident management. We develop practical Geographic Response Plans (GRPs), deliver hands-on, scenario-based training, and provide ICS-qualified Spill Management Team support. This combination of operational capability and planning expertise allows WRI to support clients across the full spill response lifecycle—from preparedness and exercises to real-world incidents.
Whitewater Rescue Institute (WRI) employs integrated, field-ready technology to support effective spill response and incident management in dynamic inland waterway environments. Our real-time GIS capability provides a common operating picture by tracking resources, operational progress, and environmental conditions as incidents unfold.
WRI utilizes field-based digital data collection tools to rapidly produce ICS forms and spill management documentation, improving accuracy, timeliness, and information flow between field operations and incident command. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are deployed for aerial reconnaissance, orthomapping, and live video streaming to enhance situational awareness, operational planning, and safety oversight.
Our communications systems integrate digital push-to-talk (PTT) technology with VHF, UHF, and cellular networks, enabling reliable, interoperable communications between field teams and command staff in remote and complex operating environments.