Question 1

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

SOS MTD Friuli is a volunteer service of ASD Viandanti Moderni. There are no fixed fees: any expense reimbursement is agreed transparently before the intervention. Donations to the association are welcome but not mandatory.

Question 2

Is recovery guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

No. No one can guarantee finding a lost item. We do our best with experience, method and proper equipment, but the result depends on many factors: time elapsed, terrain, environmental conditions and accuracy of the information provided.

Question 3

Do you go in the water?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work on the shoreline and in shallow water with waterproof underwater detectors, and when needed we also run underwater searches using scuba tanks, freediving or other systems (e.g. hookah / surface supplied) at low and medium depth. Each intervention is assessed case by case for safety and compliance.

Question 4

Can you search on the beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, on public beaches directly. On private beach clubs we need the operator's permission, which we help request.

Question 5

Can you search in private areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the owner's or operator's authorization. This is usually simple to obtain.

Question 6

What should I do as soon as I lose an item?

Accepted Answer

Don't walk in the area, mark the point (even with a beach umbrella or a bag), warn people around you and contact us on WhatsApp with photos and references.

Question 7

Should I mark the spot?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it's essential. Even a rough visual reference (umbrella no. 42, third cabin, the stairs) is invaluable.

Question 8

Can I search alone first?

Accepted Answer

Not recommended. Digging in the sand shifts and sinks the item further, making the later search much harder.

Question 9

Do you operate outside Friuli?

Accepted Answer

We're based in Friuli Venezia Giulia and cover the Friulian coast and eastern Veneto. We evaluate other areas case by case.

Question 10

Is authorization needed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the area. Public beaches: no. Private or licensed areas: yes. Protected or restricted areas: case by case, in compliance with regulations.

Question 11

What if the item isn't found?

Accepted Answer

We tell you honestly what we did, where we searched and our assessment. In some cases we can return later if conditions change.

Question 12

Can I send photos or GPS?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — we recommend it. A precise location and a photo of the area drastically reduce intervention time.

Question 13

How should I describe the ring or item when contacting you?

Accepted Answer

The more detail, the better: material (yellow gold, white gold, silver, platinum), stones or engravings, approximate size, any distinctive marks. Even an old photo of the item helps confirm identification once recovered.

Question 14

How long does a search take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the area and conditions. A well-defined search can resolve in 30-60 minutes; a large area with heavy foot traffic can require several hours or repeat interventions. We always give you a realistic estimate before starting.

Question 15

What if many people have already walked over the area?

Accepted Answer

Repeated foot traffic sinks items into the sand, often by 10-20 cm. The search becomes slower but not impossible: professional detectors still reach significant depth. The key remains the precision of the starting point.

Question 16

Do I need to be there during the search?

Accepted Answer

Not mandatory, but useful especially at the start to confirm the exact point. If you can't be on site, we coordinate via WhatsApp with photos and detailed references. We keep you updated in real time during the intervention.

Question 17

How do you return the item if I'm no longer in the area?

Accepted Answer

We agree on the safest method with you: hand delivery if you're nearby, tracked insured shipment, or delivery to a trusted person. We always take documentation photos at the moment of recovery.

Question 18

Can you work in the evening, early morning or in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we adapt to conditions. Sunrise/sunset hours are often ideal (fewer people on the beach, grazing light helps read the terrain). In case of storms or rough sea we postpone for safety.

Question 19

How do you verify the item is actually mine?

Accepted Answer

Through prior description (material, engravings, details), historical photos if available, and references to place and time consistent with your report. We never return items to anyone who cannot provide reasonable identifying elements.

Frequently asked questions