JFD Submarine Rescue origins can be traced back to 1973 following a submarine incident which saw Roger Chapman and Roger Mallinson being trapped on the sea bed for more than 76 hours with fewer than 20 minutes of life-support remaining.

Thankfully they were successfully rescued and Roger Chapman went on to dedicate his life to the safety of those who spend their lives subsea by founding Rumic, the company which would become JFD.

His passion and dedication remains the heart of JFD operations today, Roger’s legacy is a 200-strong team for whom submarine rescue is more than just a day-job; for many it is their passion and it is in their DNA.

Submarine Rescue is one of the most complex and challenging operations in
maritime defence; it is not just a contingency, it is a life-saving necessity.

In the event of a submarine incident, submariners may find themselves trapped deep beneath the ocean with limited oxygen, rising carbon dioxide levels, and
extreme temperatures. Without an immediate and effective rescue plan, these brave men and women face a dire situation.

Historic incidents: Lessons Learned

Tragic incidents like the sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk in 2000 and the loss of the Argentine submarine ARA San Juan in 2017 have underscored the
critical need for international collaboration in submarine rescue. These events, which became global rescue endeavours, highlight the importance of preparedness and the ability to mobilise rapidly across borders.

JFD has first-hand experience of real-life emergency scenarios having been called out to respond to:

• Sinking of Russian Submarine Kursk
• Trapped Russian Submarine AS-28 Priz
• Missing Indonesian Submarine KRI Nanggala S402

In addition;

• Missing Air Asia Flight
• Missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370

As oxygen depletes and CO2 levels rise, the window for
a successful rescue narrows dramatically requiring
immediate and coordinated action. The complexity of a rescue operation is compounded further by factors including: extreme depths, remote geographical locations, communication barriers, weather conditions and the physical constraints of mating angles between a rescue vehicle and the submarine’s hatch.

A Plan for Every Submariner

For navies worldwide, ensuring the safety of their
submariners means having a comprehensive and effective rescue plan in place. This includes not only the availability of advanced rescue systems but also the training, coordination, and international agreements needed to execute a rescue operation swiftly and successfully.

At JFD, we understand these demands. We believe that a robust, reliable, and well-practiced rescue capability is not just an option - it’s an obligation.

As an established provider to 42 navies, JFD delivers innovative and technically advanced submarine escape and rescue solutions that improve safety and preserve life in the event of a submarine incident.

Our end-to-end capability spans the entire life cycle of submarine rescue
systems - from design, manufacture, and integration, to installation, operation, maintenance, training and in-service support. JFD has incomparable experience within this challenging environment.

• Submarine Escape
• Submarine Abandonment
• Intervention Systems
• Submarine Rescue Systems
• Transfer Under Pressure Systems

 

We are a trusted partner, committed to enhancing safety and capability for naval forces worldwide, delivering customised solutions that meet specific operational needs.

Our bespoke approach ensures that each solution is perfectly aligned with requirements, bringing unmatched value to our partnerships.