Key partnerships enhance submarine escape capability

As part of JFD’s strategy to provide complete SMERAS (Submarine Escape & Rescue Surface Abandonment and Survival) capability support from escape training through to a full submarine rescue service, JFD has expanded its base of operations for escape training to provide further choice to the market. The recent partnerships with both Aquacentrum Den Helder and Y-40 in Italy allow customers the choice of pressurised training facilities at which they can undertake submarine escape training in the facility which best suits their needs and location.

The partnership between JFD and Aquacentrum Den Helder will allow both new and existing submarine operating nations to train their submariners in escape and abandonment in the most realistic environment possible.

The facility, which is owned by the City of Den Helder, will provide JFD and its customers with access to a uniquely realistic experience in simulating an escape from a distressed submarine utilising an 11-meter-deep pressurised escape tower in a safe and disciplined environment. JFD will provide three-day courses for international navies, even at short notice, ensuring that the capability can be easily accessed, and that the training is tailored for each customer accordingly.

Herbert de Vries, Dive Safety Manager from Aquacentrum Den Helder commented:

“Providing submariners with the most realistic environment to simulate submarine escape and rescue is fundamental in delivering the best possible training. Accommodating the only non-military escape tower in Europe which can support both diver training and escape training makes the facilities of Aquacentrum Den Helder unique to the region, and in partnering with JFD we can create a benchmark for best-in-class training for submariners and those that operate beneath the sea, often in the harshest of conditions.”

JFD’s partnership with Y-40, owner and operator of the world’s deepest pool (42.15m), will provide training that simulates the experience of escaping from a distressed submarine in a safe and controlled environment.

Emanuele Boaretto, Architect and CEO, Y-40 commented:

“We are pleased to partner with JFD on this new project, which will enable us to use the existing facilities at our deep-water pool improve the safety of the global submariner community. As the first and only deep pool that runs on thermal waters, we’re able to keep operating costs down. This means the training offered at our facility and delivered by JFD will be both affordable, as well as easily accessible.”

Y-40 and JFD sign partnership agreement

JFD operates at the forefront of innovation and is a global leader in the provision of submarine rescue and support services, working with most of the advanced navies in the world. Using its market knowledge and long experience, the company continually looks to set new standards in the delivery of comprehensive systems, technologies and training that break new ground in safety and protecting life at sea.