JFD Global develops ‘step change’ medical monitoring for NATO Submarine Rescue System

JFD Global has announced a major upgrade to the life-saving capabilities of the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS), delivering an advanced medical monitoring system designed to vastly improve the care of submariners during rescue operations. The project, commenced with the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), marks a significant innovation in maritime safety, according to a press release issued on 30 September.

The new system expands the monitoring capacity dramatically, moving from tracking just four personnel to up to 76 submariners and medical staff simultaneously. This continuous, real-time data stream begins the moment rescued personnel enter the Deck Decompression Chamber (DDC) on the rescue vessel. The information is instantly accessible to onboard medics and can be shared with shore-based medical teams, allowing for faster response times, more accurate triage, and ultimately, improved treatment outcomes in demanding clinical scenarios.

JFD Global’s innovation employs a three-tier approach to safeguarding submariners:

1. Wearable devices that track key indicators such as heart rate, stress, fatigue, and core temperature.
2. Diagnostic tools, including ECG monitors and ultrasound equipment.
3. Advanced critical care equipment for use on casualties who are unstable or deteriorating.

The system relies on data hubs connected to over 100 certified medical components to ensure automated, accurate monitoring. Crucially, it can link via satellite for remote medical support, enabling expert consultation regardless of the rescue vessel’s location. The modular platform is versatile and can be adapted for integration across various submarine escape and rescue systems, as well as for other defence and commercial diving operations.

Richard Devlin, Defence Director at JFD Global, described the development as “an innovative step change” in safeguarding lives. “By combining wearable technology with integrated diagnostics and real-time data sharing, the medics can detect issues earlier, respond faster and give crews the very best chance of recovery,” he said.

The enhancement was also praised by Surgeon Commander Simon Phillips, Defence Consultant Advisor in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and Head of Diving Medicine at the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). Commander Phillips noted that the new system is “a significant enhancement over existing medical equipment used previously” and “will ultimately improve care for all rescued submariners.”

What is the NATO Submarine Rescue System?

The NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) is a state-of-the-art, air-portable system designed to rescue the crew of a distressed submarine. It is jointly owned by the United Kingdom, France, and Norway, and it is available for use by other NATO nations and partners.

The system consists of a variety of components that can be flown anywhere in the world and rapidly mobilised onto a ‘Vessel of Opportunity’—a suitable ship that is near the site of the DISSUB. The main element is the Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV), a manned submersible that can dive down to the stricken submarine, ‘mate’ with its escape hatch, and transfer the trapped crew members to the surface vessel in groups.

Once on the surface, the rescued submariners are transferred into Deck Decompression Chambers (DDCs). Here, they undergo a controlled decompression process under the care of specialist medical teams. This is a critical step, as it helps prevent decompression sickness (the bends), which is a significant risk when personnel are rescued from depth or after being exposed to high-pressure environments inside a DISSUB. The new medical monitoring system developed by JFD Global is specifically designed to enhance the critical care provided within these DDCs. 

The full NSRS has never been used in a real-life rescue scenario, however the Intervention Remotely Operated Vehicle (IROV), which is part of it, was deployed in 2005 to rescue a Russian submarine trapped on the sea floor by a hydrophone array. 

Company profile: JFD Global

JFD Global (formerly James Fisher Defence) is a world-leading underwater capability provider specialising in life-support, diving, and subsea rescue services for both the defence and commercial markets. It is a subsidiary of the UK-based marine services giant, James Fisher and Sons plc. It holds the contract to operate and maintain the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) on behalf of the partner nations (UK, France, and Norway), as well as supporting the rescue systems of navies in Australia, India, Sweden, and Singapore. The company plays an important role in sub-surface operations and in support of submarine safety. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on October 3, 2025. The lead image shows the Submarine Rescue System being deployed in 2011 by a C-17 Globemaster. Credit: LA(PHOT) Chris Mumby/UK MOD © Crown copyright 2011.