{{Short description|Submersible used for rescue of people from disabled submarines and submersibles}} {{More citations needed|date=February 2014}} thumb|350px|The US Navy's {{ship|DSRV-1|Mystic}} docked to a {{Sclass|Los Angeles|submarine|0}} attack submarine
A '''deep-submergence rescue vehicle''' ('''DSRV''') is a type of deep-submergence vehicle used for rescue of personnel from disabled submarines and submersibles. While DSRV is the term most often used by the United States Navy, other nations have different designations for their equivalent vehicles.
==List of deep submergence rescue vehicles== ===Australia=== ASRV ''Remora'' was the Australian navy's DSRV.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24845190-31477,00.html |title=Rescue system for submarines a failure |last=Stewart |first=Cameron |date=26 December 2008 |work=The Australian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206021852/http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0%2C25197%2C24845190-31477%2C00.html |archive-date=6 February 2009 |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It is based on a diving bell design.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
===China=== thumb|Forum Energy Technologies (FET) built LR-7 being retrieved by The Chinese navy submarine rescue ship Changdao The People's Republic of China has three Type 925 Dajiang class and three Type 926 class. Each ship is equipped with either two Type 7103 DSRV or one LR7 crewed submersible undersea rescue vehicle.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
===Europe=== France, Norway and the UK share the NATO Submarine Rescue System programme.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}}
====Italy==== [[File:US Navy 050628-N-1464F-001 The Italian submarine rescue vehicle SRV-300 is launched from the Italian salvage ship Anteo.jpg|thumb|The Italian Navy rescue vehicle ''SRV-300'' launched from the Italian salvage ship ''Anteo''<ref>[http://www.marina.difesa.it/uominimezzi/navi/Pagine/Anteo.aspx Anteo (A 5309)]</ref>]]
Italy operates {{ship|Italian ship|Anteo|A5309|2}}, equipped with the SRV-300 submersible in a submarine rescue role <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marina.difesa.it/EN/thefleet/ships/Pagine/Anteo.aspx |title=Marina Militare |website=www.marina.difesa.it |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114620/http://www.marina.difesa.it/EN/thefleet/ships/Pagine/Anteo.aspx |archive-date=2014-08-26}}</ref> * The SRV-300, built by Drass-Galeazzi, was delivered in 1999 and can operate up to {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} depth, hosting 12 persons in the rescue compartment. The submarine, modified as deployable in 2010 (and maybe updated for operations up to {{convert|450|m|ft|abbr=on|0|disp=comma}} depth), operates from the mother ship ''Anteo''. * SRV-300 replaced MSM-1S/USEL, which was built by Cantieri Navali Breda (Venezia), launched on 11 November 1978, 13.2 t displacement, fitting 10 persons in the rescue compartment. * SRV-300 will be replaced by a new version under development, the DRASS Galeazzi SRV-650 with a maximum depth of {{convert|650|m|ft|abbr=on|0}} and with a hosting capability of 15 persons in the rescue compartment, developed for operations from the new Italian future mother ship ARS / USSP .<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drassgaleazzi.com/galleria_specifica.asp?G_ID=3&M_ID=4 |title=Drass Tecnologie Sottomarine |publisher=Drassgaleazzi.com |access-date=2014-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019063342/http://www.drassgaleazzi.com/galleria_specifica.asp?G_ID=3&M_ID=4 |archive-date=2013-10-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==== Sweden ==== The Swedish Navy operates the submarine rescue ship {{HSwMS|Belos|A214|6}} which can carry the Swedish submarine rescue vessel URF (Swedish: ''Ubåtsräddningsfarkost'') as well as the British LR5.
==== United Kingdom (NATO) ==== {{main|LR5}} The United Kingdom operates the ''LR5'' submersible in a submarine rescue role built by Forum Energy Technologies's Subsea Division. It previously operated the ''LR3'' built by Slingsby Engineering, which became part of Forum Energy Technologies (FET).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/submarines/LR3.htm|title=LR3 - National Maritime History - NMH|publisher=Rnsubmus.co.uk|access-date=2014-02-13|archive-date=2014-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221232036/http://www.rnsubmus.co.uk/submarines/LR3.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===India=== {{See also|Nistar-class diving support vessel#Service history}}[[File:Indian Navy conducts maiden trials of its first Deep-submergence rescue vehicle (5).jpg|thumb|Indian Navy DSRV launched from a salvage ship]] On 24 March 2016, United Kingdom's James Fisher Defence (JFD) won a contract, worth {{Pound sterling|193000000|2018}}, to design, build and supply two of its third generation fly-away submarine rescue systems to the Indian Navy. The system includes the delivery of Deep Search and Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), Remote Operations Vehicle (ROV), Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS) equipment, Transfer Under Pressure (TUP) systems, and all logistics and support equipment required for their operations as well as 25-years maintenance support for the systems.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=JFD wins £193m significant Indian Navy Submarine Rescue contract |date=2016-03-24 |publisher=James Fisher Defence |url=https://www.jfdglobal.com/media/news-and-press-releases/jfd-wins-193m-indian-navy-contract/ |access-date=2025-07-19}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite press release |title=Contract for construction of diving support Vessels(DSV) signed |date=2018-09-26 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1547291 |access-date=2025-07-19}}</ref> The systems were to undergo factory acceptance testing before their delivery, commissioning and trials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release |title=JFD successfully completes second advanced third generation submarine rescue system for the Indian Navy |date=2018-10-19 |publisher=James Fisher Defence |url=https://www.jfdglobal.com/media/news-and-press-releases/second-submarine-rescue-system-delivered-india/ |access-date=2025-07-19}}</ref>
In December 2017, the factory acceptance tests of the first DSRV meant to be delivered to the Indian Navy were completed at JFD's National Hyperbaric Centre in Aberdeen. On 16 February 2018, JFD completed the first stage of harbour acceptance trials of the DSRV. The trials were conducted at Glasgow’s King George V dock.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=JFD completes first stage harbour acceptance trials of DSRV |date=2018-02-16 |publisher=James Fisher & Sons |url=https://www.james-fisher.com/news-and-insights/news/jfd-completes-harbour-acceptance-trials-for-its-first-dsrv-for-the-indian-navy/ |access-date=2025-07-19}}</ref>
While the first system, referred to as Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) System, was delivered in April 2018<ref name=":2" /> while the second system was to be delivered on 19 December 2018.<ref name=":0" />
By November 2018, the first system underwent extensive trials. While the DSRV module dived to over {{Convert|666|m|ft|abbr=on}}, the ROV and the Side Scan Sonar clocked a depth of {{Convert|750|m|ft|abbr=on}} and {{Convert|650|m|ft|abbr=on}}, respectively.<ref name=":3">{{Cite press release |title=Indian Navy’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) Capability |date=2018-11-02 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1551790 |access-date=2025-07-19}}</ref> As reported in October, the DSRV also broke recorded the deepest submergence by a manned vessel" during the trials. On 15 October, the DSRV conducted mating with a submarine at a depth of {{Convert|300|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} to rescue mariners.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=2018-10-17 |title=Indian Navy's submarine rescue capability gets a boost |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navys-submarine-rescue-capability-gets-a-boost/articleshow/66259739.cms |access-date=2025-07-19 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
The first system was inducted officially on 12 December 2018 in the presence of the then Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai which serves as the headquarters of the Western Naval Command, making India one of the few nations to operate such capable systems.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Mahale |first=Ajeet |date=2018-12-12 |title=Indian Navy inducts its first Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/indian-navy-inducts-its-first-deep-submergence-rescue-vehicle/article25724530.ece |access-date=2025-07-19 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The second system would be based at Visakhapatnam which serves as the headquarters of the headquarters of Eastern Naval Command.<ref name=":5" /> The second unit was commissioned in 2019.<ref name=":1" />
The system has the capability to rescue stranded mariners from depths of up to {{Convert|650|m|ft|abbr=on}} with a detection range of {{Convert|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}} and an endurance of about 3 hours. The DSRV has a has a complement of 3 crew and 14 rescued personnel.<ref name=":4" /> It also is equipped with an advanced Side-Scan SONAR, Multifunctional Robotic Arms and advanced Cameras. They are Air-Transportable and launched from ships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=What is Deep Submarine Rescue Vehicle Demonstrated by Indian Navy At Exercise Milan 2024? |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/what-is-deep-submarine-rescue-vehicle-demonstrated-by-indian-navy-at-exercise-milan-2024-article-107857461 |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=TimesNow |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-21 |title=At Milan-24, Navy offers its submarine rescue capability |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-milan-24-navy-offers-its-submarine-rescue-capability-9172115/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
On 22 April 2021, the Navy mobilised its Visakhapatnam-based DSRV to assist the Indonesian Navy in search and rescue efforts for the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala which was reported missing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-22 |title=India sends rescue vessel to help Indonesian Navy locate its missing submarine |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-sends-rescue-vessel-to-help-indonesian-navy-locate-its-missing-submarine-1793942-2021-04-22 |access-date=2025-07-19 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2021-04-22 |title=Indian Navy dispatches DSRV to assist Indonesian Navy's search for missing submarine |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-dispatches-dsrv-to-assist-indonesian-navys-search-for-missing-submarine/article34383263.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422112455/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-dispatches-dsrv-to-assist-indonesian-navys-search-for-missing-submarine/article34383263.ece |archive-date=22 April 2021 |access-date=2021-04-22 |work=The Hindu |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
In August 2025, the Indian Navy undertook the Rescue Seat Certification of SAS ''Manthatisi'', a Heroine-class submarine. This follows the "rescue cooperation pact" signed between Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi and South African Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese on 3 September 2024 which allows India to deploy its Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV) for assistance in case a South African Navy Submarine experiences an emergency. An Indian Navy team visited Simon's Town and held talks with multiple talks South African stakeholders before the certification.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-08-12 |title=Indian Navy completes first-ever Rescue Seat Certification for South African submarine Manthatisi |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indian-navy-completes-first-ever-rescue-seat-certification-for-south-african-submarine-manthatisi/articleshow/123258717.cms |access-date=2025-08-13 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2025-08-12 |title=Indian Navy successfully undertakes Submarine Rescue Seat Certification for South African Navy |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Aug/12/indian-navy-successfully-undertakes-submarine-rescue-seat-certification-for-south-african-navy |access-date=2025-08-13 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>
These DSRVs will be deployed from the {{Sclass|Nistar|diving support vessel}}s which are under construction. These will aid submarine operations of the Indian Navy.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2025-07-19 |title=How newly commissioned INS Nistar will help save lives in deep sea |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/all-about-ins-nipun-how-it-will-help-save-lives-in-deep-sea-10135689/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250723181704/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/all-about-ins-nipun-how-it-will-help-save-lives-in-deep-sea-10135689/ |archive-date=2025-07-23 |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Adithya Krishna |date=2025-07-19 |title=Indian Navy Inducts New Diving Support Vessel, To Serve As Mothership For DSRV |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/07/indian-navy-inducts-new-diving-support-vessel-to-serve-as-mothership-for-dsrv/ |access-date=2025-07-23 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>
* DSAR 1 * DSAR 2
===Japan=== thumb|The JMSDF DSRV ''Angler Fish 2'' aboard the submarine rescue ship JDS ''Chihaya'' The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operate two DSRVs with dedicated mother ships. * {{ship|JS|Chihaya}} – ''Chihaya'' (ちはや, ASR-403). * {{ship|JS|Chiyoda|2016}} – ''Chiyoda'' (ちよだ, ASR-404)
===South Korea=== The Korean navy operates a submarine rescue ship called ''Cheong Haejin''. It has a dedicated mother ship. The model is based on a modified British design.
===Russia=== [[File:June 2020 Baltic Fleet submarine rescue exercise - AS-26 deep-submergence rescue vehicle on the surface.jpg|thumb|Priz-class ''AS-26'' during a 2020 rescue exercise]] Russia is believed to have one vessel of the ''Bester'' class and four of the ''Priz'' class, which was involved in the failed attempt to rescue the crew of ''Kursk''.
* {{Ship|Russian deep submergence rescue vehicle|AS-28||2}} (''Priz'' class) * {{Ship|Russian submarine|AS-34||2}} (''Priz'' class)
===Singapore=== {{MV|Swift Rescue}}, launched 29 November 2008, is Singapore's first and only submarine recovery vessel. It is equipped with a deep submergence rescue vehicle.
The vessel consisted of a Submarine Support and Rescue Vessel (SSRV), SSRV mother vessel proper and an integrated Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV), built by ST Marine at its Benoi Shipbuilding Yard in Singapore with its UK joint venture partner JFD based on its proprietary Deep Search and Rescue (DSAR) 500 Class submarine rescue vehicle platform. It also has an underwater drone ROV and a helipad.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MV Swift Rescue Submarine Support and Rescue Vessel (SSRV)|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mv-swift-rescue-submarine-support-rescue-vessel/|access-date=2020-06-10|website=Naval Technology|language=en-GB}}</ref>
The Republic of Singapore Navy has signed submarine rescue agreements with Australia, Indonesia,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sonistics.com/2012/07/singapore-indonesia-ink-submarine-rescue-pact/|title=Singapore, Indonesia Ink Submarine Rescue Pact|date=July 11, 2012}}</ref> Malaysia, Vietnam,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defencereviewasia.com/republic-of-singapore-navy-and-vietnam-peoples-navy-sign-submarine-rescue-memorandum-of-agreement/|title=Republic of Singapore Navy and Vietnam People's Navy Sign Submarine Rescue Memorandum of Agreement|first=Defence Review|last=Asia|date=September 11, 2013}}</ref> and United States to assist in submarine rescue efforts for their respective submarine fleets.<ref>{{Cite web|title=MV Swift Rescue {{!}} Republic of Singapore Navy|url=https://www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/navy/MV_Swift_Rescue.HTM|access-date=2020-06-10|website=www.mindef.gov.sg|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610153615/https://www.mindef.gov.sg/oms/navy/MV_Swift_Rescue.HTM|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=shipstamps.co.uk • View topic - SWIFT RESCUE|url=https://shipstamps.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=13647|access-date=2020-06-10|website=shipstamps.co.uk}}</ref>
===United States=== {{main|Mystic-class deep-submergence rescue vehicle|Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System}} The mode of deployment for these United States submersibles is: fly the vehicle to the port closest to the incident; attach the vehicle to a host submarine; the host submarine travels to the incident site; rescue. The DSRVs were originally designed to work with {{USS|Pigeon|ASR-21|6}} and {{USS|Ortolan|ASR-22|6}}, but those two vessels have since been decommissioned and replaced by the Submarine Rescue Diving Recompression System.
* {{ship|DSRV-1|Mystic}} - Deactivation begun on 1 October 2008. Replaced with remotely operated tethered SRDRS.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/10/navy_minisubs_100208/ |title=Long-serving rescue submarine replaced |publisher=Navytimes.com |access-date=2014-02-13}}</ref> * {{ship|DSRV-2|Avalon}} - currently at the Central Coast Maritime Museum, Morro Bay, California<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.morrobaymaritime.org/fleet.html |title=Fleet |publisher=www.morrobaymaritime.org |access-date=2015-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223030116/http://morrobaymaritime.org/fleet.html |archive-date=2016-02-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
====Operation==== [[File:DSRV 2 Avalon 1.jpg|thumb|{{ship|DSRV-2|Avalon}} being loaded onto a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy for transport]] The Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) is designed to rescue 24 people at a time at depths of up to {{convert|600|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}. Their maximum operating depth is {{convert|1500|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}. Power is provided by two large batteries, one fore, and one aft that power the electrical, hydraulic and life support systems. The DSRV uses mercury in a completely sealed system to allow themselves to match any angle (up to 45°) in both pitch and roll so as to "mate" (attach) to a downed submarine that may be at an angle on the sea floor. The DSRV is capable of being transported by Air Force C-5 to anywhere in the world within 24 hours.
It is then loaded onto a "Mother Submarine" (MOSUB). The MOSUB then carries the DSRV to the rescue site where several trips are made to rescue all personnel. Rescue is usually accomplished by ferrying rescuees from the stranded sub to the MOSUB, however, they can also be taken to a properly equipped surface support ship.
In addition to a number of U.S. Navy submarines being outfitted for MOSUB capabilities, several NATO countries also have submarines outfitted to carry the U.S. Navy DSRV for rescue capability as needed. Both the UK and French navies have such submarines.
The interior of the DSRV is composed of three spheres. The forward sphere is the "Control Sphere" where the DSRV's pilot and copilot operate the vehicle. The two aft spheres (known as Mid Sphere and Aft Sphere) are used to seat the rescued individuals or to install equipment for additional operations. Maneuvering is accomplished using four thrusters and one main propeller.
==See also== *{{annotated link|Escape trunk}} *{{annotated link|Submarine rescue ship}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Deep submergence rescue vehicles}} * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBFYIW-EARM&t=83s Deep-Submergence Rescue Vehicle - US Navy 1973] * [http://www.janes.com/defence/naval_forces/news/jni/jni010219_2_n.shtml Current submarine rescue services], Jane's Information Group * {{cite journal |author=Eckenhoff, RG |title=Pressurized Submarine Rescue |journal=Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory Technical Report |volume=NSMRL-1021 |year=1984 |url=http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/8416 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415180700/http://archive.rubicon-foundation.org/8416 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 15, 2013 |access-date=2013-03-15}}
{{Warship types of the 19th & 20th centuries}} {{Underwater diving|other}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Deep-submergence rescue vehicles Category:Lifeboats Category:Ship types