• Defence

New cutting-edge diver safety kit

JFD has recently been awarded a significant contract with BAE Systems to supply its stealth clearance diver's life support equipment.

JFD already supplies a number of navies around the world including the UK Royal Navy with clearance diver's life support equipment (CDLSE), which was a key factor in its selection by the international defence company. This new contract is for a number of sets, as well as the provision of maintenance and training which will take place in the Middle East over the course of the next 18 months.

CDLSE is a state-of-the-art underwater life support technology, developed in-house, for mine counter measures and explosive ordnance disposal (MCM-EOD). The multi-mission underwater breathing apparatus (UBA) provides increased diver safety through a dynamically responsive control system that rapidly and accurately responds to changes in breathing air level requirements. CDLSE's operational capability and reliability has also successfully set new standards in military UBA performance due to its long duration and depth range.

CDLSE includes JFD's innovative rebreather solution which is non-magnetic and acoustically clean, which means it meets NATO's requirements for MCM-EOD operations. Glyn Gilbert, JFD project manager responsible for the delivery of the contract explains,

"CDLSE has been established and operationally proven in the defence industry globally for six years now, and this fact was critical to us winning this contract. We take the safety and lives of subsea operators very seriously and have a reputation for upholding the highest standards in safety and quality."