The Brazilian Navy has discontinued the Submarine Rescue Bell (SRS) along with the NSS Felinto Perry (K11). Studies have been carried out to be able to return to Submarine Relief capacity, however there is still no forecast for the reestablishment of this capacity.

Figure 1: SRS

GENERAL

Regarding the NSS Guillobel, features include the Type 2 Dynamic Positioning System and a diving bell/hyperbaric complex for saturated dives up to 180 m, the limit of its underwater rescue capability with internal resources, and up to 300 m with external resources. People rescued from a pressurized DISSUB or having escaped from the submarine in some way can be treated in the hyperbaric complex on board, although it is not yet possible to carry out a Transfer Under Pressure (TUP). If necessary, they can be treated in the hyperbaric chamber on deck.

Figure 2: NSS Guillobel (K120)

Figure 3, 4: Views of the NSS hyperbaric complex

The Brazilian navy has a number of hyperbaric chambers distributed along the shore, which can be used in support of Submarine Escape and Rescue operations. Three of those chambers are placed in naval hospitals, and a huge hyperbaric center is located at the Brazilian Submarine Base in Rio de Janeiro. This hyperbaric complex is able to test equipment at great depths, simulate saturated diving and treat large numbers of people suffering from diving disorders at a time.

Figure 5: Map of the Brazilian shore showing hyperbaric chambers placed at Naval Hospitals

The Brazilian Navy has only Diving School in Brazil capable of training Deep Divers. These courses are conducted at the Hyperbaric Center. In addition to forming Saturated Divers and Deep Sea Diving Supervisors for the Brazilian and friendly Navies, it also receives civilian diving students that will be assigned to work in the oil industry after completing the course.

Additional resources in the field of Submarine Escape and Rescue include two escape training facilities, one composed by a 20m deep escape tower, located at the Brazilian Submarine Base in Niterói-RJ for preparing the crew of the submarines Tupi Class. The other facility, composed by a 5m deep escape tower, is located at the Brazilian Submarine Base in Itaguaí-RJ for preparing the crew of the submarines Riachuelo Class.

Figure 6, 7, 8 - 5m deep Escape Tower

Figure 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 - 20m deep Escape Tower

Figure 14: Different views of the Brazilian Navy's hyperbaric complex