The People's Republic of China developed a class of 35-ton deep-submergence rescue vehicle (DSRV) for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It was first tested in 1986 and operational in 1989.
The DSRV may perform a rescue at depths up to . Six or 22 survivors could be carried. This suited contemporary PLAN submarines which deployed infrequently and typically to coastal waters.
The submarine may also perform salvage work. It has a manipulator arm and a diving chamber for six divers.