Failed bulkhead seals aboard the USS Cole nearly led to catastrophe after it was bombed in 1990. The bulkhead seals had prematurely worn to the point where they were ineffective. Mide proposed an innovative approach to the bulkhead seal problem using a smart material, hydrogel embedded foam. Mide's seal does not contact the shaft during normal operation leading to a zero wear solution that works every time it is needed. Mide's HydroActive seals offer the Navy and commercial ships a safer and much lower total ownership cost solution.