During its active service, the Javazee performed over 500 rescue missions, including dozens under extremely harsh conditions. One notable incident occurred in 1977 when the Greek freighter Attican Unity caught fire off the Belgian coast. The captain intended to proceed to Antwerp with a cargo of chemicals but was denied passage on the Scheldt by Dutch authorities. As the fire escalated, the Javazee rescued 28 crew members. In consultation with the salvage company, the captain grounded the freighter at Cadzand. After several days, the ship was salvaged.

The construction of this lifeboat was made possible by contributions from the personnel of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Battle of the Java Sea, 25 years prior to the lifeboat's commissioning (27 February 1942), symbolized the fundraising campaign in memory of 'all navy men who lost their lives during and after World War II, wherever in the world, in fulfilling their duty.'

From 1967 to 1991, the Javazee was stationed in Breskens at the K.Z.H.M.R.S. station. Later, it was relocated to the Hoek van Holland station. Since 2006, the Javazee has been at the National Rescue Museum and is still used by the KNRM, including as an icebreaker.