Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live on a submarine?
Those who have ever dreamed about a deep-sea voyage are in for a treat. Not only are submarines one of the most versatile underwater vehicles, but people actually live in them.
From bathroom rules, sleeping arrangements, and daily physical activity, keep reading to see the most surprising aspects of living aboard a submarine.
It’s Either Boring Or Very Dangerous
It takes a certain kind of person to spend their life on a submarine. While most of the time it will be incredibly boring and monotonous, things can turn at the drop of a hat.
The sailors who live on submarines need to be ready for danger at any moment, which is why they go through intense training before climbing aboard.
They Operate At Six-Hour Intervals
Those who choose to live and work on a submarine need to get used to the strict rules aboard. One guideline all sailors must follow is the six-hour segment routine.
They live their lives in three six-hour increments. First, they get six hours for sleeping. Next, they must spend six hours on watch. Finally, they get six hours of free time.
They Have To Keep Oxygen Levels Low
Submarines are required to keep their oxygen levels low due to safety concerns, namely the spreading of fires within the vessel. However, that can lead to some dangerous side effects for people.
Lower oxygen levels can make it difficult for people to recover from injuries, make the sailors more tired, and cause them to become angrier than usual.
Working Out On A Submarine
While living on a submarine may make it seem difficult to get in a good day’s workout, it’s not impossible. Most submarines have “gyms” for the sailors to get their exercise.
According to Men’s Health, these gyms are very small and hardly have enough room for a grown man to do a burpee.
Grooming Habits Are More Lenient
Most sailors are told to keep specific grooming habits such as short haircuts and no facial hair. The rules are a bit more lenient on submarines.
Since the sailors on submarines aren’t interacting with the outside world too much, they can let their grooming habits slide. According to USNI News, one of the reasons submariners are allowed facial hair is because there is limited fresh water available.
What They Eat On Submarines
Submarines usually have a crew aboard who is in charge of the cooking.
According to American History, extra funding goes to the food supply, ensuring all of the sailors are well fed and nourished. Some subs even have pizza nights!
They Can’t Keep Track Of Time
When a submarine is submerged under the water for long periods of time, it can be difficult to tell what time of day it really is. Sailors are used to an artificial 18-hour schedule.
According to one sailor, “basically know the time by what type of food you’re eating. If you’re eating pancakes you know it’s morning and if you’re eating leftovers you know it’s midnight.”
Training To Live On A Submarine
Those who want to spend their lives on a submarine need to go through a lot of intense training beforehand.
According to American History, trainees go through a lot of hands-on education along with typical book studies before a “rigorous qualification program that may last as long as nine months for enlisted men and two years for officers.”
Looking For Directions
Crew members can’t rely on regular maps, so they must navigate through something much more complicated.
Submarines travel by complex electronic machines that provide detailed information on how to navigate the ocean. Everyone on the submarine has to rely on these machines to get them to their destination.
Sleeping Arrangements Are Intense
Some crew members had strange experiences when it came to sleeping on a submarine.
According to the article Life Aboard A U.S. Submarine, “Sleeping space is in particularly short supply. In fact, Virginia-class submarines like the Missouri have fewer beds than sailors — about 94 for the 135 crew. That requires what the crews not so affectionately call “hot-racking,” where sailors share bunks and sleep in shifts.”
They Form Incredible Bonds
Going away for months or years at a time means that sailors are bound to get close to one another.
The crew members are going to become one big family, so they form a tight bond. This allows them to work together as a team and distracts them from any homesickness.
The Eerie Nickname For Submarine Beds
Only those who are brave enough will be able to withstand a submarine journey. One thing that may scare some potential voyagers off is the nickname for submarine beds.
These are usually referred to as coffins because of their small size and because the beds are practically stacked on top of each other.
Gathering In The Mess Hall
Living on a submarine shouldn’t be all work and no play. The crew members are allotted at least six hours a day for their free time.
Most sailors will spend this time in the mess hall. They go there to gather with their peers, eat, read, watch television, play games, or watch one of the 400 movies available.
The Usual Timeline For A Submarine Trip
The shortest trips usually go for no less than 90 days, but a vast majority exceed that time frame. Some deployments can be months on end!
According to Business Insider, “America has 72 submarines in the fleet, including both attack submarines and fleet ballistic missile submarines called Boomers. Sailors typically deploy for 90 days…”
Bathroom Space Is Extremely Limited
Everything is extremely cramped inside a submarine, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Submarines have to fit large machinery, so they leave little room for other necessities.
According to Business Insider, there are some submarines that have a single bathroom allotted to 40 men.
Be Careful With What You Pack
Crew members are told not to overpack because there most likely won’t be room for all of their belongings. On top of that, it is imperative for people to keep things clean and organized at all times since room is limited.
According to Submarine Lt Cmdr Charlie Neve, “The first thing I would say to people living in cramped conditions is to understand the level of organization [and] tidiness you need.”
Say Goodbye To The Outside World
Submarines travel in the middle of the ocean for months on end, so they hardly ever come into contact with anyone else.
However, submarines do have the capability of showing their location, but they don’t usually do this for safety concerns.
No Room For Showers
Not only are the submarine bathrooms tiny, but there is even less space for showers.
According to Business Insider, the shower stalls are so small (and limited) to make room for more prevalent equipment the sailors need on the vessel.
The Passageways Are Very Narrow
Living on a submarine means cramped spaces, including passageways.
According to Business Insider, “most areas on the submarine are cramped. Passageways, or P-ways, are absolutely no exception to that.”
Everything To Know About Watch Duties
Watch duties are one of the most important tasks aboard a submarine. Each crew member must devote at least six hours a day for their watch.
According to Business Insider, “Watch duties aboard submarines are based on both rank and specialized training. Junior personnel generally learn to stand and watch at the driving sections of the submarine.”
