Submarine Crew & Life — The Human Side of Submarine Operations

The captain of the submarine. Has absolute authority and ultimate responsibility for the ship, crew, and mission. Typically a Commander (O-5) or Captain (O-6). Must have extensive submarine experience and nuclear propulsion training. The CO makes all tactical decisions including weapons employment, diving operations, and emergency response. One of the most demanding leadership positions in any military.

The second-in-command. Manages the day-to-day running of the ship while the CO focuses on tactical operations and mission execution. The XO oversees personnel, training, scheduling, maintenance, and administration. Acts as CO when the captain is asleep or incapacitated. Typically being groomed for future command.

The senior enlisted member of the crew, typically a Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). The COB is the primary link between the enlisted crew and the officers. Responsible for crew morale, discipline, welfare, and enlisted professional development. The COB is one of the most respected and influential positions on the submarine and often has 20+ years of submarine experience.

The largest department, responsible for the nuclear reactor, propulsion plant, electrical systems, auxiliary systems (ventilation, hydraulics, air conditioning), and damage control. Led by the Engineer Officer (CHENG), who is directly responsible to the CO for reactor safety. Watch standers include Reactor Operator, Throttleman, Electrical Operator, and Engineering Watch Supervisor.

Responsible for all weapons systems: torpedoes, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles (on SSBNs), and fire control computers. Handles weapons loading, maintenance, and combat system operation. Also responsible for the sonar division on some submarines. Led by the Weapons Officer (WEPS). Torpedo room operators maintain and prepare weapons; fire control technicians operate the targeting systems.

Responsible for navigation (SINS, GPS, charts), communications (radio, satellite, VLF reception), intelligence, and electronic warfare. The Navigator (NAV) is the principal advisor to the CO on ship position and safe navigation. Quartermasters maintain charts and navigation logs. Radiomen operate communication systems. The Operations Officer manages the submarine's intelligence collection mission.

Responsible for food service (the galley), stores and provisions, disbursing (pay), and ship's store. The Supply Officer manages an inventory of thousands of spare parts and provisions. Culinary Specialists (cooks) prepare four meals per day to accommodate different watch schedules. Storekeepers track and distribute supplies. On a 90-day patrol, the Supply department must plan for 30,000+ meals.

Most submarines carry one or two Independent Duty Corpsmen (IDC) — enlisted medical personnel trained to provide a wide range of medical care without a physician present. The IDC can perform minor surgery, administer medications, manage dental emergencies, and stabilize patients for evacuation. On some navies' submarines, a medical officer (doctor) is embarked for longer patrols. Telemedicine connectivity allows consultation with shore-based physicians.

High — advanced automation reduces crew requirements

High — SUBTICS combat management system

Moderate — larger boat with more systems

High — reduced from 130 on Trafalgar-class

Very high — smallest crew of any SSN

Moderate — extensive but large boat with many mission systems

Moderate — 24 missile tubes require significant crew

Moderate — Trident missile management

High for Russian submarine — significantly reduced from predecessors

Low by modern standards — largest submarine crew

How many crew members does a submarine have?

Crew sizes vary dramatically by submarine type. A modern diesel-electric submarine like the German Type 212A has a crew of around 27-28. The French Barracuda-class SSN carries approximately 65. The US Virginia-class SSN has a crew of about 132. The enormous Ohio-class SSBN carries 155 crew. The Russian Typhoon-class, the largest submarine ever built, had a crew of around 160. Modern submarines trend toward smaller crews through increased automation — the Royal Navy's Astute-class reduced crew from 130 (Trafalgar-class) to 98 despite being a larger boat. Smaller crews reduce life support requirements, food storage needs, and the psychological challenges of cramped long-duration patrols.

What is the daily routine on a submarine?

Most modern submarines operate on a watch rotation system. The US Navy uses an 18-hour cycle with three 6-hour watches: 6 hours on watch (operating the submarine), 6 hours for maintenance/training/eating, and 6 hours for sleep. Some navies use a traditional 24-hour three-watch system (4 hours on, 8 hours off). Daily routines include watch standing (operating sonar, navigation, reactor, weapons systems), maintenance (submarines require constant upkeep), training and drills (fire, flooding, reactor casualty), meals (typically four per day to accommodate different watch schedules), exercise (limited but encouraged), and personal time. There is no natural light, so the concept of "day" and "night" is artificial — maintained by dimming lights during designated sleep periods.

What is "hot racking" on a submarine?

Hot racking (also called "hot bunking") is the practice where two or three crew members share a single bunk, sleeping in shifts. When one sailor finishes their sleep period and goes on watch, another sailor takes the same bunk, still warm from the previous occupant — hence "hot racking." This is common on smaller submarines where there are fewer bunks than crew members. On US fast-attack submarines (SSN), junior enlisted often hot-rack with two sailors per bunk. SSBNs typically have enough bunks for the full crew. Modern designs are eliminating hot racking where possible — the Virginia-class provides individual bunks for all crew members. The practice is unpopular but accepted as a reality of submarine service.

How do submariners qualify to serve on submarines?

The submarine qualification process is rigorous and demanding. In the US Navy, it takes approximately 12-18 months for a new sailor to earn their "dolphins" (submarine warfare insignia). The process involves learning every system on the submarine — propulsion, weapons, navigation, damage control, life support — regardless of the sailor's actual job specialty. The sailor must pass oral examinations ("board") before a qualification board of senior crew members, demonstrating knowledge of the submarine's systems, emergency procedures, and the ability to respond to any casualty. Officers undergo a similar but even more demanding qualification process. The dropout rate is significant — submarine service is voluntary in most navies, and those who cannot adapt to the confined, high-pressure environment are transferred to surface ships.

What do submariners eat?

Submarine food is generally considered the best in the military. The US Navy allocates a higher daily food budget for submarine crews than for surface ships or shore stations — currently about $12-15 per person per day. Submarines carry a full galley (kitchen) and typically have dedicated culinary specialists (cooks). Meals are freshly prepared and include steak, lobster, shrimp, fresh bread, and excellent desserts, especially during holiday meals and the traditional "halfway night" celebration at the midpoint of a patrol. Fresh produce runs out after 1-2 weeks and is replaced by frozen and canned goods. Storage is a major challenge — food is stored everywhere, including under deck plates and in passageways. A 90-day patrol for a crew of 130+ requires approximately 30,000-40,000 meals worth of food.

What are the mental health challenges of submarine service?

Submarine service presents unique mental health challenges. Crew members are confined in a small, windowless, artificially-lit steel tube for 60-90 days at a time. There is no fresh air, no natural light, no view of the outside world, and extremely limited communication with family (typically a few short "family grams" per week — brief email-like messages with strict character limits). Personal space is minimal — often just a bunk and a small locker. Privacy is virtually nonexistent. The knowledge that the submarine operates at lethal depth adds an underlying psychological burden. Sleep disruption from irregular watch schedules is chronic. Modern navies address these challenges through careful screening during recruitment, psychological training, crew welfare programs, improved habitability on newer submarines, and post-patrol debrief and adjustment support for returning crew members.