Survival Strategies and Man Overboard Procedures Aboard a US Navy Submarine

Submarines, especially those operated by the United States Navy, operate in an environment that is predominantly underwater. This is due to several critical factors such as stealth, operational efficiency, and safety. This article will delve into the strategies and procedures employed on US Navy submarines when a crew member is accidentally released overboard—a situation known as a Man Overboard (MOB).

Submarine Operations: Predominantly Underwater

Submarines spend a minimum amount of time on the surface. The only times they are surfaced are when entering and exiting ports, and commuting to and from dive points. This is often only for a few hours at a time. Upon departure from the port, all personnel stationed on the top deck (topside) would enter the sub and the hatch would be sealed. The submarine would then prepare for its dive. Typically, only the Officer of the Deck (OOD) and the lookout on the bridge/conning tower remain topside, secured with special harnesses, in case they are called upon to assist in emergency situations.

Topside Safety Measures

Topside personnel not actively involved in operations are required to wear harness life jackets and secure themselves to a sliding rail system. This ensures that in case of an emergency, they can be safely secured without being thrown into the water. In the rare occasion where someone overboard does occur, all topside personnel are prepared and trained to assist in the recovery operation.

Man Overboard Drills

Man overboard drills on US Navy submarines are conducted primarily to provide training to midshipmen. During these drills, a cardboard box is thrown overboard to simulate an individual in the water. The helmsman is responsible for quickly responding by swinging the rudder towards the side where the "man" went over, turning the stern of the ship away to avoid propeller churning and stern plane contact. The throttleman operates the ship’s steam to slow down the shaft as quickly as possible.

Maneuvering to Recover the Overboard Crew Member

The OOD initiates a Williamson Turn, a specific maneuver designed to circle the person in the water in a safe manner. The contact coordinator in the control room uses the periscope to locate the person, and the two waves are trained on the individual to provide continuous visual tracking. Once the person is clear of the propellers, the OOD signals for a U-turn to recover the individual. This maneuver, if successful, often results in the person landing just on the bow of the ship, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Williamson Turn technique.

Emergency Response and Training

As mentioned earlier, maintaining a high level of situational awareness is crucial. The article recounts a personal experience by the author of being the Surface OOD during a crew change out of Lisbon in 1999. The crew encountered large waves which submerged the conning tower to a few feet below the water level. These conditions require careful navigation to avoid the ship’s propeller and stern plane. The Captain was present on the bridge to ensure the new OOD was not overwhelmed by the experience.

Submarine crews are constantly trained in these emergency protocols through drills and simulations. The ability to quickly and effectively respond to a man overboard situation is a testament to the stringent training and preparedness of US Navy submariners.

Conclusion

The safety and efficiency of US Navy submarines rely heavily on the adherence to stringent safety protocols and drills. The potential for a man overboard scenario, while rare, is a critical aspect of submarine operations and the crew is well-prepared to handle such an emergency. Understanding these procedures underscores the dedication and training of the men and women who serve on these silent destroyers.

Keywords: submarine safety, US Navy submarine, man overboard procedures