Secrets of life on a nuclear submarine revealed

Lots of coffee, “hot-racking”, and no slamming doors – this is what life is like on a submarine. See why a nuclear-powered version is better for Aussie sailors.

A nuclear submarine isn’t just faster, stealthier and more powerful than a diesel-powered alternative. It also boasts more homely touches for its crew.

The nuclear reactor provides unlimited power, meaning sailors can enjoy a hot shower and airconditioning that keeps the submarine about 21C around the clock.

The world-leading Virginia-class nuclear submarine, which Australia will start buying from the US in the 2030s, is also much bigger.

The Virginia-class submarine can largely avoid submerging to remain undetected. Picture: Huntington Ingalls Industries

US submariners aboard a US Virginia class submarine. Picture: Supplied

Its crew of 132 – compared to 58 on a Collins-class boat – rotates eight-hour shifts in three or four watches, rather than two watches of six hours. With more time to rest and relax, burnout among sailors is reduced while the submarine can stay at sea longer.

As Australia commences its shift to a nuclear-powered fleet, Navy chiefs will be hoping these habitability upgrades help the recruitment effort required for the $368bn program to succeed.

Because while working on a submarine is thrilling and mysterious, it is not for everyone. Sailors can go weeks or even months without seeing the sun and breathing in fresh air.

They are cut off from the outside world – no social media, streaming or sports scores – except for the odd email to family and friends.

Sailors are cut off from the outside world so have to find other ways to entertain themselves at sea. Picture: Darryl Wood (US Navy)

Submariners fill a variety of roles on-board. Picture: Darryl Wood (US Navy)

They sleep in what are dryly referred to as coffins – bunk beds stacked three high. On a Virginia, there are usually more sailors than places to sleep, meaning some end up kipping in the torpedo room while others have to “hot-rack” by claiming a bed from someone else when their shifts change.

In the US, salaries are competitive: about $109,000 for a seaman to $156,000 for a veteran chief petty officer, plus lucrative sign-on bonuses and extra pay for time spent at sea.

Originally published as Secrets of life on a nuclear submarine revealed