 |
|
|
Most submariners will have a day that is broken up into 4 x 6 hour 'slots', or 'watches'. Each set of 6 hours on-watch will be spent operating your assigned equipment. The remaining set of 6 hours off-watch will be a combination of eating, reading, watching TV, studying and of course sleeping. There are also gym facilities for keeping fit including exercise bikes, rowing machines and free weights.
The Collins Project was initiated in the early 1980s to provide an Australian-built group of submarines to replace the ageing Oberon class. Six submarines were delivered into service from 1996, having been developed from a Swedish Navy blueprint. They travel large distances quickly and quietly, diving to depths in excess of 180 metres and travelling at speeds greater than 20 knots when submerged.
Obviously there are some foods that don't last very long when we're away from port, but our onboard chefs are well practiced at being creative with the ingredients they do have. There will be four cooked meals everyday and snacks in-between, so you'll never go hungry.
A submarine is typically made up of a control room, cafeteria, galley, main generator room, motor room, wardroom, weapons compartment and machinery control room.
The filtered air onboard is cleaner and better for you than the air you breathe outside. Inside it's a busy life, made up of watches, rest periods and exercise drills, with four meals in-between. You do most things in close proximity to your fellow submariners and although these living conditions can be challenging at times, you'll find they actually build a stronger bond between crewmates than most other jobs would.
