Life aboard a submarine is unlike any other military posting. Hidden beneath the ocean’s surface, crews of the Indian Navy operate in total secrecy, isolation, and silence for weeks at a time. There are no horizons, no fresh air, and no contact with the outside world.
This is the reality of life inside an Indian Navy submarine.
Why Submarines Matter
Submarines are among the most strategic assets in naval warfare.
They are used to:
- Deter adversaries through stealth
- Gather intelligence without detection
- Deny enemy access to critical sea areas
- Conduct strategic patrols
Their greatest strength is invisibility. Their greatest challenge is endurance.
Selection and Training of Submarine Crew
Not every sailor is suited for submarine service.
Volunteers undergo:
- Rigorous medical screening
- Psychological evaluations
- Specialised submarine training
Only those who demonstrate exceptional mental resilience and technical competence are selected. Training focuses on damage control, emergency response, and operating complex systems in confined environments.
Living Space and Daily Routine
Space inside a submarine is extremely limited.
Crew members share:
- Sleeping areas known as bunks
- Compact workstations
- Narrow passageways
Privacy does not exist. Every inch is used efficiently. A strict routine governs daily life, including watch keeping, equipment checks, drills, and maintenance tasks.
Life Without Sunlight or Fresh Air
Submarine crews live without natural light for extended periods.
Artificial lighting and controlled schedules replace day and night. Air is recycled and carefully monitored. Water is rationed. Food is stored efficiently and consumed based on mission duration.
Over time, the absence of sunlight and external cues tests mental endurance.
Silence and Discipline
Silence is critical to submarine operations.
Crew members move carefully and communicate softly. Machinery noise is minimised. Even small mistakes can compromise stealth.
Discipline here is not symbolic. It is essential for survival and mission success.
Teamwork Under Pressure
A submarine crew functions as a single unit.
Trust between crew members is absolute. Everyone depends on everyone else. Engineers, operators, and officers work in close coordination. There is no room for conflict or ego.
In emergencies, teamwork becomes the difference between safety and disaster.
Communication With the Outside World
Communication is extremely limited.
Crews may go weeks without direct contact with families. Messages, if any, are brief and operationally controlled. Sailors learn to disconnect completely from civilian life during deployment.
This isolation is one of the hardest aspects of submarine service.
Mental and Physical Challenges
Submarine duty tests:
- Mental resilience
- Emotional control
- Physical stamina
Confined spaces, long deployments, and constant readiness create pressure. Regular drills and routines help crews stay focused and prepared.
Why Sailors Choose Submarine Service
Despite the hardship, many sailors volunteer repeatedly.
They are driven by:
- Professional pride
- Strategic importance of the role
- Strong camaraderie
- Sense of purpose
Submarine service is demanding, but deeply respected within the Navy.
Returning to the Surface
When a submarine returns to port, the transition back to normal life is gradual.
Fresh air, sunlight, and communication feel overwhelming at first. Reconnecting with family and routine takes time. Yet many sailors willingly return to the depths for future missions.
Closing Thoughts
Life inside an Indian Navy submarine is defined by silence, discipline, and trust. It is one of the most demanding roles in military service, requiring mental strength as much as technical skill.
Understanding this life offers a glimpse into the unseen efforts that protect maritime security. Beneath the waves, far from public view, submarine crews stand watch in complete silence, ensuring safety above the surface.