Navigating the Deep: How Submarines Avoid Underwater Collisions

Submarines operate in a complex and often unforgiving environment. Avoiding collisions isn’t just a matter of safety; it’s critical to mission success and, ultimately, survival. The core strategies submarines employ to avoid hitting things boil down to a combination of meticulous navigation, advanced sensor technology, highly trained personnel, and strict operational procedures. They meticulously plan routes, relying on detailed charts and bathymetric maps, and incorporate bottom-sensing sonar. Submariners also create an imaginary “pool of errors” that expands the longer they are without a precise fix. Finally, the crew is extensively trained to interpret data from various sources, make informed decisions, and respond swiftly to unexpected situations.

The Pillars of Submarine Navigation

1. Precision Navigation: Charting the Unknown

Submarine navigation is a blend of art and science, requiring a deep understanding of the underwater environment. It starts long before the submarine leaves port, with thorough route planning based on hydrographic charts. These charts depict the depth of the water, the shape of the seabed, and the location of known obstacles such as wrecks, seamounts, and pipelines. Satellite navigation systems, inertial navigation systems (INS), and celestial navigation (using stars when surfaced) provide position fixes.

2. Sensory Perception: The Eyes and Ears of the Deep

Submarines rely heavily on sonar (Sound Navigation and Ranging) to “see” their surroundings. There are two primary types:

• Active Sonar: This emits acoustic pulses (pings) and listens for echoes bouncing off objects. While effective for detecting threats, it can also reveal the submarine’s position. Active sonar sends out acoustic sounds, or “pings,” which can reach thousands of yards.
• Passive Sonar: This listens for sounds emitted by other vessels, marine life, or underwater features. Passive sonar is a stealthier approach, allowing the submarine to remain hidden while gathering information.

3. Human Element: The Crew’s Expertise

Even with advanced technology, the skill and experience of the submarine crew are paramount. Navigators are responsible for plotting the submarine’s course and ensuring it remains on track. Sonar operators must interpret the data from the sonar systems, distinguishing between harmless sounds and potential threats. The officer of the deck is ultimately responsible for the safe navigation of the submarine. Submariners use satellite navigation and navigators reckonings with complex maps and charts of the seafloor to determine their position.

4. Rules of the Road: Underwater Etiquette

While there are no formal “traffic laws” for submarines, there are established procedures and protocols for avoiding collisions. These include:

• Maintaining a constant watch on sonar.
• Using pre-arranged signals to communicate with other submarines.
• Following designated sea lanes in busy areas.
• Exercising caution when operating in shallow water.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Submarine Safety

1. How do submarines avoid hitting rocks?

Submarines rely on detailed charts, sonar, and highly skilled navigators to avoid hitting rocks. The charts provide information about the depth of the water and the location of known obstacles, while sonar allows the submarine to detect objects in its path.

2. How do submarines avoid hitting whales?

Submarines primarily use passive sonar to listen for whale vocalizations. Although active sonar can detect whales, it’s often avoided to maintain stealth. The crew also relies on visual observation when near the surface.

3. Do submarines ever hit things?

Yes, submarines have been known to hit uncharted seamounts, the seabed, and even other submarines. These incidents are rare but can occur due to navigational errors, equipment malfunctions, or unexpected underwater conditions.

4. What happens if you shoot a bullet in a submarine?

Due to the higher air pressure inside a submarine compared to the external water pressure at depth, shooting a bullet could create a small leak as the air rushes out. A submarine is much thicker than most objects, and a bullet is much less likely to penetrate its hull.

5. What Happens When a Submarine Hits “Crush Depth”?

When a submarine exceeds its maximum operating depth (crush depth), the immense water pressure can cause the hull to implode violently, resulting in catastrophic failure.

6. Do sharks hit submarines?

Sharks may occasionally bump into submarines, often out of curiosity. However, they do not pose a significant threat to the vessel.

7. Why do dolphins follow submarines?

Dolphins are known to follow submarines, likely out of curiosity and for play. They may enjoy surfing the bow wave created by the submarine. The ideal speed for submarine-dolphin companions is around 12 knots.

8. Do cruise ships hit animals?

Unfortunately, collisions between ships and marine animals are a common occurrence, and it’s documented that all sizes and types of vessels—from large ships to jet skis—have the potential to collide with nearly any marine species. This can result in serious injury or death for the animal.

9. Why do dolphins swim with submarines?

Dolphins might swim with submarines for various reasons, including curiosity, playfulness, and the enjoyment of riding the bow wave.

10. Why can’t you shoot in a submarine?

Shooting a gun inside a submarine could damage the vessel and is generally prohibited due to safety concerns. Also, because it is at a higher pressure inside the submarine than outside, the air and pressure would rush out.

11. Has the US ever lost a submarine?

Yes, the US Navy has lost two nuclear submarines: the USS Thresher and the USS Scorpion. These losses resulted in the deaths of all crew members.

12. Why would a submarine stop pinging?

Submarines often avoid using active sonar (pinging) to avoid revealing their location to potential enemies. Continuous pinging would be a dead giveaway to any opposing force.

13. Do submarines explode or implode?

Submarines are more likely to implode than explode due to the crushing pressure at great depths. When the external water pressure exceeds the hull’s structural limits, it collapses inward.

14. Can you breathe underwater in a submarine?

Submarines have systems that allow crew members to breathe comfortably underwater for extended periods. Modern submarines can stay underwater without coming to the surface for several days.

15. What if a cruise ship hits a whale?

Collisions with vessels can be fatal to whales. When a whale is hit by a ship or another vessel, these gentle creatures are likely to die or suffer a horrific injury. If a cruise ship hits a whale, the propeller can cause deep cuts in the tissue of the whale, leading to severe injury or death. The study of complex systems like those governing submarine navigation can benefit from interdisciplinary approaches. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games and simulations can be used to model and understand these systems, offering valuable insights into decision-making, risk assessment, and training.