The Disadvantages of Submarine Travel: Navigating the Challenges

Submarine travel, often shrouded in mystery due to its primary role in military operations, has seen a limited presence in civilian life. While submarines offer unique experiences for those who get to explore them, they come with significant drawbacks, especially for prolonged voyages. This article delves into the challenges and limitations of submarine travel, focusing on both military and civilian contexts.

Military Submarine Travel: The Reality Behind the Charge

For those serving in the Navy, submarine travel can be both a privilege and a challenge. Joining the Navy for 4-6 years, getting accepted to and graduating from submarine school, and earning one’s dolphins can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its fair share of difficulties. Submarines are not merely vessels for leisure; they are weapons of war designed for military operations.

The onboard conditions are often rigorous and confined. While the submarines may offer speed and the convenience of avoiding maritime waterways, the lack of amenities and space for civilians is a significant drawback. In my experience, the biggest setbacks were freshwater issues, which frequently resulted in luxury goods like clothes and regular showers being a rare treat. Sleeping quarters were cramped, and personal space was limited, akin to sleeping in a casket with curtains for privacy.

Commercial Submarine Travel: The Quest for Feasibility

Commercial submarine travel is a concept that is relatively new and faces numerous challenges. One of the primary factors hindering its commercial appeal is speed. Despite the allure of swift underwater travel, submarines are often slow compared to conventional ships. The Japanese Navy in World War II had to resort to submarines for transport due to the lack of alternative options, highlighting the limitations of these vessels.

The capacity challenges are profound. Submarines, designed for military purposes, do not have the storage space necessary for commercial cargo. Even without weapons systems and crew, the space allocated for cargo would be insufficient for commercial utility. The construction cost of submarines is also prohibitive, making them expensive propositions for commercial use.

The military submarine DEUTSCHLAND offers a historical insight into the potential and limitations of commercial submarine travel. Before World War I, this German submarine cargo ship made three voyages from Germany to the USA. While it served its purpose for carrying high-value, low-bulk cargo like spices and valuable foodstuffs, each voyage was unprofitable.

Conclusion: Balancing the Scales

In conclusion, while submarines offer unparalleled speed and the excitement of submergence, they are far from ideal for commercial travel. The military has accepted these limitations as part of their duty, but for civilians, the drawbacks are significant. The challenges of capacity, cost, and comfort make submarine travel a niche option at best. As technology advances and more efficient alternatives emerge, the potential for commercial submarine travel may increase, but for now, it remains a dream with many obstacles to overcome.

Keywords: submarine travel, military submarine, commercial submarine travel