Submarine Swim Call
Swimming from a submarine, often referred to as a "swim call," is a rare but cherished event for submariners. It typically occurs during periods of calm seas and when the submarine is far from potential threats. Here's how a submarine swim call usually unfolds:
Swimming from a submarine, often referred to as a "swim call," is a rare but cherished event for submariners. It typically occurs during periods of calm seas and when the submarine is far from potential threats. Here's how a submarine swim call usually unfolds:
Assessment of Conditions: Before considering a swim call, the submarine's commanding officer evaluates various factors such as weather conditions, sea state, water temperature, and the proximity of any potential hazards. If conditions are deemed safe, the crew may be informed about the upcoming swim call.
Safety Preparations: Prior to the swim call, the crew receives a safety briefing conducted by designated personnel. This briefing covers essential safety protocols, including rules for entering and exiting the water, designated swim areas, buddy systems, and procedures for responding to emergencies.
Establishment of Swim Area: Once the submarine surfaces, designated crew members deploy safety markers or buoys to define the swim area. These markers help ensure that swimmers remain within a safe distance from the submarine and are visible to the crew at all times.
Swimming: Crew members who wish to participate don swimsuits and enter the water under the supervision of designated safety personnel. Swimmers may engage in recreational activities such as swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the open water. It's a rare opportunity for submariners to experience the sensation of being in the open sea.
Supervision and Safety: During the swim call, designated crew members, known as "swim watches," remain on deck to monitor swimmers and ensure their safety. They are equipped with rescue equipment and maintain communication with the submarine's command center.
Recovery: After a predetermined amount of time or when signaled by the command center, swimmers return to the submarine. Crew members assist swimmers with reboarding the submarine safely, ensuring that all personnel are accounted for before the submarine submerges.
Debriefing: Following the swim call, the crew may gather for a debriefing session to discuss the experience, address any safety concerns, and provide feedback for future swim calls.
Scott Findley said. "I was on USS Albany (SSN-753) and got to participate in two swim calls. Once, off the coast of Italy on July 4, 1997 and again, off the coast of Puerto Rico. Both times, the water was over 20,000 feet deep. It is the smallest I’ve ever felt. If you put your face on the water, you could see the light just end far below you….
Knowing there were shipmates in the sail with M4s on shark watch and having to avoid barnacles on the hull were just added parts of the experience.
It was amazing to swim away from the boat a little bit and look back, under water. You could see the entirety of the massive hull in great detail because the water was so clear. Both times were experiences I’ll never forget."
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