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LSMED Michael Edwards - reading and ABEWASM Richard Jones
standing. – Photo by ABPH Joanne Edwards
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His
shipmates say the galley checks out OK as well. LSCKSM Jeff
Daniels in the Galley. – Photo by LSPH Darren Yates
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By ABAWA
SM Goff
Although
I have never served in an O Boat I have seen their sleeping arrangements
and spoken to ex O Boat submariners.
The
Collins class is a big step in the right direction in regards
to sleeping and mess arrangements. Submariners have the advantage
these days of having their own rack instead of ‘Hot Racking’.
The
racks on Collins class submarines are much more comfortable if
the member is of average size. Gone are the days of sleeping in
your work space, well at least if you are a qualified submariner
(part III trainees and sea riders sleep in the weapon stowage
compartment where they have the added advantage of being able
to cuddle up to a MK 48 torpedo).
The
junior sailors mess consists of five ‘six packs’ (5x6
berth cabins). Each individual sailor has one 2 x 1 ft locker
and a small head locker to stow all personal items. There are
also two small hanging lockers for communal use.
Collins
class submarines work on a two-watch system, therefore the mess
has enough seating for a single watch.
The
boat has an entertainment system which consists of TV’s,
VCR, CD and DVD players. In each rack there is a headphone connection
and channel selection so that personnel can listen to CDs that
are playing in any mess.
Although
submarine life is still cramped with limited privacy, the Collins
class sybmarines are much more comfortable than the days of old.
