The Escape Hatch

In the event of an emergency, upto 3 men could be put in the escape hatch.

They would be ejected out into the ocean.

They had to exhale during the entire ascent of up to 2 minutes, or they would get the bends and/or die.

 

 
  "It was an E-ticket ride!"

MM2(SS) Galen O. Steck describing the feeling during the first-ever emergency ballast blow from test depth, made by the U.S.S. Benjamin Franklin (SSBN-640). Galen reported aboard during new construction in 1964, as an MM2(SS), and left in 1971 as ENC(SS), COB.

- submitted by Ken "Pig" Henry

from http://www.submarinesailor.com/quote.asp
 

The Head

Even the using head required training. You had to let 250 lbs of pressure build up before use, or you wouldn't like the results AT ALL!
 
Submarines were know as "Pigboats", because the sailors were only allowed to take 1 shower per week. That rule was waived if they forgot to let the proper amount of pressure build up before using the head.
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