Submarine Communication and Emergency Protocols: Is Your Cell Phone Allowed?

Submarines operate under unique conditions that make regular communication with the outside world challenging. Unlike life on surface ships or ashore, submariners must adapt to the lack of data connectivity while ensuring they are informed of any potential emergencies. In this article, we explore the rules regarding cell phone usage on submarines and the protocols for receiving emergency notifications.

Why Can't You Use Your Cell Phone on a Submarine?

Due to the nature of submarine operations, cell phone usage is strictly prohibited. The ocean environment, with its depth and isolation, makes maintaining a reliable connection nearly impossible. Additionally, the military necessity of confidentiality and maintaining an undetectable profile further restricts the use of personal communication devices.

Emergency Notification Systems for Submariners

Despite the lack of direct cell phone access, submarine service members have well-established protocols to receive emergency notifications. This process begins with a detailed and written questionaire when a sailor first reports to the command. The inquiry specifically addresses whether the sailor wishes to be notified in case of an emergency.

For those who do choose to be notified, the process involves a multi-step handshake that includes the family member, the American Red Cross, and the submarine squadron. The family member first contacts the Red Cross, which then relays the request to the appropriate submarine squadron. The squadron ensures that the notification is transmitted to the submarine.

The notification is then given to the commanding officer (CO) or the executive officer (XO), who informs the submariner about the emergency. This chain of communication is designed to be as efficient as possible while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the information received.

Personal Preferences and Reliability

The decision to allow or reject notifications is a personal one. As a submariner, the likelihood of returning home alive in the event of an emergency is relatively low, unless multiple deaths occur in the immediate family. This fact influences many submariners' choices regarding emergency notification.

Submarines operate independently at sea for extended periods, and communication with shore is often limited to scheduled contacts or when surfacing. While it would be convenient to have real-time access to personal devices like cell phones, the practicalities of submarine operations outweigh the benefits of such access.

Port Calls and Surface Ship Transfers

For clarification, it is important to note that the rules may vary during port calls or when transferring from a surface ship to a submarine. In these cases, some flexibility may be applied, but the primary rule remains that access to cell phones is restricted while the submarine is submerged or underway.

Conclusion

The communication protocols of submarines are designed to ensure safety and operational readiness. While cell phone usage is not permitted, emergency notification systems are well-established to keep submariners informed of any critical situations. The decision to be included in these notifications is a deeply personal one, balancing convenience with the harsh realities of submarine life.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the rules and procedures surrounding cell phone usage and emergency notifications on submarines, highlighting the importance of these protocols in ensuring the safety and readiness of submarine crews.