Everything you've ever wanted to know about life on a submarine.

I just interviewed a submariner. Someone who works on a submarine. I know, wow.

And I’ll be the first to say it. Way too many of my questions revolved around food, and too few addressed the burning question of how she manages to maintain a relationship whilst being away at sea for years.

Meet Olivia Brown. She is a submariner who is smart, devoted to her career and incredibly forgiving of all the stupid questions I sent her way, like when I asked her whether there is wifi under the ocean (the answer is interesting, but I felt like a goose…).

Submariners are part of the Navy within the Australian Defence Force. Being a submariner is a serious job filled with incredible pressures and responsibilities. It takes a certain type to become a successful submariner. Olivia definitely fits the bill. You’ll see what I mean.

Q: Submariners have been described as “extroverted introverts”. Would you describe yourself like that?

A: That is a difficult one. It definitely takes all types to be a submariner – I personally think I am more of an extrovert – so long as it’s not a tough crowd.

Q: What kinds of people make good submariners?

A: People who have personality and work well in a team. We are all working toward a common goal, and making sure everyone is on the same page and doing the best they can is very important.

Just as an FYI, you should know that this is an advertorial for Tech Trades Submariner.

You need to make people feel like they are a part of something awesome and helping everyone contribute is a good start. So the best submariners I have known have really good communication skills, are professional, helpful and have a bit of personality about them.

Q: What is the food like on a submarine?

A: I am a foodie and I love to cook so when it comes to food at sea I am a pretty harsh critic.

Q: Do submarines have wifi?

A: Not the kind that provides internet connection if that is what you are asking. Unfortunately there is no internet under the ocean, and even if there was we still wouldn’t be able to use it – the submarine’s location is not something we divulge readily. [I am still kicking myself that I asked this one…but it’s still fascinating.]

Q: Your job requires you to work both at sea and ashore. How long are you away for when you are at sea?

A: Our rotations vary from person to person and from job category to job category – we work on a general rule of two years on/two years off. I have been ashore since 2011/2012 and have had back-to-back shore postings.

Related: Holidays? Ugh. I can’t wait to go back to work.

Q: What does a typical work day look like for you?

A: I currently work at Defence Force Recruiting, which is a great job that re-integrates you back into the civilian world. I get to speak with a lot of people every day who want to join the military. As an extrovert I guess that’s something I really enjoy doing.

We start in the office around 8am and welcome our candidates in for the day, give them a quick brief about the recruiting process and military life and guide them through the day. We also have career counsellor interviews with them one-on-one to inform and discuss their options. So the day is usually completed by 4pm. Two times per week we do physical training – running or playing sport together to maintain fitness and teamwork.

Q: How do you stay calm and productive in a confined space?

A: Training. We do a lot of emergency training, and that gives people the skills to respond to any situation calmly and correctly. Everything we do is covered under some kind of policy or procedure so hopefully everyone knows what to do, and when to do it.

Q: What is your favourite part of your work ashore and at sea?

A: My favourite part of this job is seeing really good, motivated candidates fulfil their desire to join the military.

My favourite part of my submarine job is learning about the equipment I am working with. Oh, and ‘getting in’ day – that’s many people’s favourite thing, when you have been out at sea training or completing some kind of tasking – getting the job done and getting home is a good feeling.

Q: What is the first thing you do when you are ashore?

A: Shower without thongs on. Sounds weird but on a submarine the longest shower you will have is mere minutes, and for most of it the water is off.

Related: She’s smart and hard-working. So why can’t she get a job?

Q: Do you prefer being ashore or at sea?

A: Being at sea can be very full on – long periods away, disrupted sleep cycles, no sunlight for long periods… At the same time [it is] a very fulfilling work environment – sometimes you want your work to be challenging and ever-changing. Ashore, our job I guess is more stable, however it can be mundane and involve a more typical work environment like a normal desk job.

Personally I don’t mind being at sea, not sure my partner would agree with that though. Obviously due to the environment we work in, we do get paid considerably more when we are on sea rotation so there is that factor as well.

Q: Who does the cooking on board?

A: On a submarine of 60 people we have two cooks – they work separately over four meals – breakfast, lunch, dinner and mid-nighters. Yes, we have a meal at midnight so we don’t go hungry between dinner and breakfast.

What would your dream job be?

 

Being a Navy Submariner is a role like no other. It takes a unique individual to operate such advanced technology at these depths. It’s not the job for everyone, but if you are up for the challenge, it’ll reward you in ways you never knew possible. You’ll wear your Navy Submariner’s badge with pride, knowing you are going where few dare and doing what few dare.