The military originally developed submarine equipment and technology for war. Today, submarines play a key role in research, tourism and underwater filming. Privately owned submarines are generally smaller than those used by the military and get their power from electricity generated by diesel fuel. Most military submarines today use nuclear power.

To classify as a submarine, a ship must operate underwater without support from a larger ship, otherwise it classifies as a submersible. Here are a few submarine parts and equipment basics:

1. The pressure hull is usually made of two separate metal hulls that protect those inside from the high pressure underwater.

2. Ballast tanks fill with water to submerge the submarine or air to lift the submarine to the surface.

3. GPS technology, which works deep under the surface while a periscope works only at the surface, acts as an integral part of submarine equipment.

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Learn more about the parts of a submarine

Technology has advanced the capabilities of submarines through the years, but the basic concept remains the same. A brief history of submarines can help you determine the key parts of a submarine. A tour of submarine can also help you learn the parts, their placement and their uses.

I recommend: Explain That Stuff describes key submarine parts in detail as well as a brief history of submarines. Nautilus has a list of historical submarines located in the US and worldwide that you can tour.

Find information on specific submarine engines for sale

There are many different submarine engines in use today that allow submarines to stay submerged longer and at greater depths than ever before.

I recommend: FleetSubmarine.com offers detailed information about submarine propulsion systems. Kokes Marine Technologies describes the latest technology available in its submarine engines, such as argon drive closed cycle diesel engines that use inert argon gas as a recyclable catalyst for the combustion reaction in the engine.

Search for submarine equipment online

Finding submarine parts may not be easy. Some companies specialize in submarine gear rather than parts. You can often find used submarines for sale at auction, which you can use for scrap. If you can't find the part you need, look for a company that manufacturer's parts or that can find parts for you.

I recommend: Government Liquidation is the official site for the sale of submarine surplus and junk marine equipment for the US military. Century Components sells spare parts for military equipment including submarines. If you don't see the part you need in its inventory, contact the company; it may be able to find you the part you need.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some people are looking to submarine surplus as their shelter in case of biological, chemical or nuclear attack. Even without going underwater, a submarine is a sealed environment.
• •  Safety is of key importance in submarine design and use. Submarine sellers often offer classes for the safe operating of your submarine. Pilot training courses are necessary for anyone operating a submarine.

Submarine parts and equipment come in all shapes and sizes from tiny gaskets to complete engines. Submarines also come in a plethora of sizes, from large, manned submersible boats to remote-controlled submarines. Government auctions and surplus websites offer an even wider selection of submarine equipment surplus and submarine parts and equipment.

If you want to find submarine gear or even a submarine for sale, this guide leads you to submarine parts distributors, submarine equipment surplus companies and other places to get submarine equipment. Asking the following questions can help you find the submarine gear, parts or vessel your company needs.

1. What type of submarine parts and submarine gear do you need?

2. Where can you get submarine parts?

3. Do you want to add to your submarine fleet?

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Identify the needed submarine parts on your vessel

Before you start shopping for submarine parts or submarine surplus, you'll need to define exactly what parts you need. Submarine parts vary greatly from one vessel to the next.

I recommend: Look at the submarine equipment you intend to replace to see the name of the manufacturer or submarine part, then try and find schematics, white papers or diagrams like the ones LinuxDevices makes available for the Mongoose. Also look for a diagram like the electrical diagrams shown in the manuals at the Maritime Park Association.

Search for submarine gear

If you already own a submarine you probably have a fair bit of knowledge about the parts of a submarine and what type of submarine equipment you need. Finding submarine equipment distributors can offer a challenge, so start at some easy-to-search websites for submarine equipment suppliers and parts.

I recommend: Look first for submarine equipment online at Government Liquidation. They have submarine engines for sale, junk marine equipment and other government submarine surplus gear. WB Parts sells radar equipment that you can use on a submarine.

Find a submarine for sale

If you're reading this because you want to add to your fleet of submersibles or replace the one you have, you may want to know where you can find a submarine for sale. If you've checked the websites in the step above and still haven't found what you need, you may wonder if you can find a new submarine for sale rather than a used submarine sale.

I recommend: If you want to find a full-size submarine for sale, U.S. Submarines has them. They sell new and used submarines. Underwater Vehicles sells smaller submarine workboats.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be careful when looking for submarine equipment online. Radio-controlled model submarines have grown in popularity and enthusiasts share bevies of information about their models. It can be hard to tell the difference between a model schematic and a real one, so look closely before you call submarine equipment distributors and order parts.

Submarine gear, whether it's submarine parts and equipment for military vessels or other types of submarines, is specialized and requires unique training and education courses for proper operation. Before you purchase a submarine for sale, you need to be educated on the type and style to ensure you get the submarine you need.

Submarine parts and equipment specialists who work in submarine surplus stores can offer educational insight into the submarines that interest you. Submarine equipment distributors often offer customers training courses and seminars to highlight the parts of a submarine and how to effectively maneuver it. When you consider submarine parts and equipment education and training, you should:

1. Receive specialized training and education for submarine gear from private and public sources.

2. Use sources such as seminars, conferences and literature that focus on submarine parts and submarine equipment.

3. Participate in clubs and organizations that have a focus on submarine parts and equipment to network with others and to stay current on new trends in submarine training and education.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Receive specialized education and training for submarine equipment use

Take advantage of hands-on training and education to learn how to properly use submarine gear safely and effectively. Such training can come from the military or submarine companies.

I recommend: Triton Submarines offers clients personalized, hands-on training in how to use the submarine, submarine equipment safety and submarine maintenance and repair. Train to become a Submarine Officer with the United States Navy. The Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program offers intense hands-on training inside submarines and educational courses in a class setting.

Take advantage of resources that feature submarine equipment and gear

Seminars and conferences offer a great opportunity to network with submarine parts distributors and submarine enthusiasts. Attend conferences specific to submarine parts and equipment to keep up-to-date on submarine trends. Subscribe to literature that focuses on submarine technology for current news on submarines.

I recommend: Kokes Marine Technologies offers on-site seminars and lecture series on submarine equipment and use. The Submarine Research Center offers a plethora of detailed information on submarine equipment and training techniques.

Use submarine associations and clubs for submarine parts and equipment education and training

Local and national organizations that focus on submarines often offer free educational tools to the public. Join private organizations to reap members-only benefits.

I recommend: Join the Naval Submarine League to keep up-to-date on trends in submarine parts and equipment. Attend the Annual Symposium in the fall to network with chapters across the country. The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association exhibits the USS Pampanito, a WWII submarine. Educational resources that detail the parts of a submarine is also available for free.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Attend conferences on submarine gear and equipment annually to stay current on changes in submarine parts.

For sailors and crews of submarines, it is vital to understand the key terms for submarine parts and equipment. Having this information can mean the difference between life and death when you are submerged; but this is also information that is required in order to maintain submarines and ensure the safety of all aboard. Learn the key terms for submarine parts and equipment and how each of them function to ensure the safety of yourself and your crew.

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Pressure hull

The pressure hull of submarines resists water pressure to make underwater transport possible. Pressure hulls make it possible to breathe in the extreme water pressure levels that are present in submarines. As a result, officers and crew on submarines can travel with comfort and ease. Pressure hulls are usually made of titanium or steel.

I recommend: Read the information about the pressure hull at Submarine Research.

Ballast tanks

Located between the inner and outer hulls are the ballast tanks. Filled with either water or air, ballast tanks control the buoyancy of submarines. When ballast tanks are full of air it makes a submarine rise, while those that are full of water sink.

I recommend: View the diagram and read the information about ballast tanks at Office of Naval Research.

Propulsion systems

Propulsion systems move the submarine through water with diesel engines and air-independent units. These engines allow the submarine to move through water at high speeds. Air-independent propulsion systems allow submarines to move silently underwater which makes them more difficult to detect when they are submerged.

I recommend: Find information about submarine propulsion systems at Naval-Technology.com.

Conning tower

The conning tower is the highest part of the submarine and is located at its center. Inside the conning tower are the buttons used to fire torpedoes.

I recommend: View photographs and information about the conning tower of the USS Cod Submarine.

Navigation systems

The navigation systems on submarines include periscopes, satellites, sonar and radar devices. Navigation systems make it possible to travel underwater without surfacing. Light doesn't travel through water, so navigation systems had to be created to use satellites, sounds or electric pulses to navigate underwater.

I recommend: Learn about the submarine navigation systems created by Lockheed Martin.

Periscope

A submarine periscope is an underwater device used to observe threats or targets at ocean depths or above ground. In the past, submarines had two periscopes, one for observation and a captain's periscope for targeting purposes. Today periscope camera systems use digital technology to target objects or observe ranges replacing traditional periscopes.

I recommend: Fleet Submarine explains how submarine periscopes function.