Submarine Parts and Equipment Key Terms

Learn key terms for submarine parts and equipment to ensure safety at sea

By Rachel Davy, Writer/Editor

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: Fleet Submarine explains how submarine periscopes function.