Technology of Submarines
Technology of Submarines
One had been swayed by the Yellow Submarine, that cool Beatles number of the 60s. This one looked cool too. And mysterious. As it lolled on the gentle waters off Visakhapatnam, this mean machine seemed to hide Cimmerian secrets in its bosom. And some 70 men.
The invitation from Commander S. Dasika of the Eastern Naval Command was too tempting to forego, in spite of the claustrophobic rush at the mention of a submarine. It is not often that one gets a chance to visit an Indian Navy submarine.
An officer looks through the periscope
This one was docked after a return from a mission on the high seas. We took a small ride to the sub, and walked across a little plank to stand atop its fin. Everything seemed normal till people started disappearing into a little hatch. Commander S.V. Bhokare urged caution. "Be careful while climbing down. Place the middle of your foot on the rung and hold tight on either side and you will be fine. Beneath the first hatch is another and we will be going inside that."
Officer Girish chivalrously offered to carry my bag. I wished he could do the same with me. Since the offer did not come I took the plunge, landing in a bit of a heap. But the guys working at the engines didn't seem to mind. They smiled and went on with their work. If the hatch was small, this area was smaller.
Yet there were enthusiastic men hunkering over the consoles. Seeing my discomfort at the work environment, one gentleman officer offered me a chair under a miniature fan. He also suggested a glass of water. I gritted my teeth and asked him to continue with the tour.
At a training session
Next I found myself in front of the periscope, which was mounted for a six-footer or for someone standing on a stool. Since I cannot boast of such heights and could not spot a stool, I stood on my toes and scanned the expanse of water. I wanted to cry "Mayday" till a helpful officer turned the periscope 180º, now I saw human beings walking and driving on terra firma.
That wonderful sight seemed so far away. Here I was inside a hulk of a machine which seemed to close in on me. The space is curtailed because of the machinery and, of course, the men. If you are not...