Working in a submarine is something that happens only to a select few, and there are a lot of people who do not know what it is like to spend months on end under the sea.

Here are a few details regarding what a day in the life of a submarine crew member is like.

The typical submarine day is 18 hours long, and its crew is divided into three watch sections. The 18-hour day is divided into 6 hours on watch, during which time the crew member is on duty, and 12 hours off watch.

Crew members who are on duty may be assigned to any of the following roles, who operate the corresponding equipment indicated: Radioman of the Watch (operates radio equipment), Quartermaster of the Watch (determines the submarine’s position in the ocean), Engine Room Lower Level Watch (operates all equipment located in the lower level of the engine room), Throttleman (operates the throttles which control the main engines, which, in turn, control the speed of the ship’s propeller) and Planesman (operates the submarine’s diving or steering controls).

Each “on watch” rotation is usually comprised of 25 crew members.

But what do crew members do in the 12 hours when they are off-duty? Most people may imagine cramped submarine quarters, with nowhere else to go, and it would be difficult to imagine what one can do in a sub during one’s free time. There are a number of activities, however, that submarine crew can engage in while out at sea. They may choose to study or attend training sessions, or perform routine service maintenance. They may also watch movies (subs carry around 400 movies), play board games, or work out.