Can woman go in submarines

Answer 1

Women have been riding submarines for many decades; however, until the current U.S. Administration changed policy, women have not been allowed to serve aboard submarines for a variety of reasons, but in general since it's hazardous duty and has safety hazards that affect women more than men.

While "social experiments" and the desire to serve aboard a submarine are great goals, in practice it's easy to want something when you don't know the risks involved, and the risks aren't publicly known since minimum clearance for anything regarding a modern submarine is Secret/NOFORN. Few submariners (myself included) ever get away from submarine duty without some health problem, be it lung related, mental, or cancer. The British Royal Navy's policy against women serving aboard submarines is specific, stating the radiation danger to a woman's fetus as the primary factor. Of course that's BS (radiation levels on board modern boats are less than you get from the sun) but the dangers to the female reproductive system from other chemical agents and radiation sources other than the reactor are very real. Of course that's not in the recruiting brochure when you're asked to volunteer.

It remains to be seen if the policy shift will actually take effect - unlike the changes with gays and women aboard combat ships, flying combat missions, etc., submarine duty is strictly a volunteer force, and the Navy could wind up with a mass exodus of qualified sailors from the submarine force if they push the issue. Navy life in a submarine isn't like a regular ship, and the mental stresses are hard enough without any other distractions.

One of the biggest opponents of women serving aboard boats is the wives of current submariners. Divorce rates for the submarine force typically run around 70%, given the long absences without any communication (unlike surface ships), and above average port destinations. The thought of any woman in such close quarters does not sit will with most wives.

In the past, women who ride submarines temporarily are usually assigned quarters in the XO or CO's stateroom, which has its own head facility. The biggest problem is the complete lack of privacy, even in officer and senior enllsted areas.

As of May 2011, Submarine Base Groton has received its first female candidates for submarine duty. However, they are female officers, and will be assigned to SSBN's and SSGN's due to the minimal impact on crew co-habitation.