How many people could fit a submarine?

Answer 1

The physical size of the ship is the upper limit on how many people can fit in a submarine. Operationally, the atmosphere control systems and food supplies further constrain the maximum load. U.S. attack submarines deploy for about six months; when we left home, we actually had to walk on food cans at times. The lower limit would be set by the operational and maintenance needs to conduct submerged operations. Thus, there is an engineered balance between the duration of the expected missions, ability to replenish stores

In my service on three U. S. submarines, the crewing was very much mission-dependent. On an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, Jackson's "Submarines of the World" lists the crew as 155, which seems about right to me. Variables for our ship included shortages in some crew ratings at times, to having extra crew on board for training purposes. That number holds up for submerged operations of about ten weeks, but on one occasion I had to be out for twelve weeks. During some operations, such as inspections or builder's trials, the number could swell to 300 or so for a day or two. The same source suggests 175 for Russia's Typhoon-class (I'll use NATO labels), and I expect their actual numbers vary for inspections etc as well.

In contrast, the Los Angeles-class were engineered for about 110 on board, but often carry about 135 to support crew training and mission requirements. Russia's Victor III-class is built for 100, but probably can carry more for an extended period. Their newer Akula may actually require less crew, I've always heard the Russians like to automate operations as much as they can. The Russian Oscar-class SSGN is listed at 130. I would guess the Ohio-class ships converted to SSGNs probably need about the same crew as the regular ones. Special operations complements aboard could add more, maybe a hundred or so for shorter duration missions.

In contrast, I went aboard a fairly modern Chilean Type 209-class sub visiting our base in Pearl Harbor one Sunday morning. One of the crew indicated that they had deployed with just 33 crew (Jackson suggests 22). It wasn't cramped at all, and the senior enlisted guy I talked to said everyone had their own bunk, the CO had a small stateroom. The galley was just a griddle over a small oven, quite small, and the dining area was just a couple of four-seat dinettes. I don't remember seeing a wardroom. The engine room was small, with four small diesels and a Siemens switchboard, in a separate compartment. The crewman back there talked to me in a normal voice, and I came to realize one of the diesels was actually running; it was quiet, like my Civic.