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 SETTING ON THE BOTTOM
Author: George (---.aep.bellsouth.net)
Date:   02-06-06 18:14

I have watched submarine movies all my life. In all the movies at one time or another the submarine will submerge and set on the bottom to escape detection. But, how common a practice was this really? Wouldn't the submarine have had to be a pretty shallow area of the oceans?
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 Re: SETTING ON THE BOTTOM
Author: Patrick O'Connor (---.bay.webtv.net)
Date:   03-12-06 08:46

It wasn't very common. A submarine depends on mobility for survival. If the enemy is using sonar, this is a good way to end up dead.

There were a few instances of boats resting temorarily on the bottom ("lying doggo"), but usually when things were quiet.

Also if sitting on the bottom, you could pick up debris in the ballast tank vents, prevening them from closing properly, with predictable results.

As for depth, any level area above the boats safe operating limits is fine, if you're determined to take the chance. Most skippers weren't.
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 Re: SETTING ON THE BOTTOM
Author: Dan Odenweller (---.as.wcom.net)
Date:   03-13-06 09:22

The ballast tank vent valves are located well above the keel, and are unlikely to pick up debris. However, for the boats that had ballast tank flood valves (or still had them installed), this could be a concern.

To surface, the ballast tanks were blown dry with air, forcing the water and the debris out the bottom of the tanks. This would tend to clear any debris, although nothing is sailor proof.

The first opportunity for debris to get into the vent valves would be on the next dive, when the vents were opened to release the air, and the ballast tank filled with water (and debris).


Dan B. Odenweller
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 Re: SETTING ON THE BOTTOM
Author: oldbubblehead 
Date:   02-24-07 20:51

During the late sixties I served on a diesel boat (Gato Class) which had been specially modified to permit it to bottom without damage and without fouling any hull openings. This was a handy skill for reconnaisance missions and for dropping off and waiting for commando type personnel (of whatever service).
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