Why do lookouts wear construction type harnesses?

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 16:13:43 -0400

Saw a video on USS Virginia and there were no stands by scope for lookouts to stand on, and they were just sitting up there by scope the scope wearing harnesses. Looks like they would have a slow time getting below when command lookouts below is given. The sailors on the bridge seem to have a clear shot down the hatch when clear the bridge given. I wonder if the new boats have a slower time to dive now days.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Oct 15 at 2022 12:56 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 12:56:37 -0400

The watch standers are tied off because things get slippery and you don't want anything like a stand to create a swirl (noise). Also, the sub only surfaces to enter a safe port, controlled photo op, etc. Crash dives today are pretty much a movie fiction. Rule 1: Never be in a position where you need to crash dive. Time to perform that action would be classified anyways. It takes a while to surface due to all the protocols and safety checks. Not following them resulted in me having to spend time out in Hawaii working the Ehime Maru incident.

Response by LT Rich Rowe made Jan 9 at 2023 10:24 AM

LT Rich Rowe — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 10:24:38 -0500

I’ve been on the bridge in a bad storm. Took waves higher than the sail. Almost drowned the lookout. Actually washed one of his boots off his feet. Had to abort & get back belowdecks. May have been washed overboard were he not tied in. Storms in N. Atlantic are terrible times to attempt man overboard recovery.