Escape trunk

Escape trunk is a compartment in a submarine or other submersible vessel that allows crew members to exit the vessel while it is submerged. The escape trunk is designed to be flooded with water, which is then displaced by air to allow the crew member to ascend to the surface.

Design and Operation

The escape trunk is typically a small, cylindrical compartment with two hatches. The lower hatch provides access from the interior of the submarine, while the upper hatch opens to the sea. The escape trunk is equipped with a pressure gauge and a ballast tank to control the pressure and buoyancy during the escape process.

To use the escape trunk, a crew member enters the compartment and seals the lower hatch. The compartment is then flooded with water to equalize the pressure with the outside sea. Once the pressure is equalized, the upper hatch can be opened without the risk of explosive decompression. The crew member can then exit the submarine and ascend to the surface.

Safety Measures

Escape trunks are equipped with several safety measures to protect the crew during the escape process. These include oxygen masks to provide breathable air, thermal protection suits to protect against the cold sea water, and life rafts that can be deployed once the crew member reaches the surface.

History

The concept of an escape trunk was first proposed in the early 20th century as a means of providing a safe exit from a submerged submarine. The first practical escape trunk was developed by the United States Navy during World War II. Since then, escape trunks have become a standard feature on submarines and other submersible vessels.

See Also

• Submarine
• Decompression (diving)
• Submarine escape training