Taking pictures, or video, in the confines of a submarine is actually a rule unto its own; at least, when involving a military submarine and when aboard a civilian submarine. The navy submarine, particularly those of the world navies, has stringent rules on no photography issues because of the issue of national security. Capturing photographs without any permission may attract serious repercussions, such as remand to a court of law. The other subs are civilian submarines that are usually allowed to trade, like tourism submarines or research submarines, which carry restrictions depending on the areas. Before you assume and go to take any picture, always inquire with the operators.
Why Military Submarines Ban Photography: Security and Operational Secrecy
The military submarines run highly secretly to guard the national defense measures, the development of technologies, and the safety of the crew. Photography is never allowed, as even a harmless picture is capable of leaking classified data about the make-up of the submarine, its equipment, or operating mode. Most navies, including the U.S. Navy, mandate that those in their crews enter into non-disclosure agreements in the event that the photography is unauthorized; otherwise, they can be court-martialed or discharged. Veterans and ex-submariners are, in most cases, limited to sharing photos they took during the service.
Exceptions to the Rule: When Photography Might Be Allowed on Military Submarines
Although photography of military submarines is usually prohibited, exceptions are rare. Life on submarines may at times be recorded by official navy photographers to be used, whether in recruitment, training, or as a PR event, but all images are thoroughly vetted prior to being released. Controlled media tours are sometimes allowed by some navies where journalists are only allowed to capture photos of approved areas under supervision. Nevertheless, these chances are few, and any footage shot must be subjected to a rigorous security clearance procedure so that no critical information becomes revealed to the outside world.
Civilian Submarines: Photography Policies for Tourists and Researchers
Civilian submarines, whether used in underwater tourism, scientific and study expeditions, or on private charter, frequently permit photography, as opposed to military submarines. There are, however, still limitations. Flash photography can be prohibited to avoid scaring marine life, and certain quarters (such as control rooms or crew quarters) may also be excluded. Such firms as Atlantis Submarines and Blue Safari provide tourists with the opportunity of taking underwater tours using special viewing ports, in which they are allowed to take as many pictures of marine creatures as possible, yet make sure to inquire about the policies first.
Underwater Photography Challenges: Lighting, Reflections, and Limited Space
There are difficulties in photographing in a submarine. Conditions in the confined space are bad for taking wide shots, and artificial lights on the thick glass of the portholes cause unpleasant reflections. Photography using a submarine window underwater requires the correction of the low light and backscatter (by haze particles in water). Glare can be reduced by using polarized filters, and a camera with a high ISO setting can be helpful in low-light scenarios.
Penalties for Violating Submarine Photography Rules
Failure to observe the photographic restrictions of a submarine is serious. In the military subs, unauthorized photography is considered a breach of the law on espionage, which results in the following penalty in the form of fines, jail, or discharge. Even in civilian submarines, the exception to the photography rules may consequently lead to loss of equipment, being thrown out of the boat, or prosecution in case some critical areas are photographed. Always follow the posted rules and instructions of the crew to avoid being in jeopardy.
Best Practices for Taking Photos Inside a Submarine (When Allowed)
In case photography is allowed, these are the best practices to follow: utilize natural light sources whenever possible, flash lights especially windows should be avoided at all costs as it was a major source of reflection, secure your camera against arm shaking and shake, and unique angles can be used to expose much of the submarine should its interior and without infringing on privacy and safety. To take an underwater shot, shoot at right angles to the glass to eliminate as much distortion as possible.
