While staff from DAN’s Research, Safety Services, and Medical departments were attending the recent European Underwater and Baromedical Society conference in France to present their latest work, they were able to visit the nearby French naval submarine base and board an active-duty submarine carrying nuclear warhead payloads.
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) invited a small, exclusive group of representatives from other allied navies and research laboratories working in dive pathophysiology to visit the base in the spirit of sharing information about submarine rescue and dive safety.
The tour started with the medical facilities and an overview on how the French Navy medically treats military personnel exposed to nuclear materials. They also provided insight about the complexity of potential submarine rescues and how the French Navy and NATO train for such circumstances. The French Navy instructors also demonstrated their submarine escape drills for the group.
The tour culminated with the group boarding the submarine Le Téméraire, a Triomphant-class ballistic missile submarine with nuclear armaments. Led by the French Navy’s submarine doctor, the submarine tour included a visit to the medical operating room and a discussion of the complexities of dealing with medical emergencies without compromising the mission as well as the versatility needed to treat various pathologies that can arise during submariners’ long missions.
The comprehensive walkthrough of the crew living quarters, kitchen, bridge, and missiles room provided a great learning opportunity for DAN staff and all the participants.
© Penyelam Siaga – Q2 2025
