Abstract
Submarine internal communications subsystems vary widely in their design and capabilities. As a result, submarine crews may feel that internal communications differ in reliability and place associated levels of trust in them, especially during emergency operating conditions. We examined a US Navy Trident submarine crew as they used the internal communications subsystems during a four-day period at sea. The results showed that crewmembers' level of trust in the submarine's internal communications subsystems was significantly reduced during emergency operating conditions. Specifically, we noted that the submarine's wire free communication system as well as its sound powered phone systems received the lowest trust ratings. Interviews conducted with the crewmembers revealed several problems associated with these types of communication subsystems. The most often cited problems included poor durability, maintainability, effective range, battery life, freedom of movement, and sound quality. Designers should address these problems to improve crewmembers' reliability and trust in future internal communication systems.
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