Women to serve on Royal Navy submarines for first time

LONDON - For the very first time, the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet is preparing to open its doors to women.

Wrens have served on surface ships since the Navy lifted its ban on women crew 20 years ago, but they have remained outlawed from the ’silent service’ because of fears that their reproductive organs and unborn children might be affected by the reactors on board modern nuclear-powered subs.

There were also concerns that the presence of women on submarines could create disruptive relationships on vessels that often spend months underwater.

A study by the Institute of Naval Medicine, however, has concluded that there is no risk to female or foetal health from submarine radiation under normal operating conditions.

Navy sources have indicated that female submariners could be on board by next year.

Concerns had previously been expressed by the wives and girlfriends of submariners over whether females would be allowed to sleep in the bunks vacated by their male counterparts when they swapped shifts - a practice commonly known as ‘hot-bedding’.

But senior naval officers made it clear last night that if Wrens are allowed to join the submarine fleet, they will be provided with separate sleeping and showering facilities.

One officer said many in the Navy felt women were just as tough as men when it came to withstanding the psychological pressures of the loneliness of underwater life.

“There was a 50/50 split about whether females should serve in submarines,” the Daily Mail quoted Kim Richardson, chair of the Naval Families Federation, as saying.

“Some family members did express concerns about where the females were going to sleep, and a number of these physical aspects were raised.

“We were reassured by the Navy that all this is being taken into account, but we are still keen to hear from anyone who has a view,” said Richardson

A senior petty officer, however, said, “A female is a distraction. It is as old as Adam and Eve.

“When you are in a tense situation working hard, you form relationships. With a bloke, it is a mate for life. With a woman, it is often lustful. Just watch and see what happens when they join our boats.” (ANI)