Problem solving:
A couple of people reported various problems/odd crashes with patches up to version 1.3
Strongly advise a complete uninstall, then patching to version 1.4b over a CLEAN install.
(This fixed some save-CTD's, time-compression CTD's, and crew-shifting CTD's for me.)
Patch here:
http://www.silent-hunteriii.com/uk/home.php
Couple obvious things to double-check first:
-Make sure your video card meets game reqirements
-Make sure your DVD drive/burner is working normally
-Make sure you choose the right patch for your situation (i.e. european/us version)
Also recommend not attempting to play the game before you patch.
And for what it's worth, I chose NOT to install Gameshadow.
If this doesn't work, you could also try the "clean out Starforce first" approach posted earlier in this thread.