Oh, the fun part is actually using the latrine. Here's an example of the instructions for using the head in a submarine:
On submarines, toilets are a little more complicated to use than in other
places. To use one simply follow these steps carefully.
1. Look for a sign that says "SECURED -- BLOWING SANITARIES" on the door of
the head. ("Head" is sailor talk for latrine or rest room because this
facility used to be at the head of sailing ships of old. That put them
downwind. Too bad there is no downwind on submarines.)
2. If the above sign is there, DO NOT PROCEDE FURTHER. Wait and hold it
until such time as the sanitary tanks are blown. (To blow sanitary tanks,
the tanks are pressurized to above sea pressure with high pressure air,
then flushed to the sea. Before the air escapes, though, the hull valve is
shut and the high pressure air is vented back into the ship through a small
charcoal filter. The smell permeates the ship.)
3. Use the toilet in the normal manner.
4. Open the flushing sea water isolation valve.
5. Open the flushing sea water valve.
6. Open the drain ball valve before the water level rises too high. This is
the point where it will become really obvious if you neglected steps 1 and
2, because instead of going down the drain, the contents of the toilet will
come back at you with explosive force, coating you and the inside of the
head with more than you deposited in setp 3.
7. When the toilet is drained, shut the drain ball valve. (If you missed
steps 1 and 2, do this IMMEDIATELY).
8. Shut the flushing sea water valve just as soon as a suitable water seal
is in place. (Timing is critical.)
9. Shut the sea water isolation valve.
10. If you missed steps 1 and 2, commence cleanup. Normally, the Chief of
the Boat will provide you with a toothbrush for this purpose, but you may
be asked to use your own.
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