When do Captains sleep

[Achtung Englander]

Having read Das Boot and seen the TV show I really should know this but a simple question - at what time did a captain of a U Boat actually sleep

As a virtual captain you are up and fresh whenever you are needed - so in theory you are never asleep in the game but in reality what shift would a captain downtime ?

I presume he would sleep during the day and be more active at night because the bulk of sinking / hunting was done at night - the U Boats advantage.

[Dowly]

I´d say the kaleun slept when the time was right for it. When submerged for example, hydrophone would pick up any closing threats.

[Safe-Keeper]

You sleep during time compression.

Hey, you're better off than the people in TV series, who never get to go to the bathroom.

[Dantenoc]

Originally Posted by Safe-Keeper

You sleep during time compression.

That's essentialy correct, the boat is pretty much run by the crew so the captain is needed only when interesting stuff is happening that require command decisions... It's pretty much like: "Navigation officer: make a course for our target area, and please wake me up only if something interesting comes up". Of course, to avoid boredom and to also set a good example for the crew, the captain will alternate shifts with his second in command. Something like that, perhaps a real naval officer or enlisted man can shed more light on the subject

In civilian scientific cruises I know that the researchers work in four hour shifts, with the 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM being the most dreaded one.

[Jimbuna]

I reckon Dowlys right...but I also reckon the kaleun would have to choose the time carefully to coencide when Bernhard was sleeping

[HunterICX]

That if TC is my sleeping time...than Holy Sh!t I sleep too much then :rotfl:

[Finnbat]

Actually they never sleep.
Or when they sleep they do it the other eye open.