General patrol questions

[kgsuarez]

Originally Posted by JMaxey

I normally patrol at periscope depth during the day at ahead slow. Then at night use the darkness to my advantage to recharge my batteries and get fresh air. I usually submerge periodically and make a 90 degree course change just to make sure nothing is around before I surface again.

I think you're being a little too cautious. The surface is relatively safe for us from the beginning of the war until later when the Allies start to use radar. (I forget what year they start using that junk) Of course it all depends where you are patrolling. If you are well into the Atlantic you have nothing to worry about, but if you are close to the Allied air reach it might be good measure to stay under during the day.

I prefer to be up top when possible, being that I can make more speed and cover more ground (so to speak), thereby increasing my chances of detecting something (remember, our U-boats are relatively slow). Also, when patrolling I like to submerge to 30 - 90 meters for an hour twice a day for a sound check (at 00:00 and again at 12:00).

Anyway, welcome aboard!