Looking for an EASY way to get started!

I have played several modern sub sims and have been successful, but SH4 has me REALLY feeling stupid! I completted the first 3 training missions without difficutly, mostly automated, realism at 58%, but training mission #4 has me dead in the water before i get to try anything.
I really don't have time to read a ton of manuals, I just want to play and have fun, increasing realism and knowledge as I go. But if I can't even complete the training I'm going nowhere fast.
Does anyone have some SIMPLE help to learn this mission using basic, automated controls for a moron?
I'm a 23 year fire captain that has no "sea legs" apparently, I'm not stupid, but this one has me frustrated!
Tim