Submarines Trivia Quiz – 15 Questions And Answers

Prepare to dive deep into the fascinating world of submarines with our exhilarating Submarines Trivia Quiz! Strap on your mental periscope and get ready to explore the mysteries of these underwater marvels. From their humble beginnings to their role in warfare and exploration, submarines have captured the imagination of generations.

In this quiz, we’ll put your knowledge to the test with 15 captivating questions that will challenge even the most seasoned maritime enthusiasts. Discover the groundbreaking innovations that revolutionized submarine technology, unravel the tales of legendary submarine commanders, and uncover the secrets hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.

So, take a deep breath, submerge yourself in knowledge, and get ready for an immersive journey into the fascinating world of submarines!

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  1. What year was the first military submarine, the Turtle, built?
    • 1785
    • 1775
    • 1800
    • 1776
    The correct answer is 1775.
    The Turtle was built during the American Revolutionary War by David Bushnell.
  2. What is the primary method of propulsion for modern submarines?
    • Diesel-electric
    • Gasoline engines
    • Nuclear power
    • Steam power
    The correct answer is Nuclear power.
    Nuclear power allows submarines to stay submerged for long periods without the need for refueling.
  3. What is the name of the United States’ longest-serving submarine class?
    • Los Angeles-class
    • Seawolf-class
    • Ohio-class
    • Virginia-class
    The correct answer is Los Angeles-class.
    The Los Angeles-class submarines were commissioned between 1976 and 1996 and some are still in service today.
  4. Which country has the largest submarine fleet in the world?
    • North Korea
    • China
    • United States
    • Russia
    The correct answer is North Korea.
    North Korea has the largest number of submarines, but they are mostly small and outdated.


  1. What is the primary purpose of a ballistic missile submarine?
    • Nuclear deterrence
    • Reconnaissance
    • Anti-submarine warfare
    • Mine-laying
    The correct answer is Nuclear deterrence.
    Ballistic missile submarines carry nuclear missiles as a strategic deterrent against potential enemy attacks.
  2. Which German submarine was the most successful in sinking enemy ships during World War II?
    • U-571
    • U-48
    • U-505
    • U-99
    The correct answer is U-48.
    U-48 sank 55 ships during its service in World War II.
  3. What is the maximum depth a modern nuclear submarine can dive to?
    • 800 meters
    • 1,500 meters
    • 1,000 meters
    • 500 meters
    The correct answer is 800 meters.
    The exact depth varies depending on the specific submarine, but most modern nuclear submarines can dive to around 800 meters.
  4. Which country developed the first nuclear-powered submarine?
    • United States
    • United Kingdom
    • Russia
    • France
    The correct answer is United States.
    The USS Nautilus, commissioned in 1954, was the first nuclear-powered submarine.
  5. What is the term for the process of expelling water from a submarine’s ballast tanks to rise to the surface?
    • Releasing the tanks
    • Purging the tanks
    • Emptying the tanks
    • Blowing the tanks
    The correct answer is Blowing the tanks.
    Blowing the tanks involves using compressed air to force water out of the ballast tanks, making the submarine more buoyant.
  6. Which of these submarines is not a class of U.S. Navy submarines?
    • Typhoon-class
    • Seawolf-class
    • Ohio-class
    • Virginia-class
    The correct answer is Typhoon-class.
    Typhoon-class submarines are a class of Russian nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines.
Reveal Answers 1 To 10
  1. What is the primary method of communication for submerged submarines?
    • High frequency radio
    • Underwater telephone
    • Satellite communication
    • Very low frequency radio
    The correct answer is Very low frequency radio.
    Very low frequency radio waves can penetrate seawater, allowing submarines to communicate while submerged.
  2. What was the name of the British submarine that sank the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano during the Falklands War?
    • HMS Conqueror
    • HMS Courageous
    • HMS Vanguard
    • HMS Astute
    The correct answer is HMS Conqueror.
    HMS Conqueror was a British nuclear-powered submarine that sank the General Belgrano in 1982.
  3. What is the term for the maximum depth at which a submarine is designed to operate?
    • Operating depth
    • Test depth
    • Crush depth
    • Design depth
    The correct answer is Test depth.
    Test depth is the maximum depth at which a submarine is designed to operate, while crush depth is the depth at which the submarine’s hull will collapse due to pressure.
  4. What is the name of the first submarine to circumnavigate the globe underwater?
    • USS Thresher
    • USS Seawolf
    • USS Nautilus
    • USS Triton
    The correct answer is USS Triton.
    USS Triton, a United States Navy nuclear-powered submarine, completed the underwater circumnavigation in 1960.


  1. What is the primary method used by submarines to detect other vessels while submerged?
    • Lidar
    • Visual observation
    • Radar
    • Sonar
    The correct answer is Sonar.
    Sonar uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, including other vessels and obstacles.
Reveal Answers 11 To 15



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