Showering with other guys is often one of the first questions that comes to mind when considering joining the Navy. While communal showers were once the norm in the military, the policies have changed over time. Here is a quick overview of what to expect when it comes to showering and bathing in the Navy.
During Basic Training
Yes, during basic training you will need to shower with other guys. The bathrooms and showers are communal style, with no privacy curtains or stalls. This is done to speed up the process since there are hundreds of recruits that need to shower each day. Time is very limited during basic training, so communal showers help get everyone through quickly.
You’ll find that after the first couple of times, showering together becomes normal. You get used to it and it’s not a big deal. Everyone is focused on getting cleaned up and continuing with the busy day.
On a Ship
On most Navy ships the sinks and toilets are in stalls for privacy, but the showers are communal. Depending on the size and class of the ship there could be just a few shower heads or upwards of 20 in the same open area.
The showers are usually separated by rank. Officers will have their own separate shower area, and the enlisted crew will use a different communal shower room. So while you still shower together, at least it will only be with members of your same rank.
At Permanent Shore Stations
At permanent Navy bases and stations on shore, you’ll likely find an increase in privacy. Bathrooms mostly have private stalls, and many have private showers as well.
However, it’s not unusual to still have open bay showers, especially in older buildings. Some bases with newer construction have started installing individual shower stalls with curtains or doors to allow for more privacy when bathing.
On a Submarine
Due to the very tight quarters on a submarine, there is almost no privacy when it comes to bathing. The crew shares just a few showers that need to be used very quickly.
On a Trident submarine, for example, there are only six shower stalls for a crew of 150. And those stalls have no curtains or privacy barriers of any kind. So submarine crews end up showering together and get used to the lack of privacy very quickly.
Tips for Communal Showers
Here are some tips to manage communal showers:
- Get in, wash up, and get out – don’t linger
- Face the wall or look straight ahead to give others privacy
- Wear sandals in the shower to avoid fungus or warts
- Wrap up in a towel or robe before going to/from the shower area
- Stay humble and mature – don’t mess around or make jokes
Are “Navy Showers” a Real Thing?
You may have heard the term “Navy shower.” This refers to showering quickly while turning the water off and on at different intervals. It’s a way to conserve water which is important on ships and submarines where freshwater supplies are limited.
While water conservation is critical, continuously turning the shower on and off is generally not practiced anymore. However, taking short efficient showers is still encouraged across the Navy.
What About Masturbating in the Showers?
This is absolutely not allowed or tolerated in the Navy. Masturbating or sexual acts in the showers can result in judicial punishment. Respect your fellow shipmates’ privacy and keep your hands to yourself.
Can You Request More Privacy?
The communal nature of showers is necessary in the Navy based on space constraints and the number of personnel that need to use them. However, if you have unique circumstances, you can make requests through your chain of command for considerations.
For example, those undergoing gender transition may be able to get authorization to use officer or female showers. Medical needs may also require an exception in some cases.
What to Expect with Bathrooms
While bathrooms still offer more privacy than showers, there are some things to expect:
- On ships, toilets and sinks are in small stalls, but you may still need to wait in line
- Urinals are communal and spaced closely together
- It’s not uncommon for sinks or toilets to be out of order and need repair
- Supplies like toilet paper and soap may run out quickly with limited storage
Laundry in the Navy
Laundry facilities on ships and stations are also communal. Multiple service members will be using a few washers and dryers to do their laundry. There’s not much privacy when it comes to doing your laundry in the Navy.
On some ships and bases, laundry is sent out to contractors which avoids the need to use communal laundries. But where available, laundry time is another area where you’ll need to get used to the communal setup.
Summary of Shower and Bathroom Privacy in the Navy
| Location | Shower Privacy | Bathroom Privacy |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Training | Communal | Communal |
| Ship | Communal | Stalls for Toilets/Sinks |
| Shore Base | Mixed – Some Communal, Some Private | Mostly Private Stalls |
| Submarine | Communal | Extremely Limited |
Conclusion
While the Navy has increased privacy in bathrooms and showers over the years when feasible, the nature of close quarters means you’ll still encounter communal facilities – especially on ships and submarines. But communal showers are largely just part of the first few weeks at basic training.
It may take some getting used to, but most find the lack of privacy is only a minor challenge that you adapt to quickly. Understanding what to expect with bathing and laundry can help you mentally prepare. Respecting others’ privacy and learning to efficiently bathe communally is part of the growth experience in the Navy.