Oberon class submarines are equipped to fire Mk.8, Mk.23, Mk 48 and Sub-Harpoon torpedoes.

Mines can be laid using the torpedoes tubes these are usually stored in tunnels under the deck. Because each weapon has a different use, two tubes are left empty so the most appropriate can be deployed with out first having to unload a tube.

Tubes 5 and 6 are loaded by a hydraulic ram the rest have to be man handled with block and tackle in the way almost unchanged since before the First World War. In modern boats this procedure is now fully automated. In older boats and Oberon's this area would also been used as accommodation space for some of the crew.

Still looking forward if we look up we can see the Escape Hatch, the housing around it contains the trunk.

A free assent escape is limited to water depths less than 150 meters.

To make a free accent from this escape compartment in an emergency the compartment would be flooded to equalize the pressure out side. In order to open the hatch, the trunk would be pulled down and secured about 1.5 meters off the mesh deck.

Those awaiting escape breath through individual regulated mouth pieces plugged into a ring main air supply known as BIBS [built in breathing system], until the moment they duck under the trunk and make their exit through the hatch.

To help survival from the elements once on the surface there are self-contained survival suits for each member of the crew, these are kept in the lockers on both side of the compartment with at least eight suits in each. At depths greater than 150 meters a DSRV [Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel] would have to be used to lock onto the hatch, this is the only hatch equipped to do so.

Another emergency device is the Type 183 underwater telephone this allows communication between survivors and rescuers on the surface.

Other important equipment in this compartment is:

(1) Oxygen Generator  - which produces synthetic O2 in emergency situations. 

(2) CO2 absorption unit - which scrubs the CO2 from air.

(3)[S.S.E.] Submerged signal ejector - This is used to fire pyrotechnic to give a visual indication on the surface. Also for the deployment of counter measure pyrotechnic and decoys.

This brings us to the first watertight bulkhead [wall] and its door, these watertight doors are never obstructed in anyway to ensure they could be shut quickly in case of an emergency. There are means of communication and checking the condition of each compartment when these doors are shut. The word 'closed' is never used, it's either open or shut.