Cramped and heavily armed — see what life is like aboard a nuclear submarine with these photos

It still might be more cramped than an apartment in New York, but navies across the world have developed their submarines with both upgraded safety measures and creature comforts for the modern-day sailor.

Life on a submarine, which now sometimes has designated areas for maintaining fitness and even for playing video games, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be miserable several hundred meters below the sea.

Here are several photos that depict the life of a sailor inside a modern submarine:

An earlier version of this article was originally written by David Choi.

The Royal navy Vanguard-class submarine HMS Vigilant returning home after an extended deployment. The Vigilant is one of four UK Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines carrying the Trident nuclear missile system.

Royal navy security personnel stood guard on the Vigilant at Her Majesty’s Naval Base, Clyde on January 20 in Rhu, Scotland.

Royal navy personnel executing their duties inside the control room on the Vigilant.

Royal navy personnel responding to a fire in the control room of a Vanguard-class ship simulator.

Naval officers near the missile compartments on the Vigilant.

This is what the weapons room on the Vigilant looks like.

A sailor making his way through a hatch.

A surgeon in the sick bay of the submarine.

A chef preparing a curry inside the galley, where the ship’s food is prepared.

Junior sailors are able to play video games inside the Vigilant.

Sailors also relax in the mess playing Vickers.

A steward in the wardroom on the Vigilant. The wardroom is the dining area reserved for naval commissioned officers.

Seamen in their bunks on the Vigilant.