The simulator of the present invention comprises a submersible structure
to be used in a body of water, for instance a pool. This structure
comprises a bell defining a main chamber. An escape tower is provided
over the bell. This escape tower defines an escape chamber communicating
with the main chamber. The escape tower has a lower hatch between the
main chamber and the escape chamber, and an upper hatch separating the
escape chamber from outside the submersible structure. The simulator also
comprises a mechanism for vertically moving the submersible structure
relative to the water surface. A method of performing underwater
submarine escape training is also disclosed. The simulator allows such
training to be conducted in a safe and controlled environment.