Not sure why designer / modeler needs to know much about submarines. Skilled modeler just needs blueprints and probably some photos of the details. During the process of modeling, a client can warn designer about some detail and it will be fixed.
I have one sub among my models (USS Perch). It's not detailed but it has a shape based on blueprints. Some day I might add some more details if I'll have more time and interest to do it.
Be careful with scaling for 3D printing (point 3.). Submarines have some thin parts (like fence) and the model should be adjusted if you want to scale it and print it in some small size.