COUNTERMEASURES AT SEA

BW and CW countermeasures are effective only if they are started in time. There is usually a very short time between an indication of an attack and exposure. Often, there is not enough time to take protective measures or to give first aid before personnel topside receive serious or lethal exposure.

For these reasons, topside personnel must be trained and drilled frequently to wear protective clothing and masks when there is a possibility of a BW or CW attack. Inexperienced personnel are handicapped in combat operations while wearing protective gear. The experience they gain from frequent drills will help overcome these handicaps and increase their efficiency.

It is also easier and quicker to protect the ship's structure from contamination than to decontaminate after an attack. There are two kinds of ship protective actions-washdown and closure.

The washdown system protects the ship with a moving film of water. This film is effective only as it washes over the surfaces of the ship; it is not effective while the spray is in the air. As in the protection of personnel, prompt action is the key to effectiveness. Drops and sprays of CW agents cannot lodge easily on a wet ship, and a washdown shield washes them into the sea. If these same sprays or drops fall on a dry ship, they are only partially removed by a washdown. The remainder soaks into the paint and is removed slowly by evaporation.

The closure system protects the interior of the ship against the entry of aerosols and gases. Quick action on closure is essential. It is not possible to predict the results if the ship is closed after exposure; personnel below decks may be in even greater danger from agents trapped inside before closure.

SHIPBOARD BW AND CW DEFENSE SYSTEM

The shipboard BW and CW defense system consists of the following items and procedures: . Protective mask . Impregnated clothing l British Mk III CBR protective clothing l Wet-weather clothing

Interior decontamination

Topside decontamination

Decontamination of clothing, masks, food, and water

Personnel decontamination

Detection

Self-aid and first aid

The shipboard defense system is shown in figure 9-1.

BIOLOGICAL OPERATIONS

Biological operations are the use of living agents such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms to produce disease or death of humans, animals, or plants.

Figure 9-1.-The shipboard BW/CW defense system.

Biological agents are a threat that must be recognized and prepared for by all personnel. A large part of the defense against biological agents depends upon self-protection and the ability to carry out duties in the presence of such agents.