SECURITY AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Because of the many new technical developments in the Navy, you will probably come in contact with security problems early in your job as a news photographer.

Photographs disclosing pertinent detailed information of a classified nature are to be accorded the same classification as the subject of the photograph. No classified photographs can be released for publication or transmitted by electronic means.

Officers in command status are responsible for taking official or unofficial photographs and for the supervision, censorship and release of photographs. Unofficial photographs taken aboard ship, station or aircraft are either submitted to the CO or a properly designated officer (such as the PAO) for screening to assure that no classified matter is revealed.

The review of photographs must be objective in nature. The prompt release for publication of unclassified photographs of interest to the public and beneficial to the Navy is considered mandatory. Photographs of general naval life, such as ceremonies and athletic events, are not considered to be of a classified nature and should be released automatically y. Photographs of doubtful classification for which release is desired must be referred to CHINFO.

Another violation you should be aware of is that of safety. An example is photographing a sailor aboard ship using an electric deck grinder without safety goggles or wearing unauthorized rubber gloves. If you are not sure of the correct safety measures for a given task, ask the command safety officer.