DAMAGE CONTROL RESPONSIBILITIES

Damage control is the responsibility of all hands. All personnel must know their assignments within the damage control organization and understand the importance oft hose assignments. Damage control cannot be overemphasized. The necessary state of readiness can only be achieved through a reliable program. The program must be supervised by an influential and energetic individual who is enthusiastic, well-trained, and determined. While we might not cover all areas completely, we will cover the basic responsibilities of key individuals.

The Surface Ship Damage Control manual, NWP 62-1, describes the duties and functions of various ship's personnel. The following responsibilities are taken from U.S. Navy Regulations, 1973; NWP 62-1; and OPNAVINST 3120.32A.

They apply only to damage control. These responsibilities do not supersede or cancel those covered in U.S. Navy Regulations, [973; NWP 62-1; or OPNAVINST 3120.32A. Damage control is the responsibility of all hands. That includes everyone in each department aboard ship from the newest recruit to the commanding officer.

COMMANDING OFFICER

Chapter 7 of U.S. Navy Regulations, 1973 describes the various broad responsibilities of the commanding officer (CO). One of the requirements is that the CO " . . . maintain his command in a state of maximum effectiveness for war or other service . . . ." The CO should ''Immediately after a battle or action, repair damage so far as possible, (and) exert every effort to prepare his command for further service . . . ."

To carry out this charge, the commanding officer must ensure that the command is adequately trained. This training is done through lectures, schools, and continual exercises in all aspects of damage control. The commanding officer should be fully aware of all of the ship's weaknesses. These include the inadequacy and inoperability of all damage control equipment. Shortages and defects should be corrected immediately.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The executive officer (XO) advises the commanding officer on the status of the ship's damage control readiness. The XO ensures that responsible personnel carry out the following requirements.

1. Conduct damage control training for the ship's company.

2. Maintain ship's readiness to combat all casualties and damage that threaten the ship.

The XO must be intimately familiar with all damage control evolutions. This includes supervision of all actions related to damage control.

OFFICER OF THE DECK

The officer of the deck (OOD) is the senior member of the underway watch team. As the primary assistant to the commanding officer on the bridge, the OOD will carry out the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Be intimately familiar with the ship. This includes its material condition and the established procedures for emergencies.

2. Know the correct course of action or options for various damage control situations.

3. Promptly analyze a situation and take prompt, positive, and correct counteraction.

4. In the absence of the commanding officer, maneuver the ship.

The OOD's ability to act properly and promptly will be in direct proportion to that officer's training, knowledge of the ship, damage control procedures, and equipment available.

COMMAND DUTY OFFICER IN PORT

The command duty officer (CDO) in port is designated by the commanding officer. This officer is eligible for command at sea and is the deputy to the executive officer for a prescribed period of time. The CDO will carry out the following duties and responsibilities.

1. Carry out the ship's daily routine in port.

2. Carry out the duties of the XO during the temporary absence of that officer.

3. Advise and, if necessary, direct the OOD in matters concerning the general duties and safety of the ship.

4. Keep informed of the ship's position, mooring lines, or ground tackle in use.

5. Know the status of the engineering plant, and all other matters that affect the safety and security of the ship.

6. In times of danger or emergency, take any action necessary until relieved by a senior officer in the succession of command.

7. Relieve the OOD when necessary for the safety of the ship, and inform the commanding officer when such action is taken.