Environmental Protection What does environmental protection mean? It is the protecting of our planet from pollution. How is pollution caused? It is caused by the changes in chemical, physical, or biological conditions in the environment that harmfully affect the quality of human life. Pollution also affects animal and plant life and can even destroy well-developed cultures. Records of pollution date as far back as the ancient city of Troy. As early as 1273, the first smoke abatement law was passed in England. It is said that in 1306 a man was executed in London for breaking the law against burning coal. By the 1850s our country already was suffering from pollution associated with the industrial revolution. In the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal the scum was so thick in places that a person could walk on the water. Today we can no longer breathe clean air in most large cities, and we can no longer see the bottom of the harbor in most ports. However, we have brought this problem on ourselves. The Navy is very strict about pollution. Naval personnel have received disciplinary action for pumping pollutants into a harbor or river. As the POOW, you should be concerned with pollution of all kinds. While on watch, take note of any vessel, civilian or Navy, including your own, that is polluting the harbor or river. If you notice anyone polluting, notify the OOD, who will, in turn, take proper action and notify the responsible personnel. Anytime polluting is noted, be sure to log all the facts, times, and actions taken. Keeping our planet healthy is the job of all of us and not just a few concerned people. Although it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent pollution, you are especially responsible while on watch. When an oil or sewage spill occurs, you must make sure the spill is cleaned up and that the immediate commander or your commanding officer is informed. This notification usually results in an investigation of how and why the spill occurred and instructions for measures to be taken to ensure it does not happen again. If there is a pollution spill, the area must be cordoned off to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading any further. If need be, chemicals that are nonhazardous to the environment will be added to the spill area to break up the spill. Often small craft designed for spill cleanups will aid in the cleanup. Rules of the Road The POOW must know the rules of the road. This section will cover only what you need to know when your ship is moored to a pier or buoy or anchored in a harbor. MOORED.—When your vessel is moored to a pier or buoy, it is normally highly visible and safe from a collision with another vessel during daylight hours. However, special precautions must be taken after sunset. You will be required to make sure the anchor lights and the aircraft warning lights are turned on at sunset and turned off at sunrise. The control box for these functions is located on the bridge. The duty quartermaster normally will have the proper light combinations set up on the control box. All that you have to do is turn a master switch on or off. Be sure to test all your lights 30 minutes before sunset to see if they are working properly. If not, you will have enough time to take corrective action. Remember that the lights go on at the first note of colors at sunset and off at sunrise. Red aircraft warning lights are normally located atop the mast. The anchor lights are normally located in the bow on top of the jack staff and in the stern atop the flagstaff. They shine completely around the horizon, a full 360º, and must be visible on a clear night for a distance of 3 nautical miles. Remember, all lights must be checked 30 minutes before sunset to make sure they are working properly. 8-19 Q10. The heavy weather bill will be placed in effect if the forecast indicates a hurricane approaching. 1. True 2. False Q11. When handling a thermometer, touching the lower part of the glass containing the liquid will not affect the temperature reading. 1. True 2. False Q12. Winds at 39 to 54 miles per hour indicate what warning condition? 1. Small craft 2. Gale 3. Storm 4. Hurricane REVIEW QUESTIONS