CHAPTER 18
SURFACE PRESERVATION
Just about everyone has been involved in cleaning,
preserving, and maintaining something. Painting the
family home or washing and waxing your car are good
examples. What you did was to protect a surface from
the effects of weather or exposure, to extend its lifetime,
and to improve its appearance.
The U.S. Navy has a far greater problem because all
Navy ships operate in a much harsher environment than
your home or car. Constant exposure to the sea and
saltwater corrosion can quickly turn the exterior of a
ship into a mass of rust. Interior spaces have their
problems as well. Constant changes in the weather and
in the surrounding water temperature cause moisture,
humidity, and chemical reactions that affect electrical
systems and machinery. To overcome these harsh
conditions, the Navy expends a great deal of time,
effort, and money applying surface preservatives. These
preservatives range from detergent and fresh water to
paint and lubricants. How well these preservatives work
depends on you.
CLEANING
Learning Objectives: When you finish this chapter,
you will be able to—
Recognize the purpose of cleaning and
preserving.
Identify the cleaning bill.
Recall the purpose of compartment cleaning,
sweepers, cleaning process, field day, and zone
inspections.
Maintaining clean conditions aboard ship and
ashore is an important job. Cleaning involves practically
every member, from the compartment cleaner to the
inspecting officer. Navy life requires each of us to have a
personal interest in our living and working areas, not
only for the sake of appearance but for our health and
safety as well.
THE CLEANING BILL
Each area of the ship is divided into various
departments for upkeep. The Cleaning, Preservation,
and Maintenance Bill describes these areas and outlines
the department that is responsible for them. This bill is
carefully planned to make sure all interior areas and
exterior areas of the ship’s hull are assigned to personnel
for upkeep and that no areas overlap or are left out. Each
division within the department assigns its personnel to
the spaces it’s responsible for. Division personnel carry
out the duties of cleaning, preserving, and maintaining.
COMPARTMENT CLEANING
The term compartment cleaner generally applies to
persons assigned to clean living or berthing
compartments or spaces, such as passageways and
heads. If you are assigned compartment cleaner duties,
you will be responsible for keeping your spaces clean,
preserved, and in good order. Newly assigned personnel
are closely supervised to make sure they understand
what to clean and how to clean it. Items, such as
electrical and mechanical devices, might be unfamiliar
to you. These types of items are located in almost every
space aboard ship. With this in mind, caution must be
observed at all times. Ask your supervisor to point out
any hazardous items located in your compartment and
observe all special cleaning instructions.
Cleaning gear is stocked in and issued from the first
lieutenant’s storeroom. Each division is periodically
issued cleaning gear and is then responsible for its
proper stowage and care. Because cleaning compounds
and solvents are often flammable or toxic, or both, they
must never be left unattended or improperly stowed.
You should always read warning labels and follow their
directions carefully. Gear, such as brooms and swabs
(mops), must be cleaned after each use and placed in
their stowage racks. Gear adrift, such as rags, clothing,
or personal gear, must be “policed up” immediately. If
left adrift, these items are a tripping or fire hazard—or
18-1
Summer seas and a good ship—life has nothing better.
—Mark Twain
