DC WIFCOM is an improved means of damage
control central (DCC) using modern hand-held radios
specifically designed for shipboard needs. The system
is initially installed in some ships and repair lockers
with radios and antennas on a horizontal plane. An
improvement in the system will eventually include
additional radios and vertical antennas for other stations
to include the bridge and electronics casualty control
team.
Where installed, DC WIFCOM is the primary
means of DCC within the repair locker area. Then
hand-held portable transceivers, repair locker base
stations, and a radiating antenna system provide
instantaneous communications between repair lockers
and repair locker personnel at the scene and
investigators making damage reports. Each repair
locker has an installed base station and four portable
hand-held transceivers. Four to 12 channels are
available for use. The first four channels have the
following assignments:
Channel 1—Repair 5 area
Channel 2—Repair 2 area
Channel 3—Repair 3 area
Channel 4—Designated for ship-to-ship com-
munications. Channel 4 may also be used for
communications among ship control stations such as
DCC, secondary DCC, secondary conn and the bridge
major configurations.
In the DC scenarios, WIFCOM hand-held
transceivers are issued to the investigators and scene
leader. They are the primary means of communication
in the repair station area of responsibility. The 21J (or
other designated) sound-powered telephone circuits are
the primary means of communication between repair
lockers and DCC. Personnel using WIFCOM must be
aware of specific zones of reduced transmission
capability or dead zones. Secondary communications,
such as messenger or via second WIFCOM operator,
must be used to communicate through dead zones. If
emission control is necessary, special consideration
must be given WIFCOM. In watertight areas during
material condition ZEBRA, WIFCOM transmissions
may be interrupted. These transmissions can be made
only with command approval. In case of WIFCOM
failure, repair locker personnel should establish
effective communications as quickly as possible using
other methods.
REVIEW 6 QUESTIONS
Q1. Your phone system is unsecured. When
receiving a call, you should answer the phone by
saying—
Q2. What system is tied into the IMC circuit?
Q3. What circuit is the damage control circuit?
Q4. What person(s) authorize(s) calls passed over the
IMC?
a.
b.
c.
Q5. What is the difference between an IMC circuit
and a 21MC circuit?
Q6. The first 4 channels of WIFCOM are assigned
to—
a.
b.
c.
d.
4-20
Student Notes:
