6-12 Damage Control Closure Log Entries The closure log is maintained at all times, whether the ship is in port or under way. The closure log is used to show the following: The   location   where   the   existing   material condition of readiness has been modified The type, number, and classification  of  the fitting; the name, rate, and division of the person who requested permission to open or close the fitting The date and time the fitting was opened or closed; the date and time the fitting was returned to its specified material condition of readiness setting The name and rate/rank of the person granting permission The commanding officer prescribes the limit to which the DCA or OOD may approve the modification of  a  material  condition  of  readiness.  Reporting  the temporary closing of a fitting that should be open is just as important as reporting the opening of one that should be closed. For example, a ZEBRA watertight hatch that is secured at the time general quarters is sounded could seriously interfere with personnel trying to get to their battle stations. The damage control closure log is normally kept on the quarterdeck in port, on the bridge at sea, and in damage control central (DCC) during general quarters. However, if your ship has a 24-hour watch in DCC at all times, the closure log will be kept there regardless of the ship’s location. The closure log is updated when there is a change in the status of a classified closure or fitting. If a classified closure is to remain open for several days, it must be logged open each day. The maximum time a closure or fitting may be logged open is 24 hours. Maintaining Damage Control Fittings and Equipment DCPOs are charged with ensuring that the material condition of spaces assigned to them is maintained according  to  the  command's  damage  control,  fire fighting, and defense procedures. In assigned spaces, the DCPO performs the following: Conducts daily inspections of spaces for the elimination of fire hazards. Assists officers in charge in the inspection of spaces for cleanliness and preservation and assists in the preparation of required reports. Ensures the preparation and maintenance of damage control check-off lists for all spaces under their cognizance. Weighs portable CO₂ bottles, inspects and tests damage  control  and  fire-fighting  equipment,  and prepares, for approval of the officer in charge, all required  reports  based  on  current  instructions  and planned maintenance system (PMS) requirements. Ensures  all  battle  lanterns,  dog  wrenches, spanners, and other damage control equipment in all assigned spaces are in place and in usable condition. Ensures all compartments, piping, cables, and damage control equipment are properly stenciled or identified by color codes based on NSTM, chapter 079 and chapter 505. Ensures posting in required spaces of safety precautions and operating instructions. In addition to these duties, the DCPO may be called upon to perform other actions in regard to damage control and maintenance of spaces that are directed by the leading petty officer, officer in charge, fire marshal, DCA, and executive officer. REVIEW 3 QUESTIONS Q1. What are the two specific responsibilities of the DCPOs and duty DCPOs? Q2. What  information  about  the  fitting  must  be entered in the damage control closure log? Q3. The DCPO ensures all compartments, piping, cables,  and  damage  control  equipment  are properly stenciled or identified by color codes based on what document?