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 modification of a material condition
of readiness may be approved by the DCA or
OOD. 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 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
no matter where the ship is. 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.
DIVISION DAMAGE CONTROL
AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Numerous pieces of damage control and fire-
fighting equipment are located in division spaces.
They include such items as battle lanterns, dog
wrenches, spanners, fire stations, and portable fire
extinguishers. These items must be inspected and
tested based on the equipment’s maintenance
requirement cards (MRCs). That includes ensuring
all damage control equipment, piping, cables,
and compartments are properly stenciled and
identified.
INSPECTIONS OF DIVISION SPACES
DCPOs are responsible for conducting daily
inspections of division spaces for the elimination
of fire hazards, They also assist division officers
in the inspection of division spaces for fire
hazards and good housekeeping practices. Special
emphasis should be placed on safety precautions,
and operating instructions must be placed in
required spaces.
SUMMARY
In this chapter you were introduced to MOPP
and risk management and implementation of
MOPP. New weapons are being developed and
new protective and defensive measures are being
established all the time. Therefore, staying up-to-
date in the area of CBR defense is important.
The responsibilities of the duty DCPO are
both numerous and important. Training your
division personnel in damage control, fire
fighting, egress and CBR defense could save their
lives during a crisis situation. You must ensure
that the material condition of your spaces are
properly set and that fire-fighting and damage
control equipment are in excellent condition.
These precautions will provide your division with
a fighting chance in the event of a fire or CBR
attack.
REFERENCES
Damage Controlman 3 & 2, NAVEDTRA 10572,
Naval Education and Training Program
Management Support Activity, Pensacola,
Fla., 1986.
Surface Ship Survivability, NWP 62-1, Office of
the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington,
D.C. 1989.
7-20
