mission of the ship. The battle organization is based on the following principles: 1. All personnel within the organization must be highly trained in all phases of damage control. They should also be trained in the technical aspects of their ratings to assist in the control of damage. 2. The organization must be decentralized into self-sufficient units. These units must have communication with each other and be able to take corrective action to control the various types of damage. 3. One central station (DCC) receives reports from all damage control units. This station evaluates and initiates those orders necessary for corrective action from a shipwide point of view. This station also reports to and receives orders from command control. These reports concern matters that affect the ship’s buoyancy, list trim, stability, watertight integrity, and CBR defense measures. 4. Damage control units assigned work that is peculiar to a single department are under the direct supervision of one of that department’s officers. 5. Provisions are made for relief of personnel engaged in difficult tasks, for battle messing, and for the transition from one condition of readiness to another. Procedures are developed to ensure all relief crews are informed of the overall situation. These procedures ensure continual and proper action to combat casualties. 6. Positive, accurate, and rapid communica- tions  are  provided  for  between  all  damage control units. An overall coordination of effort and direction can then be readily accomplished. 7. A repair party, remotely located from DCC, assumes the functions of DCC in the event that DCC becomes a battle casualty. Damage Controlman 3 & 2, NAVEDTRA 10572, provides in-depth information about the damage  control  organization,  function,  and responsibilities. Fire fighting Some fires aboard ship may start from an enemy hit, a cigarette or match carelessly thrown away, or the spontaneous ignition of various combustible substances. Others may start from the use of spark- or flame-producing tools and equipment in an atmosphere containing explosive vapors,  the  improper  stowage  of  flammable materials, or static electricity. Fires aboard ship can start from many various causes. The prevention as well as the fighting of fires has proved essential to the survival of a ship in peacetime and combat. Efforts must be continually made to reduce the damage resulting from fire through elimination of hazards, properly maintained and operational fire-fighting equip- ment, and effectively trained emergent y response parties. As the DCPO or duty DCPO, you should have an understanding of fire party organization and responsibilities and the types of fire-fighting agents and their use. This knowledge will enable you to train your division personnel in effective fire-fighting techniques. FIRE PARTY. —The fire party is a compo- nent of the ship’s DC organization. The minimum fire party should consist of sufficient personnel to perform the functions shown in figure 7-2. A person  for  each  function  is  not  necessary.  A person  may  perform  one  or  more  functions simultaneously or sequentially. Each ship will determine the number of personnel required for a  particular  condition.  Figure  7-2  shows  the criteria ships use in determining their degree of flexibility in functional fire party assignments. All ships will have a contingency plan within their general emergency bill to augment the assigned fire  party  (for  example,  other  repair  lockers, personnel on board not assigned to the fire party or other ships’ recovery, and assistance details). Fire parties are divided into two types, in-port and at-sea fire parties: • IN-PORT  FIRE  PARTY.  Each  duty section must have an effective fire-fighting force. Care must be taken to ensure assigned personnel have the proper training and experience required based on the ship’s general emergency bill. Personnel should not be assigned to additional in-port duties that might require them to leave the ship. While in port, the fire party may require additional personnel and material support. These additional  personnel  should  assemble  at  a designated location and assist in setting fire boundaries. They should be available to back up 7-8