3.282.4Figure 7-1.—USSBelknap (CG-26).confidence in the integrity of their ships, all repairparty personnel should have confidence in theirability to control all but the most devastatingdamage.OBJECTIVES OFDAMAGE CONTROLThe three basic objectives of shipboard damagecontrol are PREVENTION, MINIMIZATION, andRESTORATION.Prevention means to take all practicalpreliminary measures, such as maintaining water-tight and fumetight integrity, providing reservebuoyancy and stability, removing fire hazards, andmaintaining and distributing emergencyequipment before damage occurs.Minimization is to minimize and localizedamage by taking measures to control flooding,preserve stability and buoyancy, combat fire, andprovide first-aid treatment to injured personnel.Restorationis to accomplish, as quickly aspossible, emergency repairs or restorations afterthe occurrence of damage. Restoration requiresmeasures such as supplying casualty power,regaining a safe margin of stability and buoyancy,replacing essential structures, and manningessential equipment.All members of the ship’s company shouldrealize the importance of their responsibilities.You should think of damage control as anoffensive as well as a defensive action upon whichyour ship’s ability to inflict damage on the enemymay depend. Damage control not only is concernedwith battle damage but also nonbattle damage.This includes damage from fire, collision,grounding, weather, and explosion. Damagecontrol action may be necessary in port as well asat sea and may involve the use of personnel andfacilities from an undamaged ship.Damage control requires a detailed knowledgeof the ship’s construction, characteristics, com-partmentation, and stability, and of apparatusplaced on board to prevent or control damage.Basically, control of damage depends upon theability and the initiative of personnel to takeprompt corrective action, using readily availablematerial. Having a thorough knowledge of theship will enable personnel to take the necessarycorrective action.7-2
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