RESPONSIBILITIES All members of the ship’s company should know their damage control responsibilities and realize the importance of damage control. The importance of efficient damage control cannot be overemphasized. Damage control readiness can only be achieved by a firm program stimulated by effective and dynamic leadership. This program should be executed by enthusiastic, well-trained, and determined officers and crew from all departments on board. While no area can be fully covered, the basic responsibilities of key individuals in the damage control organization are stated in the following paragraphs. Commanding Officer Chapter 8, U.S. Navy Regulations, the various broad responsibilities of manding officer (CO). For example, must “maintain his or her command of maximum effectiveness for war delineates the com- he or she in a state or other service . . . .  Immediately after a battle or action, repair damages so far as possible, [and] exert every effort to prepare the command for further service . . . .” To carry out this charge, the commanding officer ensures the command is well trained and continually exercised in all aspects of damage control. The commanding officer should be fully aware of all of the ship’s weaknesses, including the adequacy and operability of all damage control  equipment. Executive Officer The executive officer (XO) keeps the command advised of the status of the ship’s damage control readiness. The executive officer carries out the re- quirements of command damage control training, including the ship’s readiness to combat all casualties and damage caused by hostile acts or other  occurrences. Officer of the Deck The officer of the deck (OOD) is the senior member of the underway watch team and is the primary assistant to the commanding officer on the bridge. The OOD should be intimately familiar with the ship, its material condition, and established procedures for emergencies. The OOD should know and understand the correct course of action, or options, for various damage control situations. The OOD should be able to analyze a situation quickly and take prompt, positive, and correct counteraction. The OOD’s ability to react properly and promptly will be directly proportional to his or her knowledge of the ship, damage control procedures, equipment available, and training received. Division Officer The division officer is responsible for taking all practical preliminary measures before damage occurs, such as maintenance of watertight and air- tight integrity, removal of fire hazards, and upkeep of emergency equipment. Division officers ensure that all equipment, closures, and markings under their cognizance are kept in the best possible condition. This is done by periodic inspections, adherence to planned maintenance system (PMS) checks by division damage control petty officers (DDCPOs), and training of personnel within the division. Damage Control Petty Officer A qualified senior petty officer in each division is designated as damage control petty officer (DCPO). Section leaders of each section are designated as duty DCPOs outside of normal working hours in port; they also perform the duties of the DCPO at some time during their tour of duty. Division officers notify the fire marshal and the damage control assistant (DCA) of DCPO and duty DCPO assignments and of any changes to these assignments. DCPOs should have received formal training and be qualified before assign- ment. DCPOs normally serve for a period of 6 months. They check in and out with the fire marshal and DCA upon being assigned to or released from such duties. Duties and Responsibilities of the DCPO The DCPO and duty DCPOs (duty section leaders)  have  the  following  duties  and responsibilities: Being acquainted with all phases of the ship’s damage control, fire-fighting, and defense pro- cedures Assisting in the instruction of division person- nel in damage control, fire-fighting, and chemical, biological, and radiological (CBR) defense pro- cedures 7-3