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.
WATCH, QUARTER, AND STATION BILL
As a DCPO, you may be required to update and/or
assign personnel to the watch, quarter, and station
(WQS) bill. The contents of the WQS bill are described
in the Basic Military Requirements, NAVEDTRA
14277. Personnel rely upon the WQS bill for manning
situations for battle, lifeboat assignments, watch
stations, and so on. To man certain stations, personnel
must be qualified by means of a sign-off procedure
outlined in the PQS program. Your job is to ensure you
have qualified personnel assigned to each station. The
DCPO, and all second class petty officers and above,
must be very familiar with the WQS bill and how to
prepare this bill.
6-16
Q18.
The closure log is maintained at all times.
1.
True
2.
False
REVIEW QUESTIONS
