Damage Control Organization Fundamentals & Administration

These flashcards cover the fundamentals of U.S. Navy shipboard Damage Control, including its phases, roles and responsibilities within the DC organization, and the Ten Commandments that guide every sailor’s response to casualties.

What are the three subcategories of Damage Control onboard U.S. Navy vessels?

Prevention, Minimization, and Restoration

Which tasks fall under the Prevention aspect of Damage Control?

Maintain readiness and watertight integrity; provide reserve buoyancy and stability; properly stow materials posing fire hazards; perform preventive maintenance

What are the primary objectives of the Minimization phase of Damage Control?

Combat fire; combat flooding to preserve stability and buoyancy; provide first aid to injured personnel

During Restoration, what actions return the ship to a safe condition?

Segregate ruptured piping; reconfigure systems and establish casualty power; regain safe stability and buoyancy; reinforce shored and weakened structures; man essential equipment and post watches

Name three potential consequences of unchecked shipboard casualties.

Loss of life, severe equipment damage, jeopardized ship integrity and stability

Who maintains Damage Control duties as a primary responsibility and conducts PMS on portable DC equipment in divisional spaces?

Divisional Damage Control Petty Officer (DCPO)

Which officer assigns personnel to DC organizations on the Watch, Quarter, and Station Bill and ensures PQS completion?

Division Officer (DIVO)

Who submits the all-hands DC training schedule to PB4T and oversees qualification of repair lockers?

Damage Control Assistant (DCA)

Which officer maintains hull, machinery, and electrical systems in battle readiness and supervises firefighting?

Damage Control Officer (DCO)

Which leaders ensure optimum readiness within their departments and provide personnel for repair lockers and in-port fire parties?

Department Heads

Who keeps the CO advised of ship readiness, commands the Damage Control Training Team, and heads PB4T?

Executive Officer (XO)

Who is responsible for the safety of the ship and crew, ensures adequate training, and can order Abandon Ship?

Commanding Officer (CO)

What shipboard team trains and self-assesses the crew’s response to DC casualties, and who commands it?

Damage Control Training Team (DCTT), commanded by the XO

Who gives final approval for appointment of Damage Control Petty Officers (DCPOs)?

Executive Officer (XO)

Damage Control Commandment #1:

Keep your ship watertight

Damage Control Commandment #2:

Do not violate material conditions

Damage Control Commandment #3:

Have confidence in your ship's ability to withstand damage

Damage Control Commandment #4:

Know your way around—even in the dark

Damage Control Commandment #5:

Know how to use and maintain damage control equipment

Damage Control Commandment #6:

Report damage to the nearest damage control station

Damage Control Commandment #7:

Keep personal articles properly secured at all times

Damage Control Commandment #8:

Practice personal damage control; protect yourself so you can protect your ship

Damage Control Commandment #9:

Take every possible step to save the ship as long as a bit of hope remains

Damage Control Commandment #10:

Keep cool; don’t give up the ship