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 TM 55-1905-223-SDC
While the need for immediate investigation of damage is stressed, the need for caution on the part of the
investigators remains paramount.
WARNING
Investigators will wear oxygen breathing equipment when entering the damaged area,
work in pairs, and maintain communications with assistants outside the damaged area.
When the situation permits, no closed space or void will be entered until the area has
been cleared by the Chief Engineer. Should fire, flooding, or other factors prevent first
clearing the area by the Chief Engineer, investigators will continue, but assume that
hazardous conditions exist such as the presence of flammable/explosive or toxic fumes
and that the space does not contain adequate oxygen to sustain life. Serious personal
injury is possible.
b.
Preliminary investigation of damage. The degree of investigation required immediately after a ship has
suffered damage depends upon the location and the extent and type of damage. Certain information as to the
extent of damage will be available almost immediately.
Heavy shock and whipping of the hull structure may indicate a major underwater explosion, although intense
vibration will not always occur on large ships. A decided or progressive change in trim or list indicated by
clinometers will also provide information. Additional information will come from the damage control team near the
scene of the damage. For example, the bridge may report that steering control has been lost, and engineering
may report that water is coming through a certain bulkhead.
The foregoing information is preliminary, but combined with reports from look-outs and other topside personnel,
or from below-decks personnel, it will locate the damage and give a general picture of its extent. On the other
hand, there may be a few obvious signs of damage: a minor loss of power, smoke, a dropping pressure gauge,
unusual temperature change within a space or on a bulkhead, or a slight seeping of liquid at a seam. All
of these indications should be investigated thoroughly. They are symptoms of a dangerous condition, and
prompt remedial action must be taken if the ship is to survive.
c. Four basic principles of investigation:
(1) Investigation should be thorough.
(2) Investigation should be conducted with caution.
(3) Reports should be accurate.
(4) Investigations should be repeated to guard against overlooking subsequent or progressive damage.
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