The Canadian Navy sends all naval recruits receive to two weeks of training in damage control at Damage Control Training Facility (DCTF) Galiano (named after the only Canadian naval vessel lost during the World War I) at CFB Esquimalt in British Columbia or DCTF Kootenayat Halifax. There is also an annual requirement for the entire ship’s company from all fleet units to undergo two-day damage-control organization team training (DCOTT). The facilities offer specialized and advanced training for helicopter firefighting and chemical, nuclear and biological response.
A Royal Canadian navy firefighter wears the self-contained breathing apparatus while exercising at the Damage Control Division in Esquimalt, B.C. DND photo
Onboard Instruction
The training doesn’t end after completing the school. In addition to formal training with simulators, ships exercise their firefighting teams regularly so crewmembers can work together when necessary to save their ship
Being able to save a ship means knowing what to do before a fire or flooding, and to be able to function even in heat, smoke and chaos. On a 4,800-ton frigate like HMCS Calgary, that means knowing where the 46 fire hydrant risers are instelled inside and outside the skin of the ship, as well as the ready-to-use 1.5-inch lines with foam applicators. Because Halon is still used in engine room turbine enclosures and other critical spaces, those sailors must know about the danger of being in a space where Halon replaces breathable air.
In port, U.S. Navy ships usually muster their duty section damage control teams on a daily basis, and respond to various casualties, including firefighting, flooding, and rescue and assistance.
On USS Wasp (LHD 1), the DCs run a Damage Control Academy (DCA) to teach newly reporting crewmembers the right way to work as a team against potentially catastrophic fire, flooding and other damage. The five-day class includes both classroom instruction and practical instruction, such as how to put on and use a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
“Our purpose is to give crew members a general knowledge of damage control so that they will be able to fight fires and other hazards without getting hurt,” said Damage Controlman 3rd Class (SW) Samuel Moore, one of DCA’s instructors on the Wasp. “These skills allow you to become more well-rounded as a sailor and better able to take care of the ship and its equipment. We also give them a general knowledge of the ship as a whole.”
A Nigerian firefighting team practices hose handling during a damage control drill aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) West. APS is an international security cooperation initiative designed to strengthen global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities to improve maritime safety and security in Africa. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Darryl Wood
“If an emergency happens and you dial 9-1-1, we’re the ones who respond,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Adrian Edwards, Wasp’s DC office work center supervisor. “But we also train the rest of the crew to fight fires because there’s always the chance that we could be incapacitated in some way.”
The U.S. Navy also conducts training and drills with other navies, such as the West African nations that participate in Africa Partnership Station.
The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division is responsible for simulators, including the firefighting and damage control trainers.
Damage Control Specialists
While every sailor on a ship is trained to help save the ship, the experts are the Damage Controlmen (DCs). They are responsible for damage control, ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) warfare defense. They operate the specialized equipment, maintain vital systems and train their shipmates.
In 1948, the Damage Controlman rating was established as a result of the consolidation of the Specialist (F) (Fire Fighters), Carpenter’s Mate, Carpenter’s Mate (SR) (Joiners), Carpenter’s Mate (SR) (Builders), and Painter ratings.
The duties performed by DCs include:
- operating, repairing and maintaining installed firefighting systems and equipment, damage control equipment, and chemical, biological and radiological defense equipment;
- training shipboard personnel in the operation, maintenance and repair of damage control systems and equipment, life saving devices, and various firefighting methods;
- performing emergency repairs to decks, structures and hulls by emergency pipe patching, plugging, and shoring;
- performing maintenance and repair of watertight closures and assorted fittings;
- performing emergency repairs to piping fittings and fixtures;
- acting as the ships Fire Marshal and firefighting leaders;
- training ship’s company in chemical, biological and radiological defense