Page 143 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

148 NAVAL SK ILLS

The proxilllity firefightillg s/lit (close-in suit) consists of cov- As soon as the extent of the fire is determined, a full report
eralls, gloves, helmet, and boots. Its helmet provides a protective is made to damage control central. Upgraded material readiness
cover for the o','gen breathing apparatus (OBA or SeRA) that conditions are set around the entire area.
is normally worn with it. It is lightweight and resists penetration \·Vhile the firefighting is under way, the team sets up fire bOll1ld-
of liquids. The suit allows crew members to enter overheated or aries to isolate the fire and keep it from spreading. Fire boundaries
steam-filled compartments and to make crash fire rescues. The arc set in sevcral ways. Combustible materials in adjoining spaces
wearer is not expected to enter burning spaces or walk through are mo\'ed or cooled to prevent spread of fire by heat transmission.
flames, only to get close enough to rescue victims or assist in put- Since fire can blister and ignite paint on bulkheads in adjoining
ting the fire out. compartments, fog or sprinklers are lIsed to cool the bulkheads,
The Navy's OUA is a self-contained unit designed to protect decks, and overheads in adjoini ng spaces. Ventilation systems in
the wearer in a place lacking oxygen or containing harmful gases, the area are secured to cut oft'the oxygen supply to the fire and to
vapors, smoke, or dust. The wearer breathes in a closed system in limit the spread of smoke and gases to other compartments. Fire
which oxygen is supplied by a chemical reaction in a disposable watches are posted in surrounding compartments.
canister. All Navy personnel are trained in the use of the OBA in \Vhen the fire is isolated, electrical circuits in thc area should
boot camp and ill fleet training schools, as well as aboard ship dur- be deenergized to protect against shock. Doors should be checked
ing repair party training sessions. for heat and pressure behind them before their door dogs (heav),
latches) are full), opened.
After the fire has been extinguished, the area must be over-
hauled to prevent reflash of the fire. All smoldering or· charred
materials should be saturated thoroughly and removed if possi-
ble. The compartments must be checked for explosive vapors or
liquids that might remain. Dewatering (removing water used in
fire fighting) is then begun. At this time, a full report is made to
damage control central on fire and smoke damage and flooding.
The final step in fighting the fire is to set a rej7ash watch to be sure
that the fire does not start again from a smoldering fragment or
through vapor ignition. Gases, especially from fuels, can be ignited
by heat or sparks if allowed to concentrate in or ncar an area that
has not been properly ovcrhauled.

A damage control petty officer adjusts the OBA on a trainee in dam-
age control school. The DBA is designed to protect the wearer in
places lacking oxygen or containing harmful gases, vapors, smoke, or STU DY GU IDE Q U ESTIO NS
dust. It is a closed self-contained unit in which oxygen is supplied by
chemicals in a canister that purifies exhaled air. A newer model, the 1. A. \Vhat does damage control include?
SCBA, uses a rechargeable air cylinder vice a canister.
13. \·Vhat are the duties of a ship's damage control
organization?
Fight ing a Fire 2. A. \Vhich officer is the ship's damage control officer?
B. \·Vho is the principal assistant?
A fire may gain considerable headway before smoke is detected,
especially if it has started in an unattended space. The first sign may 3. A. \Vhat is the name given to the control station lor shipboard
be smoke coming out of a ventilation outlet or seeping around a damage control?
door or hatch cover. The smoke may have traveled some distance. B. \·Vhat is the name given to the on-scene groups of people
Therefore, the first job of a repair or fire party is to locate the fire. who are responsible for damage control in assigned
This is done by team members called illI'estigators, normally the sections of the ship?
first people to go out to respond to any damage or fire that may 4. A. \Vhat is the task of a repair part)' scene lcader?
have occurred. B. \Vhat are the special teams within a repair party?
The investigators check bulkheads, decks, and vents for heat
5. A. \'''hat is a battle dressing station?
to see if the fire is in an adjoining compartment. They may have to
B. \·Vho brings stretcher cases to the battle dressing station?
follow a trail of smoke. Once the fire is located, they check adjoin-
ing compartments to be sure it has not spread to them.