SUBSECTION D

DAMAGE CONTROL TRAINING TEAM (DCTT)

Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 3120.32C

(b) NWP 3-20.31

(c) FXP 4

(d) COMNAVSURFLANT/PACINST 6000.1 series

1. Discussion. As specified in reference (a), the Damage Control Officer, with the assistance of the Damage Control Assistant (DCA),and DCTT, are responsible for developing a well trained crew capable of operating the ship in a casualty environment. In support of that goal, operational tasks and casualty drills are conducted and evaluated regularly to maintain readiness. Scenarios must be preceded by thorough preparation through formal schools, shipboard lectures, individual study, walk through drills and possibly, remedial training. Damage control training should correlate with the combat systems, engineering, and air department training plans. In addition, the training should be integrated with the ship's long range training plan and include all major evolutions and schedule milestones such as LOA, CART, FEP, deployment, etc.

a. The goal of the Damage Control Training Team (DCTT) is to improve the readiness of the crew to accomplish the following objectives:

(1) Being prepared for a casualty before the fact (DC is 90% prevention).

(2) Ensure all hands know their ship well.

(3) Ensure all repair party personnel are knowledgeable in the fundamental theory and systems aspects of damage control (including flight deck fire fighting procedures) and are capable of comprehending the symptoms and impact of impending casualties on the ship.

(4) Act promptly to detect abnormal conditions and control damage.

(5) Once damage occurs, take the prescribed actions to minimize its effect and control and contain its spread.

b. Additionally, in all ships except those with Medical Departments headed by Medical Officers, the Senior Medical Department Representative (SMDR), as part of the DCTT, will train the repair lockers and other personnel in all medical training exercises contained in reference (c) in accordance with reference (d) to accomplish the following goals:

(1) Assess the qualifications and train individual crew members in the performance of their duties in first aid and emergency medical procedures.

(2) Plan, brief, and conduct shipwide medical training using applicable instructions and publications.

(3) Propose a training schedule of required exercises to the ship's DCA and training officer quarterly to maintain a high level of proficiency in personnel casualty control.

(4) Analyze any problem areas and initiate corrective actions to eliminate the possibility of personnel injury and damage to equipment using Operational Risk Management (ORM).

2. Organization.

a. Team Leader. In accordance with reference (b), whenever possible, the executive officer will be the DCTT Leader. If the executive officer cannot fill this role, another experienced officer, other than the DCA will be assigned.

b. Team Coordinator. The DCTT Coordinator is normally the senior Damage Controlman Chief Petty Officer or an Engineering Department Chief Petty Officer possessing strong damage control skills. The DCTT coordinator shall schedule regular weekly training in support of maintaining the proficiency of assigned trainers from current publications, technical manuals, lessons learned and new and emergent guidelines.

c. Trainer/Evaluator. Must be PQS Qualified as DCTT and watch station being trained. DCTT must also demonstrate superior knowledge in damage control systems and procedures. Selection should be based upon their ability to interact with people and yet critically assess their abilities. Trainers shall participate in regular scheduled training in support of maintaining their PQS and the proficiency of the crew. All DCTT members assigned in the evaluation of damage control exercises shall be involved in the planning and development of scenarios.

d. The Senior Medical Department Representative (SMDR). The SMDR will be a member of the DCTT,

except in ships which are required to have a separate Medical Training Team (MTT).