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 fire fighting leaders;
- training ship's company in chemical, biological and radiological defense
Working Environment
Damage Controlmen work in a variety of climates at sea and ashore. They normally perform their work at sea in a controlled climate, but are often called upon, to work in machinery spaces and flight decks in various sea states and weather conditions. USN DC's are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, FTS DC's are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations. They may work in noisy environments on some assignments. People in this rating work closely with others, usually supervise and teach others and often do physical work.
Qualifications and Interests
An important qualification for people interested in the DC rating is the ability to use portable tools, equipment and machines. They also need good vision and normal color perception, manual dexterity, a good memory and resourcefulness. The ability to do detailed work and to work successfully in a team operation is essential. They should feel comfortable in front of small groups. Prior experience in leading others is a valuable asset. Writing, speaking and arithmetic skills,
curiosity, physical strength, the ability to keep records and do repetitive tasks is also helpful. Normal color perception is required.
Opportunities
Entry opportunities are limited. Only highly qualified applicants have an opportunity for placement in this rating. Advancement opportunities are fair in the DC rating. About 3,300 men and women work in the DC rating.
DC - Ship Survivability Systems Maintainer
Ship Survivability Systems Maintainers do the work necessary for damage control, ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention, and chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare defense. They also instruct personnel in the methods of damage control and CBR defense, and repair damage control equipment and systems; 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 fire fighting leaders; training ship's company in chemical, biological and radiological defense. These maintainers work under the supervision of a mentor while learning a trade or skill.
DC - Ship Survivability Systems Technician
Ship Survivability Systems Technicians do the work necessary for damage control, ship stability, firefighting, fire prevention, and chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare defense. They also instruct personnel in the methods of damage control and CBR defense, and repair damage control equipment and systems; 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; perform emergency repairs to decks, structures and hulls by emergency pipe patching, plugging, and shoring; perform maintenance and repair of watertight closures and assorted fittings; perform emergency repairs to piping fittings and fixtures; act as the ships Fire Marshal and fire fighting leaders; train ship's company in chemical, biological and radiological defense. These technicians are expected to perform work independently and mentor Ship Survivability Systems Maintainer(s) with very limited supervision.
110203-A-0566T-331 CARIBBEAN SEA (Feb. 3, 2011) Damage Controlman Daniel O'Connor acts as a safety as members of the Colombian coast guard demonstrate the use of an aqueous film forming foam fire extinguisher as part of a damage control exercise aboard the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). The subject matter expert exchange was part of the Amphibious Southern Partnership (SPS) 2011. SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Nashaunda Tilghman/Released)
110117-N-6477M-143 PACIFC OCEAN (Jan. 17, 2011) Damage Controlman Fireman Joshua R. Wilshusen and Yeoman 2nd Class John Williams exchange salutes during a burial at sea aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eli J. Medellin/Released)
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