Observers must be proficient in the proper
methods of introduction of information. In
general, when practical, the information delivered
to ships personnel should be verbal, and should
contain only that information which would help
the ships personnel develop adequate procedures
for the search and investigation of the imposed
casualty. In the event the ships personnel fail to
locate the casualty, the observer may resort to
coaching, but a notation should be made on the
observers form as to the time allowed before
coaching and information were furnished. Special
precautions should be taken to give the symptoms
of casualty the same degree of realism that they
would have if the casualty were actual rather than
simulated.
In order to impose casualties, valves may have
to be closed, switches opened, or machinery
stopped. In each case the observer should inform
responsible ships personnel of the action desired,
and the ships personnel should operate the
designated equipment. A casualty should be
simulated, or omitted entirely, if there is danger
that personnel injury or material damage might
result because of lack of preparation or the
experience of personnel. The supply of lubricating
oil to the main engines or the supply of feedwater
to the boilers MUST NOT be stopped to simulate
casualties.
An emergency procedure should be set up, by
the observing party and ships company, to
ensure proper action in case actual casualties
as distinguished from simulated or problem
casualtiesshould occur.
Although the general announcing system (the
1MC circuit) may be used by the ship, observers,
normally, have priority in its use. The problem
time announcer uses the general announcing
system to announce the start of the battle
problem, the problem time at regular intervals,
the conclusion of the problem, and the restora-
tion of casualties. The general announcing system
is kept available at all times for use in case of ac-
tual emergency. All other announcing system cir-
cuits and other means of interior communications
are reserved for the use of the ship.
Engineering telephone circuits should be
monitored by one or more observers. A check
should be made for proper procedure and circuit
discipline, and for the proper handling of infor-
mation or casualties.
An inspection should be made to see that the
engineering plant is properly split in accordance
with current directives. Fire hazards such as paint,
rags, or oil, and missile hazards such as loose gear,
loose floor plates, tool boxes, and repair parts
boxes should be noted. The condition of
firefighting, damage control, and remote control
gear should be carefully inspected.
ANALYSIS OF THE BATTLE PROB-
LEM.The maximum benefit obtained from
conducting a battle problem lies in pinpointing
existing weaknesses and deficiencies, and in the
resulting recommendations for improvement in
organization and training. Every effort should be
made by the observers to emphasize strong points
as well as deficiencies. Knowledge of existing
strong points is helpful to boost the morale of the
ships personnel.
Analysis of the battle problem affords the
observers an opportunity to present to the ship
their opinion of its performance, and for the ship
to comment on the observers remarks as well as
to consider suggested improvements.
Analysis is conducted in two steps: the critique
and the observers reports.
A critique of the battle problem is held on
board the observed ship before the observing
party leaves, in order that the problems and the
actions taken may be reviewed when they are fresh
in the minds of all concerned. The critique is
attended by all the ships officers, appropriate
chief and first class petty officers, the chief
observer, and all senior observers. The various
points of interest of the battle problem are dis-
cussed, and the chief observer comments on the
overall conduct of the problem after the senior
observers complete their analysis of the battle
problem as reported in their observers reports.
The observers reports are prepared in the
form prescribed by the type commander, and
include any additional instructions given by the
chief observer. The reports of the observers are
collected by the senior observer for each depart-
ment and are submitted to the chief observer. All
observers reports are reviewed by the senior
observers before the critique is held.
The observers reports provide the inspected
ship with detailed observations of the battle
problem which, because of time limitations, may
ENGINEMAN 1 & C
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