know the names and operations of the equipment at your
normal watch station and your battle station. Be sure you
know what the casualty is before you take corrective
action. If you are reporting a casualty to the bridge or
main control, be sure you use the correct terminology
and ensure they understand what your casualty is.
The primary sources of instructions used to handle
any engineering casualty and to maintain the overall
damage resistance to your ship are listed as follows:
l The EOCC procedure
l The ship’s casualty control manual (for a ship
without EOCC)
l The ship’s damage control manual
l The ship’s damage control bills
l The ship’s organization and regulation manual
(SORM)
SYMPTOMS OF OPERATIONAL
CASUALTIES
You must be on the alert for even the most minor
sign of faulty operation of machinery. Pay particular and
continuous attention to the following symptoms of
malfunctioning:
- Unusual noises
- Vibrations
- Abnormal temperatures
- Abnormal pressures
- Abnormal operating speeds
- Leakage from systems or associated equipment
You should become thoroughly familiar with the
normal operating temperatures, pressures, and speeds of
equipment specified for each condition of operation;
departures from normal will then be readily apparent.
NEVER assume that an abnormal reading on a gauge or
other indicating instrument is due to a problem with the
instrument. Investigate each case to learn the cause of
the abnormal reading. Substitute a spare instrument or
perform a calibration test to quickly show whether an
instrument error exists. Trace abnormal readings that are
not caused by faulty instruments to their source. Some
specific advance warnings of failure are outlined in the
following paragraphs.
The safety factor commonly incorporated in pumps
and similar equipment can allow a considerable loss of
capacity before you see any external evidence of
trouble. In pressure-governor-controlled equipment,
view changes in operating speeds from normal for the
existing load with suspicion. Variations from normal in
chest pressures, lubricating oil temperatures, and system
pressures indicate either improper operation or poor
condition of the machinery. When a material failure
occurs in any unit, promptly inspect all similar units to
determine whether they are subject to the same type of
failure. Prompt inspection may eliminate a wave of
similar casualties.
Abnormal wear, fatigue, erosion, or corrosion of a
part may indicate that the equipment is not being
operated within its designed limits of loading, speed,
and lubrication. It also may indicate a design or material
deficiency. If any of these symptoms have appeared, you
should routinely carry out special inspections to detect
damage unless you can take action to ensure that such a
condition will not recur.
ENGINE-ROOM CASUALTIES
Even with the best-trained personnel and the
best-planned maintenance programs, casualties will
occur. WHEN COMBATING AN ENGINE-ROOM
CASUALTY, USE YOUR EOCC.
DIESEL ENGINE CASUALTIES
The Engineman’s duties concerning engineering
casualties and their control depend upon the type of
ship–which may be anything from a torpedo weapons
retriever (TWR) to a carrier. An Engineman operates
engines of various sizes, made by various
manufacturers, and intended for different types of
services.
Some examples of the types of engineering
casualties that may occur and the action to be taken are
given in the sections that follow. The observance of all
necessary safety precautions is essential in all casualty
control procedures.
1. Inoperative speed governor
a. Control the engine manually, if possible.
b. Notify the engineer officer and the bridge,
and request permission to secure the engine for repairs.
c. When you get permission, check the
governor control mechanism.
d. Check the linkage for binding or sticking.
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