Careers

What Does a Navy Damage Controlman (DC) Actually Do?

Navy Enlisted Rating (Job) Descriptions and Qualification Factors

Damage Controlman 1st Class Hector Floresdiaz demonstrates firefighting techniques. JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM (July 8, 2011) Damage Controlman 1st Class Hector Floresdiaz demonstrates firefighting techniques to students attending the Center for Naval Engineering Learning Site, Pearl Harbor. Floresdiaz is an instructor of naval engineering, basic and advanced damage control, and aviation and machinery room firefighting tactics.
••• U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark Logico / Released
Updated June 25, 2019

Damage Controlmen (DC's) 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.

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.

A-School (Job School) Information

Great Lakes, IL -- 8 weeks

ASVAB Score Requirement: VE + AR + MK + AS = 200 OR MK + AS + AO = 150

Security Clearance Requirement: None

Other Requirements

Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for DC

Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing

Note: Advancement ( promotion ) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).

Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating

  • First Sea Tour: 54 months
  • First Shore Tour: 36 months
  • Second Sea Tour: 54 months
  • Second Shore Tour: 36months
  • Third Sea Tour: 48 months
  • Third Shore Tour: 36 months
  • Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
  • Forth Shore Tour: 36 months

Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.

Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command