NS100

Ship Characteristics

Objectives:1. Be familiar with basic ship structure definitions.

2. Understand shipboard compartmentation, terminology, and watertight integrity.

3. Demonstrate an understanding of the different material conditions of readiness.

Ship Structure DefinitionsHull - The main body of the ship.

Shell Plating - The sides of the hull.

Bilge - Intersection of side plating and bottom plating.

Keel - Backbone of the ship.

Ship Structure Definitions Frames - Fastened to the keel, running

athwartships. Support the skin.

Main Deck - Uppermost continuous deck

from bow to stern.

Levels - Similar to decks, located above

the main deck.

Ship Structure Definitions Decks - “Floors” aboard ship.

Bulkheads - “Walls”.

Overheads - “Ceilings”.

Compartments - “Rooms”. Bounded by

overheads, bulkheads and decks.

Hull Reference Terms

Trim- The relationship between fore and aft

draft. •“In trim”

•“down by the bow” or

•“down by the stern.”

List - The athwartships balance•Starboard list

•Port list6161

Hull Reference TermsBallast - Weight added to lower part of ship to

help keep her in balance. Either permanent

or controllable (ballast tanks).

Propeller guards

Compartment and Deck Numbering Every compartment aboard a ship is given

an identifying alphanumeric symbol which

is marked on a label plate on or near the

entrance. For example:

3-75-4-M

3-75-4-M3 - Third deck. 75- The compartments forward boundary is on

or immediately aft of ship’s frame 75. 4 -The second compartment outboard of the

centerline to port (even numbers to port, odd to starboard).

M- the compartment is used for ammunition.

01-75-0-F01 - First level. 75- The compartments forward boundary is on or

immediately aft of ship’s frame 75. 0 -The compartment on the centerline. F- the compartment is a fuel tank.

Compartment NumberingE - engineering DC – damage control

F - fuel J- JP5

C - ship control (bridge,CIC)

L - living spaces M - ammunition spaces

Q - spaces not otherwise designated

V - voids

Shipboard Compartmentationand Watertight Integrity A ship’s structure is divided into many

watertight compartments in order to

maximize damage control readiness.

secured – Condition X-ray

secured – Condition Yoke

secured – Condition Zebra

closed when not in use

secured - “darken ship” condition

always open

secured - Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) attack.

Review Questions1. What is the difference between a deck and a level?2. What is the number of the main deck?3. When is material condition Yoke set throughout the ship?4. Besides general quarters, when is material condition Zebra set throughout the ship?5. What do Circle William fittings protect against?

Review Questions6. What are Dog Zebra fittings designed to do?7. What is the difference between list and trim?8. If you were told, “Ensign, go to compartment 6-132-0-E to get a HT (USN - Hull

Maintenance Technician) punch,” where would you go?