Engineer Port Repair Ship

by United States. War Department

CONTENTS

			Paragraph	Page
SECTION	[I.]	GENERAL.
		Purpose and scope	[1]	[1]
		Mission	[2]	[1]
		Relationship to other units	[3]	[1]
	[II.]	ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES OF PERSONNEL.
		Organization	[4]	[4]
		Duties of personnel	[5]	[4]
		Ship maintenance and repair	[6]	[4]
	[III.]	SHIP SPECIFICATIONS, EQUIPMENT, AND SUPPLIES.
		Ship specifications	[7]	[6]
		Equipment for ship operation	[8]	[8]
		Supplies for ship operation	[9]	[19]
		Equipment for performing mission	[10]	[19]
		Supplies for performing mission	[11]	[32]
	[IV.]	TRAINING OF SHIP’S CREW.
		Individual training	[12]	[34]
		Shipboard training	[13]	[38]
	[V.]	OPERATIONS.
		Condition of captured ports	[14]	[40]
		Operations of port repair ship in a captured port	[15]	[41]

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RESTRICTED

SECTION I
GENERAL

1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This manual is a general reference on engineer port repair ship crew units. It covers their mission, organization, equipment, training, and operations. It stresses the use of the ships and describes their equipment.

2. MISSION. a. Engineer port repair ship crews are military units organized to assist in the opening and rehabilitation of captured ports. They operate from engineer port repair ships which are ocean-going steam or Diesel-powered vessels. (See fig. [1] and sec. [III] for the ships’ specifications.)

b. In performing this mission, a port repair ship crew might be required to assist in removing obstructions and debris from harbor entrances, harbors, docks, and areas alongside wharves, quays, and piers; repair underwater structures; make and repair parts for damaged port facilities and equipment; and salvage cargos and small craft. Large salvage operations are a naval function and are handled by the Navy’s salvage ships.

3. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER UNITS. a. Port construction and repair groups. The engineer port repair ship operates as the offshore arm of the port construction and repair group (FM 5-5) and is under the group commander’s authority.

(1) The group’s mission is to return captured ports to operating condition. It repairs such port facilities as power and water-supply plants, communications, wharves, docks, warehouses, and cargo-handling equipment. (See fig. [2].)

Figure 1. General view of an engineer port repair ship.

Symbols: S = engineer port repair ship. G = port construction and repair group.
Figure 2. Schematic view of a typical captured port showing jobs done by the port construction and repair group and those done by the engineer port repair ship.

(2) Usually, the engineer port repair ship is the first large vessel to enter the port; it carries in supplies and equipment to help the port group start its work. Some of this equipment such as portable generators, pneumatic drills, paving breakers, hammers, and saws, may be put ashore and used by the group’s personnel. In addition, the facilities of the various shops on the ship are used for making or repairing parts for damaged port machinery and equipment.

b. Transportation Corps. After the harbor has been cleared, the engineer port repair ship may be called on to assist harbor craft units of the Transportation Corps in heavy towing or cargo-handling operations.

c. Navy. Naval minesweepers precede the engineer port repair ship into the harbor, clear the harbor of mines, and report dangerous areas to the engineer port repair ship.

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SECTION II
ORGANIZATION AND DUTIES OF PERSONNEL

4. ORGANIZATION. The engineer port repair ship crew is composed of specialists. The classifications include master mechanic, electrician, boatswain, diver, radio operator, Diesel mechanic, welder, blacksmith, cook, and able-bodied seaman. The crew consists of commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted men. (See fig. [3].)

5. DUTIES OF PERSONNEL. a. General. Members of the crew are assigned to one of four sections: deck, engine, operating, or headquarters. However, all personnel must be trained to assist in performing tasks besides those specifically assigned. For instance, additional deckhands may be needed in bad weather or in making fast to a wharf, or extra riggers may be required to move heavy materials or load or unload equipment or supplies.

b. Ship’s master. The ship’s master is responsible for everything done by his ship and crew. He must be a technical specialist as well as a military leader. His principal responsibilities are:

(1) Safe navigation and efficient handling of his ship at all times.

(2) Direction of operations in carrying out the ship’s mission.

(3) The condition and appearance of his ship.

(4) Administrative duties and the discipline and morale of his crew.

c. Deck section. Crew members of the deck section are primarily responsible for:

(1) Sea-detail duties specified by the deck officer.

(2) Outward appearance of the ship. This includes painting, rust prevention, and general ship-shape condition.

(3) Handling lines in mooring and docking.

(4) Navigation of the ship.

(5) Weighing or dropping anchor.

d. Engine section. The engine section operates, maintains, and repairs the ship’s main and auxiliary engines, compressors, pumps, generators, motors, and electrical systems.

e. Operating section. The personnel of the operating section are under the supervision of the salvage officer and are responsible for:

(1) All diving operations, including underwater inspections, construction, repairs, and demolitions.

(2) Operation and maintenance of machine, welding, blacksmith, pipe, and carpenter shops.

(3) Clearing harbor areas of debris and obstructions and restoring navigational aids.

f. Headquarters section. This section is responsible for general administrative, housekeeping, and radio-communication duties aboard ship. These duties include operation and supply of the ship’s galley and cold-storage compartments, and supply and storage of all food, silverware, clothing, and linens.

g. Attached armed guard. A Navy gun crew operates and maintains the ship’s antiaircraft (AA) armament. (See par [7e].) Each member of the gun crew takes his turn at standing watch.