Navy Damage Controlman (DC): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as a Damage Controlman (DC) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Ships are dangerous places. Fires, flooding, explosions—something goes wrong, Damage Controlmen (DC) handle it.

Every Sailor learns damage control basics, but DCs are the experts. Firefighting, ship stability, chemical, radiological, and biological defense—this is their job.

Pipe bursts on the mess decks? They’re on it. Explosion on the flight deck? They’re already moving. If the ship takes a hit, they keep it afloat. If the crew is in danger, they make sure they survive.

Job Description

navy-dc-insignia
DC Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Damage Controlmen (DC) are Navy enlisted Sailors who maintain and repair damage control equipment and systems, ensuring ship stability, preserving watertight integrity, performing firefighting tasks, and coordinating Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) defense.

Fires, floods, explosions—DCs handle it all. They train the crew, run damage control teams, and maintain emergency equipment.

Every ship, sub, and squadron needs Damage Controlmen. About 3,300 serve worldwide. It’s physically demanding, often loud, always high-stakes. You work in a tight, skilled team.


What They Do

  • Firefighting—first line of defense when things go wrong.
  • Repairing emergency equipment to keep systems ready.
  • Overseeing damage control teams during crises.
  • Inspecting and maintaining fire suppression systems.
  • Training the crew in safety, fire prevention, and CBRNE defense.

When disaster strikes, they don’t wait—they act.

Fun fact: Did you know they’re nicknamed ‘Snipes‘? Here’s Why…

Different Roles

Ship Survivability Systems Maintainer (Entry-Level, Hands-On Work)

  • Perform damage control, firefighting, ship stability, and CBRNE defense.
  • Train personnel in damage control and CBRNE response.
  • Repair and maintain fire suppression and damage control equipment.
  • Fix life-saving devices, emergency patching, and shoring techniques.
  • Maintain and repair watertight closures and fittings.
  • Serve as part of the ship’s firefighting team.
  • Work under a mentor while learning the trade.

Ship Survivability Systems Technician (More Responsibility, Leadership Role)

  • Everything a Maintainer does, plus:
  • Supervise damage control teams during emergencies.
  • Operate independently with minimal supervision.
  • Oversee repairs on ship structures, pipes, and watertight systems.
  • Lead firefighting efforts and serve as the ship’s Fire Marshal.
  • Train and mentor Maintainers.

Fire, Flooding, Emergencies—They Handle It

Maintainers learn and respond. Technicians lead and take charge. If the ship takes a hit, they keep it afloat.


Career Rotation

  • 65% of a DC’s career is spent at sea, responding to emergencies.
  • 35% is shore duty, usually in fleet concentration areas.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Seaman RecruitSRSeaman Recruit
E-2Seaman ApprenticeSASeaman Apprentice
E-3SeamanSNSeaman
E-4Damage Controlman Third ClassDC3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Damage Controlman Second ClassDC2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Damage Controlman First ClassDC1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Damage ControlmanDCCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Damage ControlmanDCCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Damage ControlmanDCCMMaster Chief Petty Officer

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January  2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

Pay GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Navy-DC-Rating-Damage-Controlman-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

After Boot Camp, DCs report to Basic Engineering Common Core (BECC) and “A” School in Great Lakes, IL for 10 weeks of training in firefighting, damage control, and emergency response.


Initial Training

Basic Engineering Common Core & DC “A” School – Great Lakes, IL (10 weeks)

  • Firefighting systems and equipment.
  • Shipboard damage control and ventilation systems.
  • Ship stability, drainage, and firemain systems.
  • Emergency breathing devices and de-smoking equipment.
  • Gas analyzing and communication systems.
  • Self-paced and group instruction with hands-on training.

After training, DCs are assigned to ships in the U.S. or overseas.


Advanced Training & Career Growth

  • More specialized training available later in the career.
  • Promotions are competitive and based on performance.

Post-Service Opportunities

DC training translates to civilian jobs in:

  • Firefighting and emergency response.
  • Industrial safety and hazardous materials handling.
  • Structural repair and mechanical maintenance.

DCs spend most of their time at sea, keeping the ship and crew safe in high-risk situations.

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

To qualify as a Damage Controlman (DC) in the Navy, you must meet the following requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Good vision and normal color perception (required, no exceptions).
  • Comfortable speaking in front of small groups.
  • Experience leading others is a plus.
  • Manual dexterity and ability to use tools, equipment, and machines.
  • Good memory, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.
  • Works well in a team and can perform under pressure.
  • Physical strength, ability to do repetitive tasks, and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Writing, speaking, and arithmetic skills are helpful.

ASVAB Requirements (Waivers considered case-by-case)

  • VE + AR + MK + AS = 200 OR
  • MK + AS + AO = 150

Security Clearance

Not required for all billets, but some positions may require one.


The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.

So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.

More Information

If you wish to learn more about becoming a Damage Controlman (DC), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted Surface Engineering jobs:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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