In damage control terminology, a casualty that renders the vessel not serviceable is classified as which?

• A. Minor casualty
• B. Moderate casualty
• C. Major casualty
• D. Catastrophic casualty

Answer: (C)

In damage control, how seriously a casualty affects the ship guides both priority and the response plan. A major casualty is when the incident renders the vessel not serviceable—meaning it can no longer fulfill its mission or operate safely in its current condition. This level signals that substantial repairs are required and the ship cannot proceed to sea or undertake its normal operations until those repairs restore basic seaworthiness or essential functionality.

This sits between a minor casualty, which doesn’t affect the ship’s ability to operate, and a catastrophic casualty, which implies the ship is beyond salvage or repair and cannot be returned to service. So, the phrase “not serviceable” specifically identifies a major casualty as the point where the vessel’s operability is lost and needs significant work to regain readiness.