Seamanship

Well Deck Operations

UNCLASSIFIED

References
WET WELL MANUAL
COMNAVSURFLANT/COMNAVSURFPAC 3340.3
LCAC Safe Engineering and Operations (SEAOPS) Manual

Terminal Objective
Given an amphibious ship DESCRIBE the
fundamentals of wet well operations IAW the
Wet Well Manual.

Enabling Objectives
DESCRIBE the standard terminology utilized in
well deck operations.
DISCUSS the responsibilities and duties of the
Condition 1A Detail.
DISCUSS the significant differences for ship
preparation when landing and launching AAVs,
LCACs, and LCUs.
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Introduction

Introduction

Terminology
Condition 1A: Readiness condition set for wet well operations
Condition 1A Bill is tailored by the ship for personnel required

Ballast: Water added to ballast tank to increase the draft of a ship

Wedge (steep and shallow): Physical shape of the water in the well
Alive: Craft begin to float on minimum depth required
Grounded: Craft hull is resting on the deck
Sill: Aftermost part of the well deck. Water level is reported from here
Sterngate: gate lowered to allow access to craft
At the Stops : Sterngate is fully open and resting on its braces
At the Horizontal
(# of degrees) above or below the horizontal
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Terminology

Terminology
Red Well: The well is not clear for craft to enter or exit; ship is
free to maneuver
Green Well: The well is clear for craft entry and exit; ship must
maintain steady course and speed
Well status indicated by flag and light signals

Condition 1A Detail
OOD: Responsible for maneuvering the ship to facilitate well deck
operations.
Debark Control Officer (DCO): Normally the XO (Wet Well Manual),
responsible for all embark/debark operations from flight deck and well
deck.
Well Deck Control Officer (WDCO): Normally the 1 st LT, responsible
for the safe handling, embarkation, and debarkation of all craft and
vehicles in the well deck. Reports to the DCO. Wears a White life
preserver.
Ballasting Officer: Normally the DCA, responsible for
ballasting/deballasting operations. Reports to the WDCO.
Combat Cargo Officer (CCO): Normally a marine assigned, responsible
for planning and movement of cargo and vehicles.
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Condition 1A Detail
Well Deck Safety: Responsible for overall safety in the well deck; normally
have two present, one on each catwalk. Wears a White life preserver and helmet.
Ramp Marshall/POIC: Visually guides craft into the well using hand signals and
signal wands. Wears a Yellow life preserver and helmet.
Traffic Controller (as necessary for AAVs): Parks the AAVs once the POIC
initially lands them. Wears a Yellow life preserver.
Line Captain (as necessary): Designated to manage either port or starboard
lines. Wears Blue life preservers.
Line Handler (as necessary): Wears Blue or inherently bouyant life preservers.
Sterngate Operator: A-gang maintains equipment and powers up drive. Sterngate
opened/closed via buttons on the catwalk.

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AAV Landing and Launch

Landing:
Ship is at bare steerageway (AAVs are slow craft)
Ship ballasts to a steep wedge
Sterngate is at the Stops
POIC lands the vehicles and then passes them to Traffic Controllers
to maneuver them to designated spots
Launch:
Safe to launch at any speed up to 21.5kts, typically between 5-10kts
No more than 1ft of water at the sill
Sterngate at the horizontal

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AAV Landing and Launch

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LCAC Landing and Launch

Landing:
Ship is at bare steerageway
Ship ballasts to 0 at the sill
Sterngate is 10o below the horizontal
Ramp Marshall directs LCAC to designated spot
Launch:
Same conditions as landing
Ramp Marshall directs all movements

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LCAC Landing and Launch

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LCU Landing and Launch

Landing:
Ship is at bare steerageway. Minimize wave action in the well
Ship ballasts to 8 at the sill
Sterngate is at the Stops
POIC commands Line Handlers to properly secure LCU
Launch:
Ship speed 5 to 10 kts
Craft will come alive depending on weight loaded

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LCU Landing and Launch

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OOD Responsibilities
Maintain Situational Awareness of boat traffic
Must maintain a course and speed while craft are
preparing to enter or exit the well
Coordinate with Debark Control Officer to ensure
proper timing of helos and amphibious craft
Guide CONN to find good course to minimize wave
action in the well
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Wave Action

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Questions?

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