Observers must be proficient in the proper methods   of   introduction   of   information.   In general,  when  practical,  the  information  delivered to  ship’s  personnel  should  be  verbal,  and  should contain  only  that  information  which  would  help the  ship’s  personnel  develop  adequate  procedures for the search and investigation of the imposed casualty. In the event the ship’s personnel fail to locate the casualty, the observer may resort to coaching, but a notation should be made on the observer’s  form  as  to  the  time  allowed  before coaching  and  information  were  furnished.  Special precautions should be taken to give the symptoms of casualty the same degree of realism that they would have if the casualty were actual rather than simulated. In order to impose casualties, valves may have to  be  closed,  switches  opened,  or  machinery stopped. In each case the observer should inform responsible ship’s personnel of the action desired, and  the  ship’s  personnel  should  operate  the designated equipment.   A  casualty  should  be simulated,  or  omitted  entirely,  if  there  is  danger that personnel injury or material damage might result  because  of  lack  of  preparation  or  the experience of personnel. The supply of lubricating oil to the main engines or the supply of feedwater to the boilers MUST NOT be stopped to simulate casualties. An emergency procedure should be set up, by the  observing  party  and  ship’s  company,  to ensure proper action in case actual casualties— as  distinguished  from  simulated  or  problem casualties—should   occur. Although the general announcing system (the 1MC circuit) may be used by the ship, observers, normally, have priority in its use. The problem time  announcer  uses  the  general  announcing system  to  announce  the  start  of  the  battle problem, the problem time at regular intervals, the conclusion of the problem, and the restora- tion of casualties. The general announcing system is kept available at all times for use in case of ac- tual emergency. All other announcing system cir- cuits and other means of interior communications are reserved for the use of the ship. Engineering  telephone  circuits  should  be monitored by one or more observers. A check should be made for proper procedure and circuit discipline, and for the proper handling of infor- mation or casualties. An inspection should be made to see that the engineering  plant  is  properly  split  in  accordance with current directives. Fire hazards such as paint, rags, or oil, and missile hazards such as loose gear, loose floor plates, tool boxes, and repair parts boxes  should  be  noted.  The  condition  of firefighting,  damage  control,  and  remote  control gear should be carefully inspected. ANALYSIS   OF   THE   BATTLE   PROB- LEM.—The  maximum  benefit  obtained  from conducting a battle problem lies in pinpointing existing  weaknesses  and  deficiencies,  and  in  the resulting recommendations for improvement in organization and training. Every effort should be made by the observers to emphasize strong points as well as deficiencies. Knowledge of existing strong points is helpful to boost the morale of the ship’s  personnel. Analysis  of  the  battle  problem  affords  the observers an opportunity to present to the ship their opinion of its performance, and for the ship to comment on the observers’ remarks as well as to  consider  suggested  improvements. Analysis is conducted in two steps: the critique and the observers’ reports. A critique of the battle problem is held on board  the  observed  ship  before  the  observing party leaves, in order that the problems and the actions taken may be reviewed when they are fresh in the minds of all concerned. The critique is attended by all the ship’s officers, appropriate chief  and  first  class  petty  officers,  the  chief observer, and all senior observers. The various points of interest of the battle problem are dis- cussed,  and  the  chief  observer  comments  on  the overall conduct of the problem after the senior observers complete their analysis of the battle problem as reported in their observers’ reports. The  observers’  reports  are  prepared  in  the form  prescribed  by  the  type  commander,  and include  any  additional  instructions  given  by  the chief observer. The reports of the observers are collected by the senior observer for each depart- ment and are submitted to the chief observer. All observers’  reports  are  reviewed  by  the  senior observers before the critique is held. The  observers’  reports  provide  the  inspected ship  with  detailed  observations  of  the  battle problem which, because of time limitations, may ENGINEMAN  1  &  C 2-44