Who performs the duties of the damage control petty officer outside normal working hours while in port?

The role of the damage control petty officer is critical to the safety and integrity of a vessel, particularly in situations where damage control actions are necessary to prevent further complications. Typically, while in port, the section leader takes charge of damage control responsibilities outside of normal working hours. This assignment ensures that there is an experienced individual overseeing damage control operations at all times, providing leadership and quick decision-making capabilities.

The section leader is usually well-versed in damage control procedures and is responsible for organizing and directing the personnel assigned to them during emergencies. They ensure that the crew is prepared to respond effectively to any incidents that may arise, thus maintaining safety and operational readiness.

In contrast, the roles of the police petty officer, work center supervisor, and leading petty officer do not directly include the oversight of damage control efforts during off-hours. Each of these positions has distinct responsibilities that focus on security, work operations management, or leading divisions and maintaining discipline, rather than specifically addressing immediate damage control responses. Therefore, the section leader is the appropriate choice for this critical duty.