SHIPBOARD DAMAGE CONTROL, PERSONNEL PROTECTION, FIREFIGHTING AND CBR-D
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DAMAGE CONTROL MUSEUM
DC EQUIPMENT Museum
 
Breathing Apparatus  
 
Survival Support Device (SSD)
 
In the early 1970s, the Lear Seigler Company began development on the survival support device (SSD). It was first placed into service onboard aircraft carriers in 1973. The SSD consisted of a hood with a plastic eyepiece and a light-weight plastic bag that fit over the head, and an air bottle pack that was charged to 2,600 psi. It came in a gray plastic stowage case and had a visible bottle pressure gauge dial that indicated the charge remaining in the bottle. The device provided 8 minutes of breathing air to the wearer. A positive pressure was maintained inside the hood, allowing personnel to egress through smoke to fresh air. Onboard large ships, air compressors were installed, generally in the DC Shop, to refill the SSD air bottles. Smaller ships sent their bottles to tenders, carriers or DATC/SIMA for refilling. These air refilling compressors were difficult to maintain, and Sailors experienced a number of problems with them; this was one of the factors that caused the Navy to pursue a replacement breathing device in the 1980s. Each ship was outfitted 115% of their manning complement. Amphibious ships and personnel transport ships carried 100% of the embarked complement in the troop berthing spaces. Ship’s force personnel had one installed or stowed near their bunk in berthing spaces, CPO quarters and officer staterooms. Some SSDs were also placed in specified high-risk manned stations below the damage control deck and in other work centers, such as CIC at designated personnel egress locations. Quantities were equal in number to the general quarters’ manning for the space. It was mandatory for all surface ships and the host ships of embarked troops, embarked staff, air wing, and TAD personnel to train all personnel in EEBD use, including donning procedures, operation, capabilities and safety precautions. Emergency egress training -- from work centers and berthing spaces -- was also conducted. This is done in darkened compartments, or personnel can be blindfolded for egress familiarization.
Image of Survival Support Device (SSD)

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