Keep Cool; Don’t Give Up the Ship!

When I was touring an aircraft carrier, in one of the many hallways I saw a posting of the Ten Commandments of Damage Control. It reminded me of some of the issues some journalism organizations face.

1. Keep Your Ship Watertight.

2. Do not violate material conditions.

3. Have confidence in your ship’s ability to withstand severe damage.

4. Know your way around – even in the dark!

5. Know how to use and maintain damage control equipment.

6. Report damage to the nearest damage control station.

7. Keep personal articles properly secured at all times.

8. Practice personal damage control, protect yourself so you can protect your ship!

9. Take every possible step to save the ship as long as a bit of hope remains.

10. Keep cool; don’t give up the ship!