1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE. This manual is a general reference on engineer port repair ship crew units. It covers their mission, organization, equipment, training, and operations. It stresses the use of the ships and describes their equipment.

2. MISSION. a. Engineer port repair ship crews are military units organized to assist in the opening and rehabilitation of captured ports. They operate from engineer port repair ships which are ocean-going steam or Diesel-powered vessels. (See fig. 1 and sec. III for the ships’ specifications.)

b. In performing this mission, a port repair ship crew might be required to assist in removing obstructions and debris from harbor entrances, harbors, docks, and areas alongside wharves, quays, and piers; repair underwater structures; make and repair parts for damaged port facilities and equipment; and salvage cargos and small craft. Large salvage operations are a naval function and are handled by the Navy’s salvage ships.

3. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER UNITS. a. Port construction and repair groups. The engineer port repair ship operates as the offshore arm of the port construction and repair group (FM 5-5) and is under the group commander’s authority.

(1) The group’s mission is to return captured ports to operating condition. It repairs such port facilities as power and water-supply plants, communications, wharves, docks, warehouses, and cargo-handling equipment. (See fig. 2.)

(2) Usually, the engineer port repair ship is the first large vessel to enter the port; it carries in supplies and equipment to help the port group start its work. Some of this equipment such as portable generators, pneumatic drills, paving breakers, hammers, and saws, may be put ashore and used by the group’s personnel. In addition, the facilities of the various shops on the ship are used for making or repairing parts for damaged port machinery and equipment.

b. Transportation Corps. After the harbor has been cleared, the engineer port repair ship may be called on to assist harbor craft units of the Transportation Corps in heavy towing or cargo-handling operations.

c. Navy. Naval minesweepers precede the engineer port repair ship into the harbor, clear the harbor of mines, and report dangerous areas to the engineer port repair ship.