In an industrial environment like the shipyard, it’s important to be vigilant, follow the blue line, safety signs, and refrain from walking and talking on a cellphone because hazards are everywhere, and one distraction could cause an accident, injury, or death.

Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), currently in the shipyard for refueling complex overhaul (RCOH), are only authorized to use their cellular devices in specific areas.  

“As far as cellphone use goes, you are not allowed to be walking around using your cellphone when you are on the shipyard,” said Machinist Mate 3rd Class James Garcia, from Beaufort, South Carolina, a Sailor assigned to the safety department aboard the George Washington. “Don’t be walking around in the hanger bay on your phone. If you are going to be using your phone, make sure you are in an area designated for cell for use.”

The shipyard has designated areas both on and off the ship.

“Cellphone use is allowed for Sailors as long as they are in an area designated for cellphone use,” said Garcia. “There are signs posted on the ship where cellphone use is authorized, so make sure you are following the rules and only using your cellphone in those areas. Some of the areas where cellphone use is allowed is in the brown bag area of the floating accomodation facility (FAF), in your offices on the FAF, the jet shop café on the ship, and the smoke pits directly off of the ship.”      

There are also areas in the shipyard and on George Washington, where cellphone use is not authorized. Sailors should make sure they are aware of the off-limits areas, for safety and security reasons.

“Don’t bring your cellphone down into any of the reactor spaces and don’t use your cellphone to take pictures of anything,” said Information Technician 2nd Class Aaron Dykstra, from Port Edwards, Wisconsin, a Sailor assigned to the safety department aboard the George Washington. “If you are caught using your cellphone anywhere deemed off-limits, it is not going to be a good day for you.”

The use of cameras on Sailors’ cellphones is strictly prohibited anywhere in the shipyard or aboard George Washington.

“Only certain devices are allowed to be used to take photographs and only certain personnel are allowed to take photographs with these devices,” said Dykstra. “So if you don’t have one of those devices and aren’t one of the authorized peronnel, you shouldn’t be using your cellphone camera at all. If Sailors are caught taking photographs of anything deemed classified, they are going to get themselves in a lot of trouble.”

Even when Sailors are using their cellphones in the designated areas, Sailors need to pay attention to any potential hazards around them.

“Make sure that when you are using your cellphone you are aware of your surroundings,” said Garcia. “There are a lot of moving parts and people while we are in the shipyard, so even if an area is deemed safe for cellphone use, you should still be checking out what’s going on around you so you can keep yourself safe.”

Safety is paramount, which means adhering to the rules not only keeps you safe, but those around you as well.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/.