During which stage of the investigation should personnel maintain the watertight integrity?

Maintaining watertight integrity is crucial at the point of discovering damage because this is when the risk of water intrusion is most immediate. If damage is detected, it is vital to ensure that any openings through which water could enter are secured to prevent further flooding and worsening of the situation. This includes closing hatches, securing doors, and implementing any available measures to minimize water ingress while personnel assess the extent of the damage.

While watertight integrity is important at the beginning of the operation and during equipment gathering, the urgency is greatest upon discovering damage. Personnel need to react quickly to secure the area and limit the potential for additional harm, making this stage critical for the damage control effort.