When I'm in enemy waters and close to suspected action, I keep a damage crew assigned all the time and when under attack or attacking with escorts/planes, I use the Battle Stations command which activates the entire crew and damage control. Also keep aware the repair time and effectiveness depnds on the skill and talant of the damage crew. Tow or three low skill guys will not repair heavy damage in time. I've found I have to keep the crew scale 50% or more to quickly repair even moderate damage.
Damage that is not overwhelming gets repaired much sooner. This does not mean a leathal hit (many of our american subs sank desite exelant crews) can always be repaired. Also, I think I've read dev statements that damage is cumulative.
Even though you have temporarily fixed a bulkhead (how much strees can a timber wedged against the pressure hull take) some damage weakens the STRUCTURE of the hull and diving and additional battle damage take you out easier. In SH3 there was a hull damage display indicating the weakening of the structure that could not be repaired. In SH4 we are missing that indicator, but I think it's still in effect.
Treat your damaged sub with extreme care and keep your maintenence crew active for a while even if it means you have to micro-manage the crew for a few days. Avoid deep dives near test. You will have to be nore stealthy and avoid higher risk battles when you have had more than minor damage. This may mean subsurface day transits in enemy controlled waters. If it were me, I would go looking for a repair port if I take even ONE bulkhead damaged. My fighting effectiveness is severely limited.
-Pv-
|