can I dock at a friendly port for repairs?

[Jimbuna]

You have been assigned a 'Null' patrol grid because you are not in your home port and the game interprets this the same as if you docked with a supply ship or a milch cow.

Only when you dock at your home port will you be assigned a patrol grid.

[peterloo]

Originally Posted by jimbuna

You have been assigned a 'Null' patrol grid because you are not in your home port and the game interprets this the same as if you docked with a supply ship or a milch cow.

Only when you dock at your home port will you be assigned a patrol grid.

There are tools that can alter save files and give you a patrol grid instead of "null". I think (not sure) SH3 commander has such a function. You may check the mod forum for that

You can only do it IN PORT or else your save file will crash

[BasilY]

For realism sake, I try to get to a major naval base (if not my home base) after a badly damaged patrol.

A regular port, said, Tobruk, just don't have the dry dock facility to repair major damages.