What should an after-action report for salvage/overhaul include?

• A. Observations and hazards only
• B. Actions taken only
• C. Actions taken, observations, hazards, property protected/lost, and recommendations for improvements
• D. Recommendations for improvements only

Answer: (C)

A complete after-action report for salvage and overhaul must document actions taken, what was observed, hazards encountered, the property protected or lost, and recommendations for improvements. This combination provides a full record of the response: what was done and why, the conditions faced, and the outcomes for both safety and property. Including actions taken shows the sequence of decisions and tactics used; notes on observations and hazards capture the situational awareness and risks discovered or mitigated during the operation; accounting for property protected or lost assesses the effectiveness of salvage efforts and informs insurance and recovery priorities; and recommendations for improvements closes the loop, guiding training, equipment, procedures, and safety practices for future incidents. Relying on only one aspect, like just what was done or just what was observed, would miss critical context and learning opportunities, leaving gaps in accountability and future readiness.