During which condition should the ship maintain low-medium watertight integrity?

Maintaining low-medium watertight integrity is critical during Condition IV. At this stage, the ship is not in an immediate battle but may still need to prepare for potential threats. This condition typically indicates that the ship is in a peacetime posture where operations can be conducted without the maximum watertight integrity required for full combat readiness.

In Condition IV, certain watertight and weather tight doors may be secured to facilitate movement around the ship and to allow for better operational effectiveness while still providing some level of protection against flooding. This balance is essential for ensuring that crew members can carry out their duties effectively while still having a reasonable degree of safety and preparedness against potential damage.

The distinction in watertight integrity levels reflects the operational needs and readiness posture of the ship; higher integrity levels are reserved for more critical situations that demand immediate protective measures due to higher risks of combat or danger. Therefore, for Condition IV, the approach is to maintain that low-medium level of integrity, striking a necessary balance between operational effectiveness and safety.