EMERGENCY PROCEDURES IN SIF/IDF FAILURE

	Failure of the structural integrity field (SIF) or the inertial damping 
field (IDF) can have potentially catastrophic consequences to the starship 
and to its crew. For this reason, multiple redundancy has been built into 
these systems, and emergency protocols have been devised to anticipate 
the possibility of failure of one or more of these units.

	The Enterprise is dependent upon its structural integrity field to 
maintain the spaceframe during the tremendous accelerations encountered 
during impulse flight as well as the differential subspace field stresses 
experienced during warp flight. The inertial damping field also provides vital 
cushioning to the fragile crew during such maneuvers. Without such 
protection, the spacecraft and crew are unable to survive accelerations in 
excess of 30 m/sec® (approximately 3å) without serious structural damage to 
the spaceframe and severeÑprobably fatalÑinjury to the crew. By way of 
contrast, accelerations considerably in excess of 1,000g are not uncommon 
when under full impulse power. Warp flight operations do not produce direct 
acceleration stresses, but SIF/IDF protection is needed because of the 
potential for warp field differential stresses and local variations in inertial 
potential.

	Under Cruise Mode operating protocols, two field generators are 
active at all times, although one unit is sufficient to provide adequate 
protection for both spacecraft and crew except during extreme maneuvers. 
In case of failure of one field generator, a backup unit will automatically 
engage, keeping the number of active units at two. If a third unit is available 
to be placed in service, Cruise Mode rules allow operations in progress to 
continue without interruption.

	In the event of failure of two field generators, or in the case where an 
additional backup cannot be brought on line, operating rules require a Yellow 
Alert status to be initiated, and the Commanding Officer is required to make a 
determination whether to allow primary or secondary mission operations in 
progress to continue.

	In the event of failure of three or four field generators, regardless of 
the availability of backup units, Yellow Alert status must be initiated and the 
vehicle must attempt to decelerate to an inertially safe condition, subject to 
sufficient generator capacity. If the spacecraft is presently at sublight speed, 
that speed must be reduced to the point where further deceleration can be 
absorbed by minimal inertial damping and structural integrity capacity. If the 
spacecraft is traveling at warp, an immediate reduction to sublight must be 
initiated, subject to maximum allowable subspace field differentials. Such 
downwarping must be a simple field collapse maneuver; differential field 
maneuvers are not permitted. Operating rules provide for exceptions during 
combat situations or when the failure of the remaining field generators is 
believed to be immediately imminent.

	The failure of all five field generators requires an immediate Red Alert 
status. The Commanding Officer is first required to stabilize the situation, 
take steps to minimize potential risk, and then to begin deceleration 
maneuvers. Severe operational limits are imposed on vehicle maneuvers. 
Immediate downwarping to sublight must be performed, except during active 
combat situations. Such downwarping must be a simple field collapse 
maneuver; differential field maneuvers are not permitted.

	Once the Commanding Officer or supervising Operations Manager 
has determined that further system failures are no longer an immediate 
threat, power conservation procedures are initiated because of the 
possibility that the ship may be unable to make a significant change in 
course or speed for a period of several months. Starfleet Command is 
notified for possible assistance or rescue efforts.

	Until the arrival of assistance, the ship should maintain power 
conservation procedures and perform the maximum deceleration consistent 
with vehicle and crew safety. Rescue and salvage options include 
replacement of field generation components, evacuation of crew to permit 
unprotected deceleration using the shipÕs own engines or a tractor beam. 
Under certain conditions, it is possible for a rescue vessel to project an 
SIF/IDF onto the ship, although this is a difficult and extremely power-
intensive procedure. A final option is the evacuation of the crew and 
abandonment of the spacecraft, although even this option should not 
preclude the possibility of salvage at a later date.  Æ