CHAPTER 11

AMMUNITION STORAGE AND HANDLING AFLOAT

The ammunition used by the U.S. Navy must be maintained in a state of readiness at all times. Improper, rough or careless handing, storage, and shipping can result in malfunctioning ammunition and material damage or loss of life.

ORDNANCE CERTIFICATION

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the purpose and use of the Explosives Handling Personnel Qualification and Certification Program, OPNAVINST 8023.2.

The Explosives Handling personnel Qualification and Certification Program was initiated in 1968 to determine the qualifications of personnel who were permitted to participate in ordnance evolutions and any tasks involving aviation ordnance material. In 1973, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) revised the concept of the program. The CNO required all personnel (military and civilian) in the Naval Establishment to come under this program if the duties and tasks required them to work with explosive devices. The Explosives Handling Personnel Qualification and Certification Program is governed by OPNAVINST 8023.2.

In the past, mishaps caused injury, loss of life, and damage to equipment. The mishaps were caused by improper handling, loading, processing, and testing of _{explosive devices.} These mishaps reduced the operational effectiveness of fleet and shore activities. The major causes of mishaps were personnel errors induced by inadequate supervision, lack of training, failure to follow standard operating procedures (SOPS), and the assignment of unqualified personnel to perform tasks involving explosive devices. The Navy must rely on properly qualified personnel. If directives (such as technical manuals, checklists, loading manuals, and NAVAIR/ NAVSEA directives) are complied with, the number and frequency of personnel errors will be reduced.

DEFINITIONS

Before you read about ordnance certification, you need to know the terminology that will be used in this discussion. The following definitions will help you to select the correct work task code to use on the Record of Certification Form (fig. 11-1).

Arm/dearm. Applies to those procedures in the arming/dearming area section of the applicable loading manual/checklist, which places the explosive device in a ready or safe condition. (Examples: rocket launchers; guided missiles; guns - internal and pods; paraflares external and SUU-44 dispenser.)

NOTE: The removal/installation of pylon/ bomb rack safety pins from a nonordnance loaded station, not requiring a stray voltage check, is not considered a function requiring certification within the purview of this instruction.

Assembly/disassembly. An operation to facilitate the complete buildup/breakdown of explosive devices. (Examples: Mk 82 bomb - attaching fins, inserting electrical fuzes, adapter boosters, etc.; Mk 76/106 practice bombs - inserting signal cartridges; SUU-44 inserting trayed paraflares).

Board chairman signature. Signature of the commanding officer, officer in charge, or department head designated to act as board chairman. Signature may be collective, if desired.

Certification board observer signature. Signature of the certification board observer who actually observed the individual being certified performing the task under consideration. A signature is required for each line entry.

Certification levels. Only list the highest certification level applicable; e.g., TM, I, TL, and QA are interrelated

Corrections. The use of whiteout/correction tape, or a single line through the entire line entry that required correction; i.e., for upgrading or downgrading certification levels and work task codes.

Decertification. The record of certification form requires a diagonal line made in red ink, and signed by the individual and the board chairman, for revocation of certification for cause.

Delays. Normally, certification occurs within 3 months of the demonstrated proficiency dates.

Explosive device. Applicable explosive device for which the person is being certified.

Figure 11-1.-Record of Certification.

Family groups. Family groups are explosive devices with similar characteristics.

Handling. Applies to those individuals who engage in the break out, lifting, or repositioning of explosive devices in order to facilitate storage/stowage, assembly/ disassembly, load/download, or transporting.

Individual signature. Signature of person being certified. Signing acknowledges certification level and work task code for the explosive device/family; therefore, a signature is required for each line entry.

Load/download. Applies to procedures contained in the load/download section of the loading manual/ checklist for that particular explosive device.

Magazine inspections. Applies to the close viewing and critical appraisal of existing conditions within ship/station magazines or ready service magazines/ lockers, using standards established by NAVSEA OP 4 and OP 5.

^{Recertification.} Recertification may be accomplished using the space provided. One the individual being recertified and the board chairman signs and dates the form, certification is valid for 1 year.

^{Storage/stowage.} Applies to those individuals whose responsibilities involve storage/stowage of explosive devices. (See OP 2165, volume 1.)

Validation date. Date certification is effective.