Handling ammunition, in any environment, requires detailed planning, precise execution of details, and strict compliance with safety regulations. For ammunition handling aboard a ship, the importance of these requirements cannot be over-emphasized because of the limited working space and the large number of personnel contained within the ship. All personnel (both military and civilian) involved in ammunition handling must be thoroughly trained (qualified and certified) in their areas of responsibility.

The following discussion will cover certain aspects of handling equipment and the elements of ammunition handling operations.

HANDLING EQUIPMENT

As a team member, you will use a variety of ammunition handling equipment. Examples of handling equipment include hoists and trolleys (figure 5-1), missile transfer dollies (figure 5-2), and hand lift trucks (figures 5-3 and 5-4) to name but a few. Each weapon has its own type of handling equipment. Therefore, you should consult the applicable OPs and to ensure that you have all the equipment needed to properly handle and stow the weapon(s).

Figure 5-1.-Hoist and trolley.

Figure 5-2.-Missile transfer dolly.

Figure 5-3.-Mk 45 hand lift truck.

In addition to gear for general use, some specialized portable gear has been developed for unique handling problems on specific ships or classes of ships. It is used for both conventional ammunition and nuclear weapons depending on design and application. You will need to refer to operating procedures, handling and stowage manuals, or ship class drawings for identification and use of this specialized gear.

Equipment that is used frequently for lifting and transferring weapons from one location to another includes hoists, elevators, traveling cranes, floating cranes, forklifts, and hand trucks.