The advance planning stage of the regular overhaul begins approximately 18 months before the scheduled beginning of the overhaul. During this stage, the plans progress from a very rough to a refined and definite schedule. In the broad sense, advance planning provides a solid foundation for the accomplishment of work on naval ships in all shipyards. Availabilities of ships are approved by CNO on a fiscal-year basis. Before they are approved, schedules are commented on by forces afloat and NAVSEASYSCOM,

The main factors considered in formulating the overhaul schedule are as follows: . The home port of the ship

The intervals between the previous overhaul availabilities of the ship and the proposed overhaul

The placing of the ship in the home shipyard or shipyards capable of performing any required special type of work

The provision of a level of work in all shipyards to avoid laying off personnel intermittently

The probable availability of critical material on important jobs

Any special factors that may arise

The final approved schedule represents the best compromise possible. It is used as a basis for planning by the material commands, the shipyards, and the forces afloat.

It is quite possible, in view of the remote, long-range nature of the schedule, that changes and adjustments may be required from time to time. As the need arises, proposed changes are evaluated and approved/ disapproved by CNO. Changes in start or completion dates may be made by the type commander with the concurrence of the shipyard commander or the superintendent/supervisor of shipbuilding (SUPSHIP) when the change is 3 weeks or less from the assigned date.

Advance planning on the part of the ship's personnel is necessary for a successful overhaul. The commanding officer must ensure that adequate plans and preparations are made for the accomplishment of the following activities:

^1. Work of ship's force

2. Training of the ship's personnel during the overhaul

3. Security of the ship's spaces, including protection against fire, flooding, theft, and sabotage

All work within the capacity of the ship's force should be accomplished by the ship's personnel. A schedule of the work of the ship's force should include the names of the persons responsible for performing the work, the estimated date of completion, the estimated number of work hours required for completion of the work, and a list of the necessary materials or tools required from the shipyard to perform the work.

Plans for training during the overhaul period should outline the objective to be accomplished by the end of the period. Local training facilities and fleet schools should be used to the maximum degree consistent with obtaining a good overhaul.

While the ship is undergoing overhaul, special precautions against fire, flooding, theft, and sabotage must be taken. The shipyard is prepared to help with matters of security, but the responsibility for establishing security measures remains with the ship's personnel. The overhaul plan should include the necessary organization for these precautions.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE.- The greatest continuous hazard to ships undergoing overhaul is fire. Disruption of fire-fighting facilities and burning or welding work in progress are the most dangerous conditions contributing to fire hazards. The ship's force is responsible for providing properly trained fire watches for each burning or welding job in progress aboard ship. All watch personnel should be instructed in the location of the shipyard fire alarm boxes nearest to (or on) the ship and the current shipyard directives concerning fires and fire fighting.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FLOODING.- The possibility of engineering spaces flooding through sea connections or through leaks in piping systems must not be overlooked. The security plan should require frequent inspections of all unattended spaces in which this possibility exists.

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THEFT AND SABOTAGE.- Responsibility for the security of the ship against acts of theft or sabotage rests largely with the security watches and the inspectors of shipyard work. Security measures should be enforced tactfully, so shipboard personnel will not be offended. To reduce the possibility of theft, you should place all tools, valuables, and clothing in locked stowage. Stowage spaces within the shipyard may be available to the ship's force for this purpose. Acts of sabotage can best be prevented by the vigilance of watch and duty personnel. Periodic patrols conducted at irregular intervals through ship's spaces and proper identification of all personnel boarding the ship are basic requirements for security.