There is a high potential for catastrophe inherent to mishaps involving explosives. The requirements for reporting explosive mishaps, therefore, are more stringent than for any other type of mishap.

An explosive mishap is defined as an explosive incident or a dangerous defect involving an explosive system or a launch device which results in detonation, deflagration, burning, inadvertent jettisoning, or release of ordnance material resulting in damage or injury.

Mishap Investigation and Reporting, OPNAVINST 5102.1, establishes the requirements for reporting all mishaps involving non-nuclear explosive ordnance or explosive materials, chemical agents, and systems. It also defines procedures to be followed subsequent to these mishaps. In addition, Underwater Mine Maintenance System, NAVSEA SW550-FO-PMS-010, requires that a mine system class-B data report (supplement B sheet) be prepared when explosive items are damaged in storage or during handling.

NON-NUCLEAR ORDNANCE AND EXPLOSIVES-HANDLING QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

In recognition of the need for reducing personnel-induced explosive mishaps, the Non-Nuclear Ordnance and Explosives-Handling Qualification and Certification Program was established. An integral part of the Navy Explosives Safety Program, this program requires that all personnel directly involved with ammunition or explosives be certified by the command or the organizational unit to which they are assigned as having satisfactorily demonstrated their qualifications to safely perform all functions, tasks, and evolutions involving explosive devices. In addition, this program requires that personnel be properly trained and qualified before they are certified to perform any task involving explosive devices, individually or as members of a team.

Program procedures and personnel qualification requirements are in Ammunition and Explosives Ashore, NAVOP 5; U.S. Navy Explosives Safety Policies, Requirements, and Procedures (Department of the Navy Explosives Safety Policy Manual), OPNAVINST 8023.2; and Non-Nuclear Ordnance and Explosives-Handling Qualification and Certification Program, NAVSEAINST 8020.9.

The basic qualifications under this program define the following four personnel requirements:

1. Be physically and mentally qualified and certified.

2. Receive a general indoctrination in the hazards of explosive materials and devices; general safety, fire, security, and health regulations; and emergency or hazardous conditions and reporting procedures.

3. Demonstrate competent knowledge and application of each evolution (such as assembly, disassembly, testing, etc.) with the specific explosive devices for which they are being qualified.

4. Be specifically qualified as individuals, team members, or team leaders (supervisors).

This section discusses certification for handling explosives and qualification and certification records. CERTIFICATION FOR HANDLING EXPLOSIVES

Upon being qualified and recommended for certification, each individual shall be issued final certification by the commanding officer or the officer-in-charge or by the command's certification board.

Certification Boards

A certification board shall be appointed by the commanding officer or officer-in-charge of each unit or naval activity involved with explosives or explosive devices. This board shall include, as a minimum,

the cognizant department head (or the comparable supervisory representative in those organizations without defined departments); and

* not less than one individual (E-6 or above) who is certified to perform the function, task, or evolution under consideration.

Certification Duration

Certification, unless revoked for cause, shall be valid for a maximum of 12 months. A renewal of the certification, whether issued at the time of expiration or later, shall be granted only after the individual or team qualification has been validated by the certification board. Whenever possible, complete requalification should be accomplished before renewal of certification. In addition, individuals must be physically and mentally qualified and certified yearly before certification is renewed.

Certification Revocation

Commanding officers or officers-in-charge are responsible for the revocation of individual or team certification whenever such action is deemed to be in the best interests of safety. However, revocation of certification for individuals or teams, including team leaders, is mandatory when an explosive mishap is caused by failure to follow authorized procedures. Flagrant disregard of safety precautions, reckless operation of equipment used to handle explosive devices, or other behavior indicating incompetence or unreliability is also cause for mandatory revocation of certification.

Personnel whose certification has been revoked shall be retrained until requalified and recertified, if the commanding officer considers such action appropriate. However, if the demonstrated behavior of an individual indicates that such retraining may be ineffective, that individual shall be assigned to other tasks not involving explosive devices.

Revocation of certification of military personnel for cause shall require an entry in the appropriate portion of the individual's service record stating the specific reason for revocation. See MILPERSMAN 5030420.3 concerning derogatory entries. Certification Transfer

When military personnel are transferred to another activity, the acceptance of certification related to an explosive device will be at the discretion of the commanding officer or officer-in-charge of the new activity.