MM3686, Lesson 1
explosives will be loaded must be de-energized. The circuit fuzes must be removed or the circuit breakers
inactivated. The main panel must be tagged to warn personnel against re-energizing the circuits. The circuits
must remain de-energized while ammunition and explosives are stowed within the hold.
Electronic Equipment. All radios, radars, etc., that can radiate electromagnetic energy must be de-energized
by opening the vessel's main switches before loading. Switches must be tagged to warn personnel against
operating them.
Mechanical Equipment. All working equipment, such as winches, booms, firefighting equipment, and
contractor's and stevedore's equipment, must be safe and in working condition. All lights, tools, and portable
equipment must meet the safety standards as prescribed in BOE 6000.
Fire Hoses. Fire hoses must be laid out (run out) and must be ready for use. At least two lines (hoses) must
be laid out on the weather deck (the main deck of the ship), one fore and the other aft. The lines must be long
enough so that a stream of water from at least one can reach all areas of the weather deck. The valves of the lines
must remain cracked open (except in freezing weather) so it is obvious that water is available. Additional lines
must be laid out when ammunition and explosives are being loaded in the hold whenever the hatch of the hold is
open. Fire axes must be available to cut mooring lines if there is an emergency.
Other Areas. All decks, gangways (hallways), and hatches where military ammunition and explosives pass
or will be handled are free of loose material and are broom clean. "No smoking" warning signs are posted in
conspicuous places on the vessel as well as on the loading pier. Boiler room and engine room bilges are clean and
free of oil and residue. Vessel smokestacks and pipes have spark screens installed. All tubes and uptakes on the
vessel have been thoroughly swept and are free of soot.
Loading Safety Inspection
Proper safety precautions and requirements must be met and adhered to during loading operations. Any
safety violation seen must be corrected. Sometimes operations must be stopped immediately to prevent personnel
injury.
Fire Prevention. Smoking must be allowed only in authorized areas. No one may carry matches or flame-
producing devices on board during loading or unloading operations. Fire prevention must be stressed while the
vessel is being loaded or unloaded. No fires may be permitted on the loading dock or vessel while ammunition
and explosives are being handled or loaded.
Welding Operations. No welding or cutting operations may take place while the vessel is being loaded with
ammunition-except in emergency situations and then only with approval of the captain of the port (usually the US
Coast Guard commander, sometimes Navy).
Boiler Cleaning. Cleaning the fire side of the boilers may not take place while the vessel is being loaded
with ammunition or explosives at the port. No work may be done on the main propulsion machinery, auxiliaries,
or boilers if it would present a safety hazard to the vessel or port.
Escape Plan. Every self-propelled vessel that is loading or unloading ammunition and explosives must be
able to move out of port quickly if necessary. Those vessels not self-propelled must have at least one tug
available to move them.
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