SECURITY OF MATERIAL Stored material must be kept under lock and key in all cases. The exception for this requirement is when the material quantity and size make storeroom storage impractical. Storeroom spaces must be locked securely when not in use. Personnel in charge of the storage space are responsible for maintaining security for all stores in their custody. When storage spaces are open for use, an authorized person must be present. Other personnel may enter the space only when necessary for stowage, breakout of material, or emergencies. Inspections Personnel may access stowage spaces for inspections and as directed by the commanding officer. However, the inspectors will not be given keys to the spaces. They will be escorted by responsible supply department personnel. Access for Emergencies Access to stowage spaces is authorized to damage control personnel in the performance of their duties. Stowage spaces must be secured in such a manner that damage control personnel can open the space by use of ordinary damage control equipment in an emergency. Permission for Entry Only the supply officer can grant permission for entry of persons not ordinarily authorized access to stowage spaces. During the supply officer’s absence, the assistant supply officer, special assistants, or supply duty officer can grant permission for entry to spaces. Key Control Key control procedures must be set by the activity. This procedure permits identification of the person holding the key to any stowage space at any given time. CONTROLLED EQUIPAGE The term equipage refers to those durable and uninstalled items that are located in operating spaces to support operational, maintenance, or administrative functions. Some of the equipage items are binoculars, cameras, guns, and typewriters. The term controlled equipage refers to those items of equipage that require special management control. These items require special control because they are essential for protection of life. These items are valuable and easily converted to personal use. Appendix 11 of NAVSUP P-485 lists those items classified as controlled equipage. Controlled equipage used on board ships will be in the custody of the department head responsible for the particular equipage. The department head is responsible and signs for all controlled equipage in the department. The department head may delegate the physical custody of controlled equipage to other officers or enlisted personnel in the department. MATERIAL STOWAGE The term storage refers to the keeping or placing of property in a storeroom, warehouse, shed, or open area. The term stowage is synonymous with storage. For stowage of material afloat, you must know how to determine the stowage layout best suited for the material. Also, you must know the precautions to be taken to safeguard both the stores and the ship. BASIC STOWAGE CRITERIA To maintain control of material, you must meet the basic criteria for storage. These criteria include the following: Ensure maximum usage of available space Provide orderly stowage and access Prevent damage to the ship or injury to personnel Reduce the chance of material loss or damage Ease and ensure issue of the oldest stock first Make inventories easier TYPES OF STORAGE FACILITIES Storage facilities are the basic resources of the supply department, both afloat and ashore. Maximum use of storage space can save operational costs and promote efficiency of operation. Types of Storage Facilities Ashore The following paragraphs describe the general functions of the most common types of storage facilities used by the Department of Defense. COVERED STORAGE SPACE.— The covered storage space is storage space within any roofed structure. This class includes various structure types. Only those types that are of significance to the AK are discussed here. They are general-purpose warehouses, refrigerated warehouses, flammable storage ware- houses, and sheds. The general-purpose warehouse has a roof, side walls, and end walls. This type of warehouse may have a heating unit installed. The Navy uses this type of warehouse for various storage functions. The building may be single or multistory, although the single-story 6-2