CHAPTER 11 AMMUNITION STORAGE AND HANDLING AFLOAT The ammunition used by the U.S. Navy must be maintained in a state of readiness at all times. Improper, rough, or careless handling, storage, and shipping can result in malfunctioning ammunition and material damage or loss of life. ORDNANCE CERTIFICATION LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the purpose and use of the Explosives Handling Personnel Qualification and Certification Program, OPNAVINST 8023.2. The  Explosives  Handling  Personnel  Qualification and Certification Program (Qual/Cert) was established by  the  Chief  of  Naval  Operations  as  a  result  of  the catastrophic  MK-24  parachute  flare  accident  on  USS ORISKANY in 1966 that led to significant loss of life and  major  ship  damage.  The  Flag  Board  of  Inquiry concluded  the  accident  was  attributed  to  a  lack  of training, direct supervision, and a method to determine personnel  qualifications  prior  to  being  authorized  to handle  explosives.  Qual/Cert,  with  proper  oversight and management, can prevent similar accidents. Although Qual/Cert has been in effect for over 30 years, improper  handling,  loading,  processing  or  testing  of explosive  devices  continues  to  result  in  death,  injury and   extensive   high   dollar   damage   to   equipment. Research has shown personnel error due to inadequate training,   lack   of   adequate   supervision,   lack   of   or inadequate  Standard  Operating  Procedures  (SOP),  or just  plain  failure  to  follow  the  governing  technical directives causes the majority of explosive mishaps. Qual/Cert is intended to be the cornerstone for a ZERO DEFECT    SAFETY    PROGRAM.    The    Explosives Handling   Personnel   Qualification   and   Certification Program is governed by OPNAVINST 8023.2. DEFINITIONS Before you read about ordnance certification, you need to know the terminology that will be used in this discussion.  The  following  definitions  will  help  when working  with  the  Qual/Cert  program  and  completing the Ordnance Certification Format (fig. 11-1). Storage/Stowage. Physical act of stowing explosive/explosive devices in designated and approved magazines and ready service lockers. Demonstrated   knowledge   of   afloat/ashore   storage/ stowage    requirements    per    applicable    instructions/ directives. Handling.  Physical  act  of  transporting  or  moving explosives/explosive   devices   afloat   or   ashore,   with powered  equipment,  with  nonpowered  equipment,  or manually. Assembly/Disassembly.   Physical   act   of   mating/ demating component to/from an All Up Round (AUR) configuration.   This   work   task   code   is   used   when assembly/disassembly    is    authorized    in    applicable Weapons Assembly Manuals (WAM). Load/Download.  Physical  act  of  mating  an  AUR with the bomb rack/launcher from which delivery/initiation is authorized. Includes all operations incidental to aircraft loading/downloading included in those portions of the NAVAIR Conventional Weapons Loading Checklists, shipboard loading/downloading of CIWS,  and  NATO  Sea  Sparrow  systems  as  listed  in applicable   MRC’s.   Includes   functions   such   as   the installation  of  mechanical  bomb  fuzes,  arming  wires, electrical/mechanical connections, installing bands on LUU-2   flares,   MK-58   MLM’s   and   rack/launcher cartridges. Arm/De-Arm. Applies to those procedures contained  in  the  arm/  dearm  section  of  the  applicable NAVAIR   loading   manuals/checklist   and   NAVSEA MRC’s which places an explosive/explosive device or system  in  an  armed  or  safe  condition.  This  does  not include  the  installation  of  CADS/PADS  in  seats  to place  them  in  an  armed  condition.  Arm/dearm  as  it pertains   to   Aircraft   Egress   Systems   is   covered   in install/remove. 11-1