Chapter 4. MARINE TRANSPORT

TM 55-2350-252-14

CHAPTER 4

M A R I N E TRANSPORT

Section I. GENERAL

lifting and securing vehicles are the rec-

4-1. General

ommended procedures. Other methods of

The BFVS can be transported by a variety of

handling and stowing may be used, pro-

inland waterway cargo carriers and lighters and

vided they will ensure safe delivery.

by all seagoing cargo vessels. Shoring may be

required to avoid metal to metal contact. Most

4-2. Safety

marine vessels will have lashing/tiedown materi-

Besides the safety precautions in paragraph 1-6,

als. If shoring is required or the vessel does not

the following safety measures will apply for ma-

have tiedown materials, then the shipping unit is

rine transport.

responsible for providing these materials. The ship

a. The shipping unit will notify the marine

must have suitable tiedown points such as D rings

vessel if ammunition or explosives are to be

or chain lashing anchors.

transported with the BFVS. Compliance with AR

When possible, the vehicle should receive the

55-228, paragraph 27 is required.

protection of below-deck stowage. In general, good

b. The BFVS and ammunition will be handled

stowage of vehicles means having them placed fore

and stowed in accordance with the Code of Federal

and aft, as close together as practical, with mini-

Regulations, Title 49, Transportation, subparts

mum spacing between outer vehicles and the

176.76 and 176.905. The same regulations are also

sweatboards. If not shipped on the vehicle, the

contained in Water Carrier Tariff No. 32 or the

breakable parts, spare parts, and OEM (on equip-

current issue of this tariff.

ment material) should be protected and properly

c. Fire extinguishers will be readily available

identified as to location or disposition during

during shiploading and unloading.

shipment.

**CAUTION**

NOTE

Ear protection (plugs) must be worn at all

times when working in RORO ship holds.

The methods described in this chapter for

Section Il. SHIPLOADING

BFVS can be driven or towed onto the vessel.

4-3. Vehicle Preparation

When lifting the BFVS, use a crane of adequate

BFVS preparations for marine transport include:

capacity. Ship and shore side cranes are usually

u. Removing external antennas and the 25-mm

rated in long tons (LT), 2,240 pounds, and/or

gun barrel (optional).

metric tons (t), 1000 kilograms. To lift a BFVS, a

b. Securing all loose items.

crane and sling-set rated to at least 33.5 LT (34.0

c. Rotating the turret 3,200 roils (180) if the

t) is required. A typical lifting diagram for the

vehicle is going to be lifted.

BFVS is shown in figure 4-1.

d. Closing hatches.

Place the BFVS in the position indicated on the

e. Locking the turret.

stow plan so that sufficient tiedown points are

f. Placing gun elevating mechanism in the neu-

available. Put the transmission in neutral, and set

tral position.

the parking brake. Disconnect the battery.

g. Emptying fuel tank to one-fourth of its capac-

**CAUTION**

ity.

The turret must be rotated 3200 roils

h. Removing all trash and mud from the vehicle

(180) before lifting the vehicle. If not,

tracks.

damage to the TOW missile launcher and

i. Checking for fluid leaks and repairing defects.

turret bustle will occur.

j. Inspecting engine, brakes, and tiedown provi-

4-5. Tiedown Procedures

sions, and repairing any defects.

The preferred tiedown pattern is four chains with

4-4. Loading Procedures

a 75,000-pound minimum WLL, crossed and at an

angle of 30" (fig 4-2). If the vessel is not equipped

When appropriate (such as RORO vessels), the

4-1