Chapter 13. WATER MOVEMENT

TM 55-315

CHAPTER 13

WATER MOVEMENT

Section I. GENERAL

13-1. Purpose and Scope

This chapter outlines specific regulatory and procedural requirements that apply to movement of radioactive materials by

vessel. Except as provided in 49 CFR 176. 5, this chapter applies to shipments on domestic or foreign vessels when in

the navigable waters of the United States. This application is regardless of the vessel's character, tonnage, size, or

service; whether self-propelled; and whether arriving, departing, underway, moored, anchored, aground, or in drydock.

13-2. Organization and Use

Section II contains regulatory and procedural requirements not listed elsewhere in this manual. Section III contains user

checklists referenced to water (vessel) movement regulatory and procedural requirements contained in this and other

chapters of this manual.

Section II. REGULATORY AND PROCEDURAL REQUIREMENTS

13-3. ITO Coordination Responsibilities

The transportation officer at the shipping installation will, upon receipt of a shipping directive:

a. Place request for ocean transportation from a CONUS port with the appropriate area commander, MTMC

according to chapter 18, section V, AR 55355. See chapters 7 and 8 of this manual for procedures and responsibilities

that apply to the use of military guards and/or technical escorts.

b. Prepare REPSHIP for electrical transmission to the appropriate area commander, MTMC for CONUS port

c. Prepare the transportation control and movement documents (TCMDs) according to DOD 4500.32R, chapter 4,

section II, and appendix F.

13-4. MTMC Area Commander Responsibilities

The appropriate area commander, MTMC will:

a. Furnish the transportation officer at the shipping installation with vessel name, date shipment is required in port,

and a tentative movement schedule. An information copy of all messages will be furnished to Headquarters, MTMC,

ATTN: MT-SS.

b. Furnish routing instructions according to AR 55-355.

c. Consider obtaining space for the shipment of radioactive materials other than weapons in USNS vessels (MSC)

and, if these are not reasonably available, consider US-flag commercial vessels.

d. Before loading and unloading radioactive materials other than weapons, particularly materials in heavily shielded

metal casks, check the slings to be used, and use only those capable of lifting five times the weight of the cask

(container) and its contents.

e. Check the latest cargo gear certificate of inspection to determine its validity, and inspect the ship's gear or crane

to be used for handling this material to determine its condition. If components of cargo falls, purchases, and guys show

evidence of wear, the master of this ship will be requested to renew them through the MSC or the ship's representative.

Certification of this action will be made by the transportation officer, and this certificate will become part of the shipping

documents.

f. Handle and stow the material according to regulatory requirements (para 13-7). Due diligence will be exercised by

all concerned to ensure safe handling, stowage, and securing of this material.

13-5. Shipping Paper Requirements (49 CFR 176.24 and 176.27)

A carrier may not transport radioactive materials by vessel unless the materials are properly described on the shipping

papers and carry the required certification. Papers and certification will be according to

13-1