TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
CHAPTER 2
PERMITS, CERTIFICATES, INSPECTIONS, AND ACCEPTANCE
2-1. General
The hazardous properties of military explosives cargo require strict compliance with the accepted standards for
packaging, marking, loading, and securing of dangerous cargoes. This chapter provides a summary of procedures for
certification, inspections, and acceptance as required by 46CFR146 and local regulations.
2-2. Permit for Handling Military Explosives
Authorization to load, handle, or discharge military explosives and lethal chemicals, except Coast Guard Class I, on any
vessel at a United States port must be obtained from the District Commander of the US Coast Guard, Captain of the
Port, or other officer designated by the District Commander. Specific policies concerning permits for handling military
explosives are defined by 46CFR146.29-13(a) and (b).
2-3. Certification of Cargo
Subject to the Code of Federal Regulations, the shipper is responsible for the preparation of any hazardous material
offered for transportation by water. The following certification will be shown on the shipping paper and signed by the
shipper: "This is to certify that the above-named articles are properly classified, described, packaged, marked, and
labeled and are in proper condition for transportation, according to the applicable regulations of the Department of
Transportation."
2-4. Inspections and Acceptance
a. Prior to commencement of the actual loading operation, all hatches and compartments in which military
explosives cargo is to be carried will be thoroughly inspected by cargo operations personnel and qualified station
inspectors. All defects and/or substandard conditions will be corrected prior to the loading operation in the affected hatch
or compartment. A Coast Guard explosives loading detail (ELD) may be assigned to a vessel being worked at a Navy or
Army depot, arsenal, ocean terminal, or other similar facility, unless the Commanding Officer of the facility declines the
detail. However, staff directives or instructions issued by the individual Services can require mandatory acceptance of
Coast Guard inspection details by the explosives terminal or station. When no Coast Guard ELD is assigned and in
attendance, safe operations will be enforced by explosives-qualified inspectors from the port or station.
b. As the loading of each compartment is completed, the adequacy and acceptance of the stowage will be
approved by authorized station personnel and inspectors and by an authorized ship's officer. Final acceptance of
completed cargo stowage will be certified by the ship's master or his authorized representative. A cargo stowage
inspection record may be used for this purpose, a sample of which is shown in figure 2-1.
2-1
