TM 55-607/NAVSEA OP 3221 Rev 2
d. The load is moved from the square of the hatch to the stowage position by forklift. Final positioning for a tight
stow can be accomplished by pinch-bar adjustments. Pallet trucks or transporters are often used to stow loads in areas
of difficult access.
WARNING
All loads must be stowed right side up on their pallets or skids.
4-2. Types of Stowage
The types of stowage specified for military explosives are termed as follows:
a. Magazine Stowage Class A. Classes of military explosives requiring magazine stowage class A are specified in
46CFR146.29-100. Isolation in a magazine is necessary as the commodity is usually highly sensitive to shock or very
susceptible to ignition by spark or friction. Any class of ammunition requiring magazine stowage class A will not be
overstowed with any other kind of cargo. Rules of explosives compatibility also apply within magazines, and the
explosives admixture charts prescribed in 46CFR146.29-99 must be consulted to ensure compliance. Specific
requirements for magazine stowage class A are defined by 46CFR146.29-81 and are also described in detail in
paragraph 7-8. Figures 7-26 and 7-27 illustrate the construction required for magazine stowage class A.
b. Ammunition Stowage. Military explosives that are authorized to be given ammunition stowage in accordance
with 46CFR146.29-100 must be stowed in a cool location, preferably in a lower tween-deck hold or lower hold. Priorities
for selecting locations are similar to those used for magazines and are specified by 46CFR146.29-75. Further details of
ammunition stowage are described in 46CFR146.29-83.
c. Chemical Ammunition Stowage. Chemical ammunition or bulk chemical agents that are authorized to be given
chemical ammunition stowage in accordance with 46CFR146.29-100 must be given protection at least equivalent to that
required for ammunition stowage, described above; however, stowage in a deep tank or lower hold is preferred. Because
of the hazards associated with leakage, precautions must be taken during the dunnaging operation to seal the pump
suctions, hatch covers, and ventilators in accordance with procedures specified by 46CFR146.29-85.
d. Special Stowage. Classes of military explosives that are authorized for special stowage by 46CFR146.20-100
can be stowed in a ventilated space, protected from the elements, that does not contain vessel stores or machinery or
equipment used during the navigation of the vessel and that 44 can be closed off from traffic while at sea. Such
locations include, for example, deck houses, mast houses, and mast lockers. Dunnage must be fitted to protect the
explosives from contact damage with the ship's structure. Further stowage requirements are specified in 46CFR146.29-
87.
e. Portable Magazine Stowage. Military explosives classifications authorized for stowage in portable magazines
must be stowed in a hold or on deck in accordance with the explosives admixture charts (46CFR146.29-99) and the
handling and stowage charts of 46CFR146.29-100 for the particular class of explosives stowed therein. On-deck
stowage will also meet the requirements of 46CFR146.29-57. Construction details for portable magazines are specified
in 46CFR146.29-89 and are described further in paragraph 6-8b.
f. Pyrotechnic Stowage. Pyrotechnic ammunition is given ammunition stowage or special stowage away from heat
and protected from moisture. Except where permitted specifically by explosives admixture charts, pyrotechnic
ammunition is not stowed in a hold or compartment with other military explosives. Full details for pyrotechnic stowage
are provided in 46CFR146.29-91 g. Stowage of Blasting Caps, Detonators, or Primer Detonators. Stowage of this
general type of military explosives will conform to the provisions of 46CFR146.29-99 and -100. Separation requirements
are particularly stringent and are defined explicitly in 46CFR,146.29-93.
h. Deck Loading. Deck-loaded CONEX boxes, MILVAN, or ISO containers will be blocked and braced in
accordance with applicable service drawings.
4-3. Deck Stowage
a. Most classes of explosives cargo can be stowed on the weather deck, provided that the conditions prescribed in
46CFR146.29-57 and 46CFR146.29-59 are met. Typical cargo stowed on deck includes the following: last-on first-off
loads in way of hatch; items that are too large to fit through the hatches, such as completely assembled missiles or
rockets; items that are relatively bulky compared to their weight, such as bomb fins and empty incendiary bombs;
flammable liquids, solids, or oxidizing materials: corrosive liquids; compressed gases, poisons, and combustible liquids
(including rocket engines containing a liquid propellant and fuels in containers for guided missiles and rockets). Deck
stowage of a dangerous item above a hold containing military explosives will not be undertaken unless specifically
authorized by 46CFR146.20-100 and the sections referenced above.
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