VOLUME I

CHAPTER 6

POST SHAKEDOWN AVAILABILITY

REFERENCES.

(a) OPNAVINST 4700.8 - Trials, Acceptance, Commissioning, Fitting Out, Shakedown, and Post Shakedown Availability of U.S. Naval Ships Undergoing Construction or Conversion

(b) NAVSO P 1000 - Navy Comptroller Manual

(c) OPNAVINST C3000.5 - Operation of Naval Nuclear Powered Ships

(d) OPNAVINST 9080.3 - Procedures for Tests and Trials of Navy Nuclear Powered Ships Under Construction, Modernization, Conversion, Refueling and Overhaul

(e) COMNAVSURFLANT/COMNAVSURFPACINST 3502.2 - Surface Force Training Manual

(f) OPNAVINST 9110.1 - Submarine Test and Operating Depths; Policy Concerning

(g) OPNAVINST 4790.4 - Ships' Maintenance and Material Management (3-M) Manual

(h) INSURVINST 4730.11 - Preparation of Deficiency Forms

(i) OPNAVINST 3540.3 - Naval Nuclear Propulsion Examining Boards

(j) CINCLANTFLTINST 3540.2 - Fleet Engineering Readiness Process

(k) COMSUBLANT/COMSUBPACINST C3500.1 - Submarine Force Training Manual

(l) COMSUBLANT OPORD 2000

(m) NAVSEAINST C9094.2 - Submarine Valve Operation Requirements for Builders and Post-Overhaul Sea Trial Test Dives

(n) NAVSEA S9086-DA-STM-000 - NSTM Chapter 100 (Hull Structures)

LISTING OF APPENDICES.

A Major Funding Milestones During Construction/Conversion

B Post Shakedown Availability Planning Events Milestone Schedule

C Summary of Major Milestones for Post Shakedown Availability

D Minimum Post Shakedown Availability Sea Trial Requirements for a Submarine Deep Dive

6.1 PURPOSE.

a. Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) is an industrial activity availability assigned to correct deficiencies found during the shakedown cruise or to accomplish other authorized improvements. PSAs are scheduled to commence after delivery and to be completed prior to the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN) obligation work limiting date. This date occurs at the end of the 11th month after the month in which the Fitting Out Period completed for surface units or at the end of the 11th month after the month in which delivery occurs for submarines. Appendix A of this chapter, taken from reference (a), reflects the Major Milestones during Construction related to funding. Funding guidelines for PSA are outlined in reference (b).

b. The length of time designated for PSAs will vary dependent on the platform. Acceptance Trial (AT), Final Contract Trial (FCT), Combined Trial (CT) and Guarantee Material Inspection (GMI) related deficiencies constitute the majority of the PSA workload. Ship Program Manager planned, authorized and funded modifications may also be included.

6.2 PLANNING AND EXECUTION. The events leading to a successful completion of PSA involve several activities and a variety of actions and reports. Appendix B of this chapter outlines the schedule of PSA planning events.

6.3 CERTIFICATION AND TRIALS.

a. The normal sequence of events leading up to PSA Sea Trials is described below. Fast Cruise may not commence until Dock Trials have been satisfactorily completed and a satisfactory state of crew training and material readiness has been certified. The required inspections and tests and their associated time periods may be modified by the Type Commander (TYCOM) upon request from the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC). Appendix C of this chapter provides a summary of major milestones required for PSA.

b. Critical operation of reactors while naval nuclear powered ships are in industrial activities will be governed by reference (c). While the ship remains in an industrial activity the Commanding Officer (CO) will notify the Supervising Authority well in advance of any critical operations of the ship's reactor(s). This notification shall include the nature and duration of such operations. Crew certification inspections will not involve or require critical operation of the reactor(s).

6.3.1 Material Certification (Submarines only). The requirement for certification of material readiness of commissioned ships imposes additional responsibilities on the ISIC inspectors. Included in the material inspection will be a review of all outstanding Forces Afloat Departures from Specification, as defined in

Volume V, Part II, Chapter 7, granted prior to PSA which required corrective action. There may or may not have been restrictions involved with these departures. A review of Ship's Force Re-entry Control Records is necessary for Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) work accomplished by Forces Afloat in accordance with

Volume V, Part II, Chapter 4, and a review of the Unrestricted Operation (URO) Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRC) status. The ISIC certification message, when required, will provide a status report of any outstanding re-entries, Forces Afloat Departures from Specification and delinquent URO MRCs. The scope and nature of this inspection will vary depending upon the extent and length of the availability. Following training and material readiness certification, COs must keep the ISIC informed of any changes in personnel, training and/or material status which could affect the validity of certification. Prompt notification is required to permit revision of Operational Orders and services required.

6.3.2 Periodic Monitoring, Inspections and Visits. Periodic monitoring, inspections and visits will be conducted as described in Volume I, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.2. The only significant differences are that the monitoring, inspections and visits relate to PSA vice construction and the initial inspection should be conducted in conjunction with the Pre-Arrival Conference.

6.3.3 Salvage Inspection. The salvage inspection is to be carried out in accordance with Volume IV, Part III Chapter 3.

6.3.4 Pre-Critical Inspection. If a reactor is shutdown for 16 weeks or longer, conduct a Pre-Critical Inspection utilizing an inspection plan similar to that employed by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Nuclear Propulsion Directorate (08) when accomplishing a Reactor Safeguard Examination (RSE). The guidelines of Volume I, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.3.3 apply with the following exceptions:

a. The inspection should be scheduled four weeks prior to criticality.

b. The TYCOM should be advised of the tentative date at the earliest opportunity.

c. The Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) of the next local ship in new construction is not a required inspection team member.

6.3.5 Dock Trials. Dock Trials must test those equipments/systems repaired or altered during the availability. The CO may modify Volume I, Chapter 4, Appendix A, based on the scope of work accomplished in the availability. Scheduling should be accomplished by mutual agreement between the ship, industrial activity and Supervising Authority.

6.3.6 Fast Cruise. The overall objective of Fast Cruise is to train the crew and determine the crew's ability to take the ship to sea safely. In addition to the normal underway routine, the CO shall have all equipments operated to check for proper operation and to determine the state of crew training. Fast Cruise shall, as far as is practical, simulate at sea operating conditions. It is to be conducted by Ship's Force and is to be unhampered by repair work or by movement of industrial activity personnel through the ship. Neither the Supervising Authority, the industrial activity nor the TYCOM shall schedule any trials, tests or other work to be performed on the ship during this period. Fast Cruise will be accomplished in accordance with references (a) and (d) as applicable. The CO should consider the repairs/alterations accomplished during the PSA when determining the extent of the Fast Cruise. Fast Cruise normally consists of two days of uninterrupted operation, then one day for industrial activity and Ship's Force correction of deficiencies, then two more days of uninterrupted operation (for SSBN 726 Class PSA, one day of operation vice two days). The ISIC can make a formal recommendation to the TYCOM to reduce the length if the extent of the availability does not warrant a full two-one-two schedule. Volume I, Chapter 4, Appendix B, and reference (e) for surface ships, provides a basic listing of the minimum Fast Cruise requirements. The ship shall be operated as if underway, simulating the various evolutions required for the safe operation of the ship. Each underway section shall be exercised in the evolutions which are normally performed on a watch section basis.

6.4 SEA TRIALS.

6.4.1 General.

a. Sea Trials are required to test work completed during PSA. The mandatory submarine requirements for the initial tightness dive are identified in Volume I, Chapter 4, Appendix D. Appendix D of this chapter identifies the minimum PSA Sea Trial requirements for a submarine deep dive. Volume II, Chapter 3, Appendix P provides a list of the minimum tests to be performed during Sea Trials for non-nuclear powered surface ships. The industrial activity shall include at least two days in the availability for Sea Trials. The industrial activity shall prepare an agenda for Sea Trials conducted after a PSA. Nuclear powered ships shall submit the Sea Trial Agenda to the ISIC for approval, with an information copy to the TYCOM. Extensions or reductions of the Sea Trial period may be granted where warranted by the scope of work accomplished. Where an extension of Sea Trial and a change in the availability schedule is required, requests for such extensions must be submitted by the industrial activity to the TYCOM as early as practical. All deficiencies resulting from Sea Trials shall be satisfactorily resolved prior to completion of the availability. If no Sea Trial deficiencies are found, the availability may be completed with TYCOM concurrence at the completion of Sea Trials.

b. (Submarines only) All trial periods must be organized such that each member of the crew has an opportunity to get six uninterrupted hours of sleep during each 24 hour period. Sea Trial events which can be accomplished by normal watch sections may be conducted concurrently with crew rest periods.

NOTE: SUBMARINES ARE REQUIRED TO PERFORM AN EMERGENCY MAIN BALLAST TANK (EMBT) BLOW FOR EACH SEA TRIAL FOLLOWING PSA. THE EMBT BLOW SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE URO MRC AND DOES NOT REQUIRE AN ESCORT FOR AN EMBT BLOW AT DEPTHS OF 400 FEET OR LESS.

6.4.2 Assignment of Escort Ship (Submarines only).

a. In accordance with reference (f), the requirement for providing an escort during deep dive submergence trials upon completion of PSA will be evaluated by NAVSEA on a case basis. NAVSEA will advise the Fleet Commander in Chief (Submarine Force Commander) in writing, whether or not an escort will be required based on the scope of work in the availability. In general, PSAs should not require an escort, since the work typically performed in these availabilities is limited in scope, is carefully controlled and does not result in substantial risk of unidentified or incomplete work adversely affecting the SUBSAFE boundary.

b. Waiver of escort requirements may be requested by message when necessary. The ISIC will request the waiver as soon as possible. The TYCOM will pass the request to NAVSEA for approval. An escort waiver request message will include all of the following specific statements, as applicable:

(1) A ( ) inch by ( ) inch hull cut between frames ( ) and ( ) including a ( ) inch section of frame ( ) was the only major hull integrity work accomplished during the availability. If no hull frame cut was made, a positive statement to that effect is required.

(2) The hull cut weld satisfactorily passed Radiographic Testing (RT) and seven day Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) nondestructive tests.

(3) Post repair frame circularity check readings are within specifications.

6.4.3 Assignment of Deep Submergence Rescue System Services (Submarines only). Assignment of Deep Submergence Rescue System services are to be carried out in accordance with the guidance provided in Volume I, Chapter 4, paragraph 4.4.3.c.

6.5 DEFICIENCY CORRECTION PERIOD. A deficiency correction period will be scheduled after Sea Trials and prior to PSA completion. The scheduled length of this deficiency correction period shall be determined by the type and magnitude of the remaining deficiencies.

6.6 PERIOD FOLLOWING POST SHAKEDOWN AVAILABILITY. Depending on the PSA contract, the industrial activity will normally guarantee work accomplished during an availability for a period of 90 days from the completion of the availability. This does not include responsibility for malfunctioning machinery and equipment due to normal wear, improper adjustment, or tuning by Ship's Force and failure of limited life components. Ship's Force is required to report guarantee items to the industrial activity prior to the guarantee period expiration date. If operational commitments prohibit reporting prior to the 90 day period, the ship should report problems as soon as operations permit. A message is the preferred method of reporting these items. The message outlining specific deficiencies should be submitted to the Supervising Authority with a copy to the TYCOM, the ISIC and the Ship Program Manager who will pass a copy to NAVSEA 07, and to NAVSEA 08 for nuclear cognizant issues. Additionally, any Casualty Reports (CASREP) submitted during the guarantee period must also be addressed to the Supervising Authority and the Ship Program Manager with passing instructions to NAVSEA 07, and to NAVSEA 08 for nuclear cognizant issues.

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APPENDIX B

POST SHAKEDOWN AVAILABILITY PLANNING EVENTS MILESTONE SCHEDULE

NOTE: EVENT TIMES ARE IN DAYS BEFORE AND AFTER DELIVERY AND ARE APPROXIMATE. SIGNIFICANT ADJUSTMENT MAY BE REQUIRED FOR PSAs THAT COMMENCE AT OTHER TIMES AFTER DELIVERY.

• 30 days after completion of PSA
• * 45 days after completion of PSA
• ** Refer to Appendix A of this chapter, Note (1)

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APPENDIX C

SUMMARY OF MAJOR MILESTONES FOR POST SHAKEDOWN AVAILABILITY

NOTE 1: Unless otherwise indicated, scheduled date referenced to Sea Trials underway date.

NOTE 2: For Submarines, Crew Certification required if crew turnover exceeds 15% or reactor shutdown for more than six months. If required, use Phase II Checklist of reference (k). For surface ships not underway for a period of six months or more Crew Certification is encouraged but at the ISIC's discretion. Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier Crew Certification is not required for PSAs less than 12 month duration unless formally requested by the CO.

APPENDIX D

MINIMUM POST SHAKEDOWN AVAILABILITY SEA TRIAL REQUIREMENTS

FOR A SUBMARINE DEEP DIVE

1.The following tests and evolutions will be carried out following the initial tightness dive and prior to the deep dive:

a. Transmit initial tightness dive complete message. Charge air banks and battery if necessary. The ship may be submerged while charging air banks provided the depth of the ship does not exceed other guidelines in this instruction, or those of the flooding bill or ship's operating procedure.

b. If escort is required, detach the escort after initial tightness dive. The escort will then proceed to station for the deep dive. Ensure that deep dive rendezvous time and location are clearly established before the escort is released. The escort may be detached after completing all initial tightness dive events and surfacing using EMBT blow from depths of 400 feet or deeper. The escort may be used for additional testing on the transit. Transit depths shall not exceed initial tightness dive depths.

2.The following tests and evolutions will be carried out immediately prior to or during the deep dive:

a. Ensure the air banks are charged to within 200 psi of full pressure.

b. Line up Main Ballast Tank (MBT) system for normal operation.

c. Take sounding. Accurately fix ship's position within the specified dive area along with the maximum water depth as given in reference (l). Transmit the commencing deep dive message.

d. Submerge to periscope depth and trim the ship.

e. Obtain stop trim. Take readings required to make a check of ballasting.

f. Trim ship to maintain neutral buoyancy (Note 1).

g. Line up propulsion plant for maximum reliability in accordance with ship's instructions.

h. Rig ship for deep submergence. All systems should be in maximum secure condition with unnecessary sea systems isolated as prescribed in reference (m).

i. Station additional personnel throughout the ship to inspect for leaks as deemed necessary.

j. At depth specified in reference (m):

(1) Inspect for leaks.

(2) Adjust trim (Note 1).

(3) Communicate with the escort (if escort required) at each 100 feet depth increment or at ten minute intervals, whichever is sooner. If communications are lost, return to a depth at which communications can be re-established before continuing (Note 2).

k. At depths listed for hull valve cycling in reference (m) and at the Maximum Authorized Operating Depth:

(1) Check accuracy of gages and repeaters (Note 3).

(2) Conduct operational test of signal ejectors (Note 4).

(3) Check shaft bearings and stern tubes for excessive heating, leakage and noise. Sealol shaft seals must be tested at each depth and for the required time, as specified in the approved class test form.

(4) Cycle rudder and planes through full throw to check for binding. Cycling of rudder and planes through full throws should be limited to test depth minus 100 feet (Note 5).

(5) Operate all Main Seawater/Auxiliary Seawater hull and back-up valves and those other seawater system valves worked during the availability (using remote closures, as applicable, from flooding control stations) that are required to maintain propulsion and other functions vital to the ship's operation at increments of depth specified in reference (m).

(6) Operate trim and drain pumps, discharging to sea.

(7) Cycle main vents to check for binding.

NOTE: REQUIRED SYSTEMS ARE LISTED IN PARAGRAPH 4b OF REFERENCE (m). OBSERVE RESTRICTIONS ON OPERATION OF SYSTEMS LISTED IN PARAGRAPH 4d OF REFERENCE (m). BALL VALVE TRASH DISPOSAL UNITS (TDU) (WITHOUT REMOTE CLOSURES) WILL NOT BE OPERATED BELOW 200 FEET.

l. Surface fully with EMBT blow in accordance with the applicable URO MRC. Check air bank pressures before and after blow.

m. Transmit completion of deep dive message.

3.The following tests and evolutions will be carried out submerged following the deep dive:

a. Steering and diving operation at full speed (Note 6).

b. Full power run (Notes 6, 7, and 8).

c. Steep angles - operate ship through several depth changes using large up and down angles to check operation of ship machinery (Note 7).

d. Time raising each periscope and mast at the maximum depth and speed for which they are designed. Check training feature where applicable.

e. Run and observe air conditioning plants throughout trials noting deficiencies and to demonstrate ability to carry entire maximum existing ship's air conditioning load or 100 percent capacity.

NOTES

1. Deep dive should be conducted using moderate speed and constantly adjusting trim at depths specified in reference (m) to maintain neutral buoyancy. Moderate speed shall be defined as that range of speed that allows the ship optimum recovery (as shown on recovery curves) if loss of stern plane control and/or flooding occurs.
2. In the execution of any Sea Trial, whether escorted or not, submarine COs are reminded of their responsibility to communicate with the escorts and/or shore authorities within the prescribed, previously agreed upon time limits to avoid initiation of lost submarine procedures.
3. Compare all depth and pressure gages; check operation of planes and rudder in all modes. Depth and pressure gages should be checked as soon as each next specified depth is reached.
4. Integrity of torpedo tubes and signal ejectors shall be established by admitting sea pressure through equalizing lines or flooding connection and the muzzle doors operated before conducting operational tests. Shoot waterslugs from torpedo tubes as required by the Antisubmarine Warfare Test Program down to ship/torpedo tube limiting depth, whichever is less. Shoot pyrotechnics from signal ejector on initial tightness dive and at test depth on the deep dive.
5. At maximum safe speed, operate the rudder and planes through full throw in both directions in normal and emergency power.
6. Run full power submerged for at least two hours. Operate at minimum non-cavitating depth but not to exceed 400 feet (SSN 688 Class may exceed 400 feet, as required, consistent with the submerged operating envelope but not to exceed one-half test depth plus 50 feet). Water depth is not limited for this event.
7. The required sequence of events is initial dive, deep dive, full power run submerged, then high speed maneuverability and steep angle tests. Initial high speed ship control tests, steep angle tests and exercises at major casualties shall be conducted in water that does not exceed one and one-half times design test depth (which equates to collapse depth). In every instance where the Maximum Authorized Operating Depth is exceeded, a report shall be made in accordance with reference (n), paragraphs 3.10 and 3.26 through 3.28.
8. The submerged full power ahead test for commissioned nuclear powered submarines shall be terminated by a back emergency bell. The duration of the back emergency bell shall be limited to 45 seconds, to be followed immediately by an appropriate ahead bell. Caution must be exercised to avoid stern way.

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