UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT NWP 4-01.4 - Historic Naval Ships ...

NWP 4-01.45.6.4 Fueling Couplings. A variety of fuelingcouplings are required to provide for compatibility ofthe delivery and receiving ships.1. Combined quick-release coupling and valve(Robb coupling) — Refer to paragraph 3.7.4.3.2. Breakable-spool, NATO quick-release coupling— Refer to paragraph 3.7.4.4.3. Quick-release coupling, 2-1/2 inch (63.5 mm)— Refer to paragraph 3.7.4.5.4. Type D-2 nozzle and receiver — Refer to paragraph3.7.4.6.5.6.5 Miscellaneous Fittings. Refer to paragraph 3.7.6.5.7 ASTERN FUELING RIGSIn the astern method of fueling, the delivery ship streamsa single-hose rig and the receiving ship maintains stationastern and outboard of the delivery ship while receivingfuel. Because of an astern fuel rig’s characteristics duringstreaming, no attempt should be made to receive the rig atan after station. The fueling preparations outlined in paragraphs3.6.1 through 3.6.3 are particularly valid in theirspecific application to astern fueling. Deballasting and fuelredistribution requirements are emphasized in order to permitmaximum efficient flow through the single-hose rig.Figure 5-1 is a plan view of a typical astern refuelingoperation. It illustrates the most desirable location ofthe receiving station relative to the marker buoy.5.7.1 Communications. Basic communicationand rendezvous procedures will be conducted as outlinedin paragraph 5.8.2. (Sound-powered phones willnot be passed.) The flag hoist signals (see Figure 2-15)will be used during astern fueling operations in additionto the control signals designated in Figure 5-2. Signalflags made of 3-foot (91.4 cm) squares of bunting of thedesignated color shall be used at both stations for dayoperations. Wands or appropriate colored-lens flashlightsshall be used for night operations.5.7.2 Maneuvering1. The fueling course and speed will be determinedby the OTC. Variations in speed assume more importancethan steering a steady course when fuelingastern. Because the receiving ship’s judgmentof relative speed and distance is more difficult inthe astern method than in the alongside method,great care must be taken in giving speed adjustments.Astern fueling can be carried out between 8 and 15knots. Before sending the astern fueling rig, the deliveryspeed should be agreed to and the sendingship should maintain a constant speed. Any speedadjustments will be made by the receiving ship.2. In all cases, it is the responsibility of the deliveryship to maintain a steady course and speed asprescribed by the OTC. The receiving ship beingfueled is responsible for adjusting her course andspeed to maintain correct station.3. During the fuel transfer phase of astern fueling, thereceiving ship maintains a safe distance astern ofthe delivery ship by station-keeping on a positionbuoy that is towed astern and outboard. At thattime, the receiving ship’s horizontal position isideally about 40 feet (12.1 m) outboard of a lineextended aft from the delivery ship’s beam (seeFigure 5-1). That condition should prevail in a relativelycalm sea and with no adverse effect fromsea or wind. Actually, station-keeping in a horizontalplane is a function of maintaining station onthe hose; because, at times, wind and sea actionprevent the hose from streaming directly astern.4. It is the responsibility of the delivery ship tokeep the receiving ship informed of any alterationin course and speed. In the event of a majorchange in course, the entire force should changecourse in 20° steps, with each fueling unit accomplishingeach step in 5° increments.a. When the OTC signals to alter course 20°, thedelivery ship will:(1) Indicate commencement of each 5° incrementby waving a signal flag/paddle (redfor port turns, green for starboard turns)in a circular motion above the head.(2) Hold the flag/paddle steady while the shipis swinging to the new course.(3) Wave the flag/paddle up and down whensteady on each new 5° increment.(4) Hold the flag/paddle in a horizontal position,arm outstretched, on completion ofthe last 5° increment.b. The commanding officer of the receiving shipwill execute similar signals to indicate themovement of his ship. During the coursechange, the receiving ship will maintain her5-2 ORIGINAL