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

NWP 4-01.41. Making the preparations for and carrying out thereceiving ship’s procedures prescribed elsewherein this publication for the rig to be used orfor the situation encountered.2. Hand-tending all phone lines.3. When Burton and double-Burton rigs are used:furnishing and handling its own Burton whip(s)and the station-to-station phone line(s). Thebridge-to-bridge phone/distance line will usuallybe sent over with the rig messenger.4. If a carrier or cruiser: furnishing and handlingsynthetic highlines for transfers to or from othertypes of ships.5. If a CV, LHA, LHD, LPH, or other air-capableship with aircraft on deck: furnishing the bolosor gun lines.6. When the receiving ship has a complement of 50men or less, the delivery ship shall send andhand-tend all phone lines.2.2 MANEUVERINGThe necessity for working at close quarters makesmaneuvering during the replenishment a critical operation.Course and speed must be carefully selected topermit the precise maneuvering required of all ships forthe approach, station keeping, and departure. Theremust be adequate lateral separation during the approach,and the proper distance between ships must bemaintained during transfers. Precise maneuvering is requiredto maintain station, because of the forces that actupon both ships. Particular emphasis must be placed onsteering control and coordination between ships. Bothships must be prepared to execute an emergency breakawayand to avoid a collision.2.2.1 Designating the Control Ship2.2.1.1 Convention. The ship delivering the productwill usually be the delivery ship and the control ship.2.2.1.2 Exceptions. During consolidations or intratypetransfers, ships may be delivering products toeach other. In such instances, the OTC must specifywhich ship is the control ship and which ship is the deliveryship. In rough weather, it is desirable to have themore maneuverable ship be the approach ship; if themore maneuverable ship is also better equipped to furnishthe rigs, the OTC should designate that ship as theapproach ship and the delivery ship.2.2.1.3 Summary. Unless otherwise specified, theconvention of paragraph 2.2.1.1 applies. The OTCmust specify the control ship and delivery ship when anambiguous interpretation of the convention is possible.The OTC may specify exceptions to the conventionwhenever, in his judgment, the situation calls for it. Exceptionsmust be specified sufficiently in advance ofthe UNREP to permit the required preparations to bemade.2.2.2 Selecting Replenishment Course andSpeed. The OTC is responsible for selecting and promulgatingthe replenishment course and speed. Heshould obtain the recommendation of the replenishmentforce commander. The replenishment course andspeed selected should permit ships to maintain stationwith a minimum of strain on the rigs.2.2.2.1 Course Selection — Sea State. The directionand height of swells are the principal considerationsin selecting the replenishment course. Heavyseas have an adverse effect on the replenishment operation.Increased rolling and pitching, with high wavesbreaking over low freeboard ships, will add to the difficultiesof station keeping and line handling and maycause excessive strain on the rigs. During heavyweather, a course with the sea (Figure 2-1) will moderatethe adverse effects of heavy seas and may permitconduct of the replenishment, when itotherwise would be impossible.CAUTIONIf a course with the sea is chosen, thehelmsmen should be cautioned that morerudder may be required to hold the ship oncourse than might otherwise be expected.Rudder effectiveness can be altered by thepressure/suction effect as the approachship’s bow passes the control ship’s stern ona close approach.2.2.2.2 Course Selection — Sheer Currents. Asheer current is a line of water with a small boundarylayer between differing sets/drift. It is similar in appearanceto a tidal rip. The north wall of the Gulf Stream is agood example of where sheer currents may be found.The velocity of the current varies and can produce, ifencountered suddenly from still water, a headingchange of 10° in ships as large as a carrier in a short periodof time. Shiphandlers should be aware of, and takespecial precautions to avoid, sheer currents during replenishment,as sheer currents may cause handling difficultieswhile ships are alongside.2-3 ORIGINAL