JOINT FLEET MAINTENANCE MANUAL

COMFLTFORCOMINST 4790.3 REV A CH-2
4.2 DOCK TRIALS.
4.2.1 Purpose. To demonstrate that major systems and equipments are ready to support Fast Cruise and Sea Trials.
4.2.2 Conduct. Dock Trials are conducted by Ship's Force in accordance with reference (a) for nuclear powered
ships and in accordance with the Builder's Contract for non-nuclear ships. Normally a period of one day is assigned
for integrated Dock Trials, tests and evolutions.
4.2.3 Scheduling. Dock Trials must take place prior to crew certification for submarines, prior to Fast Cruise for
Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers and prior to the first Ship's Force underway period for non-nuclear surface ships.
Dock Trials should be scheduled by mutual agreement between the ship, shipbuilder and the Supervising Authority.
Dock Trials should be completed with adequate time allowed to correct deficiencies.
NOTE: THE SHIPBUILDER/SUPERVISING AUTHORITY MAY DESIRE TO CONDUCT
"MACHINERY CHECKOUT" OR SYSTEM CHECKS PRIOR TO DOCK TRIALS IN ORDER
TO TEST SHIP SYSTEMS. COMPLETION OF REPAIRS AND MODIFICATIONS ARE NOT
REQUIRED EXCEPT FOR SYSTEMS THAT DIRECTLY SUPPORT THE TESTS. IN
ORDER TO SUPPORT THESE EVOLUTIONS, CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE
PROSPECTIVE COMMANDING OFFICER (PCO)/OFFICER IN CHARGE (OIC) AND THE
SHIPBUILDER/SUPERVISING AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED.
4.2.4 Specific Test Areas. There are specific tests which relate to both system and ship safety which must be
conducted in preparation for Fast Cruise and Sea Trials. Appendix A of this chapter lists the minimum alongside
tests to be conducted by Ship's Force during Dock Trials. References (b) and (c) provide additional information for
Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carriers.
4.3 FAST CRUISE.
4.3.1 Purpose. To train the crew and determine the crew's ability to safely take the ship to sea.
4.3.2 Conduct.
a. Fast Cruise is conducted in accordance with references (a), (d), and (e).
b. In addition to the normal underway routine, the Commanding Officer (CO) or OIC shall have all
equipment operated to check for proper operation and to determine the state of training of the crew.
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 construction or repair work or by movement of industrial
activity personnel through the ship. Neither the shipbuilder nor the Supervising Authority shall
schedule any trials, tests or other work on the ship during this period.
c. The ship will be operated as if underway, simulating the various evolutions required for safe operation.
Each underway watch section shall be exercised in the evolutions which are normally performed on a
section basis. Check out all communication systems during each evolution. Ensure that each is in
proper working order and that, where duplicate systems exist, a priority system is designated.
d. (Submarines only) The Fast Cruise should be a minimum of four days in duration for nuclear ships and
two days for non-nuclear submarines. It should be completed within a five-day period. It should end
not more than three days prior to underway trials. Normally, the ship will go to sea for underway trials
within a day after completion of Fast Cruise. Should the 72 hour period be exceeded, the Type
Commander (TYCOM) may direct an additional Fast Cruise.
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