JOINT FLEET MAINTENANCE MANUAL

I-4-5
COMFLTFORCOMINST 4790.3 REV A CH-6
(11) Following completion of the required training and material readiness certification, the CO/OIC
must keep the ISIC fully 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.
(12) Sea Trial Situation Reports (SITREP) (Submarines only). Ships executing Sea Trials
associated with a new construction program shall submit daily SITREPs using the message
format in Appendix G in accordance with the SITREP guidelines contained in Volume II, Part
I, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.6.8.3.9 of this manual.
4.4.2 Builder's Trials. BTs conducted by a private shipbuilder are normally comprised of a Builder's Dock Trial
(BDT) and one or more Builder's Sea Trials (BST). Some DDGs are currently undergoing three BSTs. The first
BST, referred to as an Alpha Trial by the DDG community, is primarily a propulsion plant trial. The second BST,
referred to as a Bravo Trial, primarily covers Combat System evolutions and the third BST is the AT. While the
actual content of BSTs will be dependent upon the platform, the primary purpose is still the same; the validation of
ship's equipment and systems in preparation for Charlie Trials/AT. Appendix C of this chapter provides a sample
listing of tests to be performed during a Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier's BT.
4.4.3 Alpha Sea Trial (Submarines only). A submarine's first underway period primarily conducted for propulsion
plant testing and the initial tightness dive. (First ship of each class normally conducts a dive to Test Depth during
this trial).
a. Testing. The tests and evolutions to be carried out while on the surface en route to the test dive area,
just prior to the initial dive and during the initial dive are identified in Appendix D of this chapter.
b. Restrictions. The following rules apply to the conduct of trials and tests associated with ship
construction, Ship Program Manager sponsored Trials/Tests or any other situation where the ship is
requested to conduct trials or tests:
(1) No test or trial event shall be conducted that requires crew intervention to avoid exceeding
normal operating limits. Trial agendas will be based on the expectation that the ship will
remain within normal operating limits of the Submerged Operating Envelope (SOE) and at
angles less than 30 degrees.
(2) The trial director must be prepared to project whether the next event might exceed normal
operating limits based on the empirical results of the previous event. A run that is predicted to
exceed normal operating limits should be deleted along with the more demanding runs of that
sequence.
(3) Any run which will result in exceeding normal limits of the SOE or 30 degree angles but
which is essential to provide adequate test data must be specifically approved by the TYCOM.
The test/trial sponsor will obtain this permission.
(4) A violation of the SOE limit or exceeding a 30 degree angle, not previously approved, shall be
reported by unit Situation Report (SITREP). No further testing or trials shall be conducted
until TYCOM concurrence is obtained.