S0300-B2-MAN-010 Rev 2, Change #21 Chapter 10, Revised 1 November 2017
SUPSHIP Operations Manual (SOM) Updated hyperlinks
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Nuclear ships and submarines are placed “in service” prior to conduct of the Fast Cruise that
is a period during which the ship is made available for dockside training for contractor
personnel and/or a Navy crew immediately before initial sea trials. The fast cruise period is
typically unhampered by industrial work. No trials, tests, inspections, examinations, or work
should be scheduled by the builder, Supervising Authority, or forces afloat during the fast
cruise. Since successful completion of fast cruise normally will be followed within a day by
commencement of sea trials, it is important to ensure the ship is ready for sea when fast
cruise commences.
Before BDT or other operations of the propeller or intake, the site is to be inspected by both
the contractor and SUPSHIP to ensure that no conditions exist that could damage the vessel
during the trials or operations, such as shallow water and debris in the water which could
damage the propellers or foul the intakes.
10.3.3.2 Builder's Trials (BT)
At sea testing is phase two of Builder’s Trials (BT) and is in accordance with the trial
requirements (normally section 094) of the ship specifications. BT is required to demonstrate
that the ship is seaworthy and that the equipment and systems are operational and ready for
AT. BT is necessary for the proper demonstration of electronics installations, such as air
search radar, fire control tracking, search and listening sonar, and similar equipment that
require a land-free area and deep water in which to operate. In short, all tests and
demonstrations that cannot be performed dockside are accomplished during BT.
The BT may be combined with AT, where such action is authorized. In such cases, all tests,
except those requiring sea conditions, must be completed before or during the dockside test
program (Stage 2 through 6).
In accordance with the CDRL requirements, the contractor must give SUPSHIP advance
notice of BT and provide a trial agenda and schedule of events indicating tests the contractor
plans to conduct. SUPSHIP is responsible for providing copies of applicable BT/AT test
memoranda and procedures to INSURV one month before BT.
Before starting BT, all conditions required by Section 094 (or equivalent trial section) of the
ship specifications will have been met. Every reasonable effort must be exerted to meet all
conditions. If unusual circumstances preclude such timely accomplishment, the SUPSHIP
and contractor agree, and COMNAVSEA approves proceeding with BT without one or more
of the conditions having been met fully (all safety item conditions must be met fully), the trials
may proceed if the facts are documented and a system is established to ensure timely
resolution of the waived item(s).
SUPSHIP is responsible for ensuring that the contractor carries out all contractual
requirements of the trials. Although one BT is generally sufficient for surface ships, other
trials may be necessary to satisfy SUPSHIP that the ship is ready for AT.
The contractor is responsible for supplying a competent trial crew to operate the ship during
BT, except for submarines and nuclear-powered ships, including a licensed master for the