The MOD Ships to which this standard applies are defined in DSA02-DMR. These include:

a) HM Ships and Submarines

b) Royal Fleet Auxiliaries (RFA)

c) Marine Services

d) Other Ships owned by MOD

e) Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) vessels (where these are owned by MOD)

f) Ships on MOD charter

The term “Ship” is intended to include vessels, launches, tenders, lighters and any other craft carrying any explosives under the control of the Secretary of State. All such maritime platforms are described as MOD Ships in the remainder of this document. The NAG Exp may determine that a specific platform is not required to comply where no hazard exists but does not issue exemption certificates.

This Standard applies to:

a) The design, construction and ship fitting of all MOD Ships built to MOD or Classification Society constructional standards and operated by the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, RFA or Marine Services.

b) Marine Services vessels supplied as Government Furnished Equipment for contract operations and MOD authorised modifications undertaken to charter vessels.

c) Contracts that specify requirements that have any effect upon the explosives safety of the platform. This will include the magazines, Weapon Stowage Compartment, adjacent compartments, ammunition routes and handling equipment within MOD Ships in which OME will be embarked, moved, stowed and used.

d) All Refit and Repair work affecting any of the areas mentioned above including Alterations and Additions and Modifications. It may also include other design issues throughout the platform that impact on explosives safety.

Supplementary information, information requiring a higher protective marking and temporary instructions will be issued in the form of Naval Authority Notices (NAN). NANs relating to explosives safety in MOD Ships and Submarines are available from Naval Authority System Library website (www.nakmo.co.uk) or the Sponsor of this Standard.

The safe stowage and handling of OME in Magazines in RFAs is covered in BRd 862. Procedures, processes and guidance covering the safe stowage and handling of explosives in Charter shipping are included in the IMDG Regulations.