Chapter XIV
Towing and Fueling Landing Ship Tanks, Landing Craft and Landing Boats

Index

Section 1. General
Section 2. APA (AKA) Towing an LST, LSM, LCT and Landing Boats
Section 3. LST Towing an LCT(5) or LCI(L)
Section 4. Towing Landing Boats
Section 5. APA (AKA) Fueling Other Vessels at Sea
Section 6. Fueling Landing Boats at Sea

Section 1. General

  1. Towing and Fueling Landing Ship Tanks, Landing Craft and Landing Boats:-- Standard Procedures for towing and fueling LSTs, LCTs and the various landing craft have been developed as the result of practical experience. Due to the ever changing nature of the ships and gear involved this procedure will no doubt have to be modified and added to as necessity dictates. Therefore, recommendations and comment will be welcome to improve this present procedure. It should always be borne in mind that there is no substitute for good seamanship and common sense in carrying out the following.

Section 2. APA (AKA) Towing an LST, LSM, LCT and Landing Boats

  1. Preparation:-- APA (or AKA) Towing an LST or LSM.

    1. Provide line throwing gun, with spare cartridges, arbors, and line reels at towing station.

    2. Provide 75 fathoms 2" messenger line with 75 fathoms 4" messenger line bent on. Outboard end of 4" messenger to have 2" shackle bent on.

    3. Have towing wire ready for running with shackles laid out ready to shackle to LST towing wire.

    4. Overhaul and rig pelican hook for towing wire.

    5. Provide acetylene torch for use in emergency.

    6. Provide tools, chafing gear, etc.

    7. Provide signal details at towing station for direct communication with LST.

    8. Man telephone to bridge.

  2. Preparation LST.

    1. Rig towing bridle.

    2. Attach own 1-5/8" towing wire to bridle by means of chain stopper. Make wire clear for running.

    3. Provide shackles, tools, chafing gear.

    4. Provide signal details at towing station.

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  1. Procedure.

    1. APA approach on course parallel to LST, close aboard the weather side.

    2. APA pass line by use of line throwing gun.

    3. APA pass 2" messenger line with 4" attached messenger.

    4. LST haul in 2" messenger to take on board end of 4" messenger.

    5. LST attach end of 4" messenger to eye in own towing wire. Signal APA when attached.

    6. APA take in 4" messenger line, hauling end of LST towing wire on board.

    7. APA shackle own towing wire to towing wire of LST and pay out to give combined tow wire length of at least 250 fathoms.

    8. APA take strain and work up to towing speed, adjusting length of tow to provide easy motion. Towing speed of 7 knots in calm sea may be attained.

    9. If all of APA towing wire is paid out use pelican hook to cast off in emergency. Otherwise, APA keep acetylene torch at hand.

  2. APA (or AKA) Towing an LCT(5), LCT(6), and LCI(L).

    1. Preparation APA (AKA) for LCT(5) and LCI(L).

      1. Provide line throwing gun with spare cartridges, arbors, and line reels at towing station. Provide heaving lines.

      2. Provide 50 fathoms 21 thread manila messenger line with 50 fathoms 3" messenger line bent on.

      3. Provide 8" manila tow line, minimum length 220 fathoms with thimble and 2" shackle in outboard end. Make tow line clear for running. Attach 3" messenger to outboard end of tow line.

      4. Provide tools, chafing gear, etc. at towing stations.

      5. Provide signal details at towing station for direct communication with LCT(5).

      6. Man telephone to bridge.

  3. Preparation LCT(5) or LCT(6).

    1. Rig towing bridle. Each leg of bridle to consist of 7 fathoms of 11/4" stud link chain to which 11/4" wire pendant approximately 14 fathoms long is to be shackled. The forward end of the chain of each leg is shackled into a towing plate made of 3/4" boiler plate. The after end of each pendant is fitted with an open socket.

    2. Shackle after end of one 11/4" wire pendant to the forward lifting pad on each side of the after section of LCT(5). Run pendants forward, outboard of the bulwarks, to shoulder bitts on respective sides, take figure 8 turn around bitts and shackle forward end of pendant to after end of chain leg of bridle which has been led aft through the closed chock near the bow of LCT(5).

    3. Shackle 6 fathom 11/4" wire pendant to forward end of towing plate. This pendant to be fitted with thimble at each end.

    4. USE SHACKLES OF AT LEAST TWO INCHES IN DIAMETER FOR THE ABOVE.

    5. Shackle 3" manila bridle retrieving line to after end of towing plate.

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    1. Lead forward end of 11/4" pendant over top of ramp down into well deck.

    2. Provide tools, chafing gear, etc.

    3. A certain amount of latitude should be allowed in prescribing the nature of the bridle itself, and the method of securing it. In addition to the method described, there are other workable bridles and securing methods. For example: some LCT(5)s now have the new type of towing pads installed, of the same type as BuShips installation on the LCT(6) -- a reinforced recessed towing pad set in each side of the bow about 3 feet above water line. Advantages to this are (1) the "pull" from the towing ship and from the weight of the tow line is taken low on the hull of the LCT, doing away with the effect of forcing the bow down into the water, which is the effect of a high hitch; (2) a simple bridle is used, requiring no chain and no chafing gear. Further--BuShips has designed and is supplying an approved bridle, slightly different from bridles suggested, but equally workable where the BuShips type is available, it should undoubtedly be used. Not all LCT(5)s however, will be so equipped, and for those not so equipped, these methods meet all requirements.

  1. APA (or AKA) Towing and LCT(5) and LCI(L).

    1. Procedure for LCT(5):--

      1. APA approach on course parallel to LCT(5), close aboard the weather side.
      2. APA pass heaving line or line from line throwing gun to LCT(5).
      3. APA pass messenger lines, 21 thread and then 3", to LCT(5).
      4. LCT(5) haul in 3" messenger line and a few fathoms of 8" towing line.
      5. LCT(5) shackle forward end of towing pendant to thimble of 8" towing line with shackle at least 2" size.
      6. LCT(5) pay out 8" hawser as towing ship moves ahead to take strain.

  2. APA (AKA) Towing LCI(L).

    1. Preparation -- LCI(L).

      1. Lead anchor cable out through bullnose or closed chock onto the forecastle deck.
      2. Bend the 2" or larger shackle to eye of anchor cable.
      3. Test brake and anchor windlass.
      4. Rig spring or chain stoppers on bitts if available.

  3. Procedure.

    1. APA (AKA) approach on course parallel to LCI(L), close aboard weather side.

    2. APA (AKA) pass heaving line or line from line throwing gun to LCI(L).

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    1. APA (AKA) pass messenger lines, 21 thread and then 3", to LCI(L).

    2. LCI(L) haul in 3" messenger line and a few fathoms of 8" towing line with 2" shackle in eye.

    3. LCI(L) shackle forward end of anchor cable to thimble of 8" towing line with shackle at least 2" size.

    4. LCI(L) pay out 8" hawser as towing ship moves ahead to take strain.

    5. LCI(L) take strain on anchor windlass then transfer it to spring or chain stoppers if practicable.

Section 3. LST Towing an LCT(5) or LCI(L)

  1. Preparation LST.

    1. Stop off stern anchor with one inch wire straps to regular preventor pads.

    2. Bend 75 fathom 4" manila messenger to Roebling fitting on towing hawser. Lead messenger well forward on leeward side. Attach 75 fathoms of 1" manila messenger to end of 4" messenger.

    3. Shackle towing hawser to towing bridle.

    4. Send 2" shackle to LCI(L).

    5. Shackle one shot of 1" chain to Roebling fitting for LCI(L).

  2. Preparation LCT(5).

    1. Rig towing bridle.

    2. Lead forward end of towing bridle pendant inboard over top of ramp down into well deck.

    3. Provide chafing gear, tools, etc.

  3. Procedure.

    1. LST approach on course parallel to LCT(5), close aboard the weather side of LCT(5).

    2. LST pass heaving line and messengers to LCT(5).

    3. LCT(5) haul in hawser as LST pays out.

    4. LCT(5) shackle towing hawser to bridle pendant.

    5. LST take strain on towing hawser, paying out until best riding conditions are obtained.

    6. LST work up to towing speed.

  4. Preparation LCI(L).

    1. Lead anchor cable out through bullnose or closed chock in the bow and up to the forecastle deck.

    2. Send a 2" or larger shackle to eye of anchor cable.

    3. Test brake and anchor windlass.

    4. Rig spring or chain stoppers on bitts if practicable.

  5. Procedure LCI(L).

    1. LST approach on course parallel to LCI(L), close aboard the weather side of LCI(L).

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Sketch of Towing Gear: APA Towing LCT
Sketch of Towing Gear: APA Towing LCT

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    1. LST pass heaving line and messenger to LCI(L).

    2. LCI(L) shackle towing hawser to shot of 1" chain to towing pad.

    3. LST take strain on towing hawser, paying out until best riding conditions are obtained.

    4. LST work up to towing speed.

Section 4. Towing Landing Boats

  1. General -- The following doctrine in regard to the towing of landing boats has been developed from operations in the South Pacific, and particularly those of the Russell Islands. The article covering the case of an APA (AKA) towing an LCT should be referred to in following this procedure. The experiments set out below were carried on by DDs and DMSs but is also prescribed for Transport Groups, with modifications as is found necessary.

  2. APD, DD and DMS Each Towing 1 LCM, 1 LCV, 2 LCP(R).

    1. In this test, the towing ship towed 1 LCM and 1 LCP(R) in tandem from one quarter and 1 LCV and 1 LCP(R) in tandem from the other quarter. The boats were loaded as follows:

      LCM     12 tons
      LCV     4 tons
      each LCP(R)     2 tons

      Towing pads were installed aft on the LCV for towing the LCP(R) in tandem. Tow lines to the LCM and LCV of 50, 60, 70, and 100 fathoms were tested using eight inch manila when the DD towed and depressor tow wires when the DMS towed. Sixty fathoms of eight inch was found to be the proper length, or 100 fathoms of depressor tow wire. Five inch manila of various lengths was used for towing the LCP(R)s; 30 fathoms was found to be satisfactory. In each case the regular hoisting slings for the boat were used as the forward bridles.

    2. The boats' engines were stopped during all tests. The governing factor in the speed of the tow is the force and direction of the wind and sea. A small choppy sea forward of the beam restricts the speed of the tow to a far greater degree than long swells. The maximum speed that could be made safely into the wind is 13 knots by RPM., with the wind and sea abaft the beam speeds up to 16 knots by RPM., were feasible. Above 10 knots the speed through the water averaged 1.5 knots less than the speed by RPM.

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Sketch of Towing Gear, DD Towing LCT
Sketch of Towing Gear, DD Towing LCT

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Sketch of Towing Gear, DD or DMS Towing 1 LCM; 1 LCV and 2 LCP(R)
Sketch of Towing Gear, DD or DMS Towing 1 LCM; 1 LCV and 2 LCP(R)

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    1. With both legs of the LCM and LCV bridles equal in length, there was a definite tendency for the boats of the two tows to yaw and swing together. This could not be controlled satisfactorily with the rudders. Lengthening the outboard leg of these bridles overcame the tendency, and cause the boats to tow 20 to 30 feet apart. The boats behaved well on turns and did not restrict the use of the towing ship's rudder.

    2. As was to be expected, the boats were subjected to considerable uncomfortable motion, not sufficient to seriously reduce the physical efficiency of experienced boat's crews, but too severe for troops in a combat operation.

    3. During the initial movement to the RUSSELL ISLANDS, which was made at a speed of 10 knots over the ground, two of the eight inch towing hawsers parted outside the towing ship. On examination of these hawsers, which were drawn from the store as new, it was found that both lengths were rotten in the core.

  1. APD, DD or DMS Towing 1 LCM, 1 LCV, 2 LCP(R).

    1. Procedure for Making up and releasing the Tow.

      1. Destroyer have the eight-inch towing hawsers laid out on the fantail with messengers bent on the outboard end ready to pass to the LCM and LCV.

      2. DMS have depressor tow wires ready to pass to LCM and LCV.

      3. Each LCM and LCV have forward and after bridles rigged, have 5" tow line laid out aft with the inboard end shackled to after towing bridle, and a messenger bent on the outboard end of the 5" line ready to pass to the LCP. LCPs have towing bridles rigged.

      4. LCPs take outboard end of the 5" line from the assigned LCM or LCV and shackle the eye to the towing bridle using the slip pin shackle.

      5. When secured, LCMs and LCVs proceed slowly until all the 5" line is out, then go to assigned quarter to towing DD or DMS.

      6. DDs pass 8" manila to LCM and LCV. Latter shackle the wire pendant which is secured to the 8" manila to the towing bridle using the slip point shackle. During this period, LCPs back down as necessary to keep a slight strain on the 5" line. When secured, DDs proceed slowly to the prescribed towing speed.

      7. Follow the same procedure in taking the towing wire from the DMS.

      8. For releasing the tow, towing ship stop engines. LCPs haul in bridle with messenger and cast off the 5" tow line.

      9. LCMs and LCVs haul in forward bridle and cast off the 8" tow line. DDs and DMSs take in 8" tow line, and depressor tow wire. LCMs and LCVs take in 5" line. All craft take in towing bridles.

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  1. APD or DD Towing 1 LCM, 1 LCV(P).

    1. Procedure for Making up and Releasing the Tow.

      1. DD have stern rigged for towing and inboard end of 3/4" tow wire shackled to towing chain. Have tow wire laid out on deck and messenger bent on outboard end ready to pass to LCM.

      2. LCM and LCV(P) have towing bridles rigged. LCM have 5" tow line laid out aft with the inboard shackled to the after towing bridle and a messenger bent on the outboard end of the 5" line ready to pass to the LCV(P).

      3. LCV(P) take outboard end of 5" line from LCM and shackle the eye to the towing bridle using the slip pin shackle.

      4. LCM then proceed slowly until all 5" line is out, then go to stern of DD.

      5. LCM take outboard end of 3/4" tow wire from DD and shackle eye to towing bridle using slip pin shackle. During this period, LCV(P) back down as necessary to keep a slight strain on the 5" line. When secured, DD proceed slowly until all 3/4" wire is out, then increase speed slowly to prescribed towing speed.

      6. For releasing the tow, DD stop engines. LCV(P) haul in bridle with messenger and cast off 5" tow line.

      7. LCM haul in forward bridle using jigger and cast off 3/4" wire. DD take in tow wire. LCM take in 5" manila. LCM and LCV(P) take in towing bridles.

  2. APD or DD Towing 1 LCM and 1 LCV(P).

    1. In this test the DD towed the two landing craft in tandem. The boats were loaded as follows:

      LCM   12 tons
      LCV(P)   3 tons

      The regular boats' crews were embarked in the boats.

    2. It was desired to determine the feasibility of towing the landing craft at higher speeds, using a short scope of wire instead of 8" manila and to determine the proper length of the tow lines in order to take advantage of the propeller waves. 3/4" 6x37 wire was used from the DD to the LCM and 5" manila from the LCM to the LCV(P). At 18 knots with 238 feet of 3/4" wire and 170 feet of 5" manila, the bow of the LCM rode on the crest of the second propeller wave. In these positions both boats rode easily and without undue strain. Under excellent weather conditions, (sea smooth, force 2 wind) the boats were towed in tandem at speeds up to 18.7 knots through the water. The tow reduced the speed indicated by RPM, approximately 1 knot.

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Sketch of Towing Gear: DD Towing LCM; LCV(P)
Sketch of Towing Gear: DD Towing LCM; LCV(P)

»XIV-11«

Sketch of DD Stern Rigged for Towing
DD Stern Rigged for Towing

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    1. As noted in the previous tests, the direction and force of the wind and sea governed the speed. It was found that the boats towed better and the strain remained constant when the boat engines were stopped.

    2. The tow tracked well on turns and did not restrict the use of the towing ship's rudder.

    3. The crew of the LCM had no difficulty in the handling of the 5" manila to the LCV(P). Some difficulty was experienced by the LCM in releasing the tow wire to the destroyer. It was necessary to use a jigger instead of a retrieving line to get the shackle outside the bridle on board the LCM. A spring loaded pelican hook was substituted for the slip pin shackle and with this rig the LCM was able to release the tow wire at a speed of 15 knots. Spring lay wire rope was not available in this area for the tests, but it is believed that this rope can be used in place of the five-inch manila with equally good results.

Section 5. APA (AKA) Fueling Other Vessels at Sea

  1. Preparation APA (AKA) (See Pacific Fleet tactical bulletin 1TB-43 and USF10A.)

    1. Rig 70 fathoms of 8" manila hawser through chock farthest forward and bring back abreast of #3 hatch and stop off along the rail (90 foot length). Attach 25 fathoms of 4" manila messenger to which is attached 25 fathoms of 21/2" manila messenger.

    2. Rig five cane fenders (32" x 40") spaced at equal distances from abreast of #3 hatch to abreast of #5 hatch. Place three small ball fenders (cane) on deck as convenient.

    3. Rig 210 feet of 4" wire inserted fueling hose with two 1/4" hose saddles. Attach one quick releasing coupling to end of hose. Rig 25 fathoms of 4" manila secured 20 feet from the outboard end of fuel hose and stopped off along the hose at intervals of three feet to the bitter end of the hose, used as hose line. Bend 90 foot heaving line to 25 fathoms of 21/2" manila messenger, used to pass hose line to LST.

    4. Rig 20 fathoms of 4" manila line secured 10 feet from outboard end of fuel hose, rove through a 12" wooden snatch block at head of a boom and back down to a cleat on the opposite side of the ship; used to pay out end of hose as LST hauls in on the hose line.

    5. Rig 20 fathoms of 5" manila secured to the outboard hose saddle, rove through a 12" wooden snatch block near the head of the boom back down to the deck and fair lead to the drum of the winch. Rig 3/4" wire whip lead from the winch through the regular ship block on the boom down to the inboard saddle.

»XIV-13«

    1. Seize a small bag containing the nuts, bolts, gaskets, etc., to the 21/2" manila messenger and send over with the hose line.

    2. Rig distance line.

    3. Rig 25 fathoms of 21/2" manila line rove through a snatch block secured to the top of king post for sending over telephone.

    4. Have line throwing guns and heaving lines on forecastle and at fueling station.

    5. The fueling ship should be prepared to furnish all fibre line necessary in the fueling operation. It is not included on the LST Allowance list.

  1. Preparation LST.

    1. Supply tools, tackle and straps as may be required.

  2. Procedure.

    1. APA steady on course into or with wind or sea (whichever is controlling slightly on unengaged bow); steam at steady speed of 8 knots. Hoist "AFIRM", on side chosen for fueling, when ready.

    2. LST take station 200 to 300 yards astern of APA (AKA) and check course and speed. Hoist "AFIRM", at dip when satisfied with check.

    3. LST two-block "AFIRM" when starting the approach, increase speed and sheer out to come up parallel to APA with about 80 feet between sides of ships. Reduce speed so that LST will be slightly forward of final position rather than astern when speed is finally reduced to that of APA (AKA). Avoid getting caught in screw suction during approach.

    4. LST adjust speed to maintain position with wing of bridge abreast after gun platform of APA. This will place her bow even with foremast of APA.

    5. When LST is in position, APA (AKA) pass 8 inch hawser. LST takes hawser through chocks about 90 feet from bow. When secured hawser is tended on APA (AKA) to assist LST to maintain distance. LST should maintain position with small course and speed changes. If LST reduces speed she will tow into the side of APA. If towing is contemplated use a ten-inch hawser.

    6. APA passes 4 inch hose tending bight of hose with whips from boom near fueling station.

    7. APA passes telephone and distance line.

      Notes: The success of the operation will depend on

»XIV-14«

      the ship handling of the LST. Towing is not advisable as ship comes into APA. Large speed and rudder changes should not be necessary.

      Different types APA and AKA require different positioning of LST.

  1. AKA (APA) Fueling LCT(5) - LCI(L) at Sea.

    Preparation AKA or APA.

    1. Connect 200 feet of 11/2" fueling hose to fueling connection.

    2. Rig single whip or boom near fueling station for handling fuel hose line. Hook to bight or 4" line without saddle.

    3. Rig 250 feet of 4" manila, stopped off along the fueling hose at intervals of about six feet, with 50 feet extending past the end of the hose for use in hauling the fuel hose over to the LCT(5).

    4. Provide line throwing gun, cartridges, arbors and reels of gun line.

    5. Provide 20 fathoms 2" manila line, to which has been bent 1 heaving line 90 feet long, used to send over hose line to LCT(5).

    6. Rig 8" manila hawser 70 fathoms long to be used as tow line, passed through chock about 150 feet from bow and stopped on lifeline, with 30 fathoms of 3" manila line as messenger, and one heaving line 90 feet long attached. Provide at same station line throwing gun and gun line to pass messengers and tow line to LCT(5).

    7. Provide 100 feet of 21 thread manila marked with strips of red, yellow, blue and white bunting to be passed to LCT(5) by heaving line and used as distance line.

    8. Provide sound powered telephone with 250 feet of wire, 40 fathoms of 21/2" manila line, heaving line and small cotton cloth bag used to send phone over to LCT(5).

    9. If tactical situation permits, use port side for fueling operations.

  2. Preparation LCT(5).

    1. Rig one strap, with shackle large enough to take 8" hawser, to securing rods in the centerline of the deck about 50 feet from bow.

    2. Rig one strap with snatch block to securing rods in the centerline of the deck about 50 feet from the bow.

  3. Procedure for LCT(5).

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    1. AKA (APA) steady on course into or with wind or sea (whichever is controlling factor) slightly on unengaged bow. Steam at steady speed of six knots. Hoist "AFIRM" on fueling side when ready to commence operations.

    2. LCT(5) take station astern of AKA, 200 to 300 yards and check course and speed. If signal mast is rigged, hoist "AFIRM" at dip.

    3. When course and speed have been checked, LCT(5) two-block "AFIRM" (or signal "Starting Approach"), increase speed and sheer out to come up parallel to AKA with about 50 feet between sides of ships. Use speed of 8 to 10 knots initially. Sheer out far enough to avoid being caught in screw suction of AKA (APA). LCT(5) reduce speed gradually as ships overlap to reach speed of AKA (APA) as fueling connections come abreast. Avoid underrunning position as this usually entails a greater delay than over shooting the mark.

    4. When LCT(5) is in position AKA send out 8" hawser. This is secured to shackle on strap in LCT(5) (see 1429(a)). This hawser is primarily a preventer. LCT(5) should not tow, but maintain position by using engines and rudder.

    5. When hawser is secured, AKA send over 4" line with hose attached. LCT(5) pass the line through snatch block (see 1429(b)) to winch aft. LCT(5) unstop hose as necessary and lead to fueling connection.

    6. AKA (APA) tends bight of fuel hose with single whip on the boom.

    7. AKA (APA) send over distance line and telephone.

  1. Preparation LCI(L).

    1. Supply tools, tackle, and straps as may be required.

    2. Rig snatch block near fueling connection.

  2. Procedure for LCI(L).

    1. AKA steady on course into or with wind or sea (whichever is controlling factor) slightly on unengaged bow. Steam at steady speed of six knots. Hoist "AFIRM" on fueling side when ready to commence operations.

    2. LCI(L) take station astern of AKA (APA), 200 to 300 yards and check course and speed. If signal mast is rigged, hoist "AFIRM" at dip.

    3. When course and speed have been checked, LCI(L) two-block "AFIRM" (or signal "Starting approach"), increase speed, and

»XIV-16«

      sheer out to come up parallel to AKA (APA) with about 50 feet between sides of ships. Use speed of 8 to 10 knots initially. Sheer out far enough to avoid being caught in screw suction of AKA (APA).

    1. LCI(L) reduce speed gradually as ships overlap to reach speed of APA (AKA) as fueling connections come abreast. Avoid underrunning position as this usually entails a greater delay than overshooting the mark.

    2. When LCI(L) is in position AKA (APA) send out 8" hawser. This is led through chocks and to bitts just forward of amidships. This hawser is primarily a preventer. The LCI(L) should not tow, but maintain position by using engines and rudder.

    3. When hawser is received, AKA send over 4" line with hose attached. LCI(L) pass the line through the snatch block near fuel connection and unstop the hose as necessary leading it to the fuel connection.

  1. LST Fueling LCT(5) - LCI(L) at Sea.

    1. Rig 250' (five 50' lengths) of fuel hose to fuel manifold. Attach 3" messenger line.

    2. Provide 50 fathoms 3" messenger line with 50 fathoms 21 thread manila and heaving line bent on for passing messenger.

    3. Lead six inch mooring line through port bow chock and stop along port rail. Bend 4" messenger line to after end.

    4. Provide 50 fathoms 4" messenger line with 50 fathoms 21 thread manila and heaving line bent on for passing messenger.

    5. Provide line throwing guns and equipment for passing lines if heaving line cannot be used.

    6. Rig all available fenders on port side.

  2. Preparation LCT(5).

    1. Rig one strap with shackle large enough to take 6" towing line, to securing rods in centerline of deck about 50 feet from the bow.

    2. Rig one strap with snatch block to securing rods in centerline of deck about 60 feet from the bow.

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  1. Procedure LCT(5).

    1. LST steady on base course at speed of 5 knots. Choose course to bring wind or sea (which is controlling factor) ahead or slightly on starboard bow. Hoist "AFIRM" when ready.

    2. LCT(5) take station astern of LST, 200 to 300 yards and check course and speed. If signal mast is rigged, hoist "AFIRM" at dip.

    3. When course and speed have been checked, LCT(5) two-block "AFIRM" (or signal "starting approach"), increase speed, and sheer out to come up parallel to LST with 30-50 feet between sides of ships.

    4. LCT(5) reduce speed to that of LST as fueling stations come abreast.

    5. When LCT(5) is in position, LST send over heaving line and messenger for tow line. LCT(5) haul in end of 6" line and secure to shackle on strap in LCT(5) (see 1402(a)). This hawser is primarily a preventer. LCT(5) should not tow, but should maintain position by use of engines and rudder.

    6. When hawser is secured, LST send over 3" messenger with hose attached. LCT(5) pass messenger through snatch block (see 1402(b)) to winch aft, unstop hose as necessary and lead to fueling connection.

  2. Preparation LCI(L).

    1. Supply tools, tackle, and straps as may be required.

    2. Rig snatch block near fueling connection.

  3. Procedure LCI(L).

    1. LST steady on base course at speed of 5 knots. Choose course to bring wind or sea (which is controlling factor) ahead or slightly on starboard bow. Hoist "AFIRM" when ready.

    2. LCI(L) take station astern of LST, 200 to 300 yards and check course and speed. If signal mast is rigged, hoist "AFIRM" at dip.

    3. When course and speed have been checked, LCI(L) tow-block "AFIRM" (or signal "starting approach"), increase speed, and sheer out to come up parallel to LST with 30-50 feet between sides of ships.

    4. LCI(L) reduce speed to that of LST as fueling stations come abreast.

»XIV-18«

    1. When LCI(L) is in position, LST send over heaving line and messenger for tow line. LCI(L) haul in end of 8" line and lead it through chocks between amidships and bow and secure it to the bitts just aft of the chocks. The hawser is primarily a preventer. The LCI(L) should not tow, but should maintain position by use of engines and rudder.

    2. When hawser is secured, LST send over 3" messenger with hose attached. LCI(L) lead messenger through snatch block near fueling connection, unstop hose as necessary and lead to fueling connection.

Section 6. Fueling Landing Boats at Sea

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  1. The subject of APA (AKA) or LST fueling landing boats is included in the Organization and Regulations Book of each vessel, based upon the type APA-AKA organization and Regulations, Appendix One to this publication.

»XIV-19«

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