A man standing near a torpedo when it starts this hot run will have a period of three or four seconds in which he may stop it.  This requires tool #13-14 or #227 in the hand, a quick wit, and an exact knowledge of what to do:

 

• Rotate starting index spindle one turn counterclockwise.  This will stop the torpedo immediately.
• Close the main stop valve.
• Put on propeller lock.
• See that torpedo is lashed or otherwise secured to the rack.  If the tool is not readily available and a man standing by, the torpedo should be let alone.  She that all hands stand clear well forward or aft, but do not mump over the side.  The warhead will not go off.  There is no connection between the after mechanism and the warhead.  A torpedo must travel through the water before the warhead is armed.

 

It is never safe to attempt the stopping of a hot deck run.  These accidents may be avoided by frequent dropping of dummy torpedoes fro the racks, exercising of the racks with exercising cables which are being provided by the Bureau of Ordnance, and vigilant inspection and lubrication of all moving parts of the rack.  It is desirable that the rack be exercised and inspected by competent personnel weekly.

 

Remember that the thumb screws securing the holding cables should be hand tight and not wrench tight.  If wrench tight, the hand lever may jam.

 

Small Arms:  Will be in your gunnery locker.  Careless handling of these guns has caused many tragedies.  Perhaps the major cause of accidents can be traced to failure to take out the clip.  Here are the first five rules when you are handing over a gun or tearing it down:  Take out the clip!  Take out the clip!! Take out the clip!!! Take out the clip!!!! Take out the clip!!!!!